Winter is almost upon us, and we consulted with our in-house tyre experts to compile valuable tyre and tyre care advice for our customers. This blog post is the culmination of those discussions. So, let's get started.

Types of tyres to drive with

Let's begin by discussing the differences between summer, winter, and all-season tyres. Each type is designed to tackle particular weather conditions and the resulting road conditions.

Summer tyres:

Summer tyres are typically designed for hot weather or high-performance use cases, such as sporting events. In these scenarios, tyre temperature is more likely to rise, requiring rubber compounds that can withstand exceptionally hot tarmac during high-performance driving.

Winter tyres:

Conversely, cold weather has the opposite effect on a tyre's chemistry. Plastic and rubber components harden when cooled. In the case of tyre rubber compounds, this change can lead to loss of grip on wet and slippery surfaces, and especially in snowy weather. To counter this, winter tyres are made from special compounds resistant to changes in cold weather conditions. The Apollo Alnac 4G winter tyres are a great example of winter tyres available in India. Since the Alnac 4G is also offered in a regular all-season variant, often seen on many premium hatchbacks and sedans, let's also look at the composition of all-season tyres.

All-season tyres:

All-season tyres represent a balance between the two extremes of summer and winter tyres. Since most of the Indian subcontinent experiences all four seasons throughout the year, these are the tyres we see on most vehicles. Examples of all-season tyres in India include the Apollo Amazer and Alnac series, and the Ultrac series of premium car tyres from our European brand, Vredestein.

Advantages of Buying Winter Tyres

Many people think winter tyres are only useful for those living in snowy areas. However, that's not true. Winter tyres improve driving safety in weather conditions where the temperature drops below 4°C (40°F), which covers much of Central, Western, and Eastern North India. Additionally, switching tyres seasonally has benefits. You can increase the longevity of your tyre sets and enhance the safety of your drives.

Can't We Just Use All-Season Tyres?

For the average user, all-season tyres offer the best value. Since tyres are a significant investment, and maintaining two sets properly requires suitable storage, the expense of time, money, and effort can be challenging for the average car owner.

However, note that all-season tyres involve certain performance trade-offs. They are not as heat-resistant or safe as dedicated summer tyres, and they also tend to wear faster in cold weather. Therefore, for driving enthusiasts prioritizing long distances without compromising ride quality or vehicle safety, investing in two separate sets of tyres might be worthwhile.

How to Identify Winter Tyres?

Winter tyres are marked with a three-peak mountain snowflake symbol on the sidewall. If you are unsure about a tyre's credentials, you can always seek professional advice from an Apollo or Vredestein tyre shop near you.

We recommend winter tyres if you live in areas with persistent extreme cold and snowy weather during winter. Also, if planning an extended trip to regions with snow, having winter tyres installed will improve your car's handling and safety. This is especially helpful if you lack experience driving in snow or on icy roads.

Tyre and Driving Safety Tips for Winter

In this section, we discuss some universal driving safety, car care, and tyre care tips for winter:

• Always drive within speed limits in snowy, foggy, and extremely cold weather.

• A thin layer of ice or water can form on roads during winter. Double your anticipated stopping distance when braking, as the vehicle may not stop as expected or may skid before halting.

• Maintain a safe following distance at all times, especially on highways and hilly roads.

• Don't believe the misconception that four-wheel drive vehicles offer superior stopping and control in snowy weather. The advantage is minimal; always moderate your speed.

• Check your car's fluids and battery when planning to drive in cold weather. Ensure your tyres have adequate tread depth.

• Check tyre pressure every time you drive in cold weather. Pressure tends to drop by one pound per square inch (PSI) with every 10-degree drop in outside temperature. Properly inflated tyres are crucial for avoiding handling and braking issues.

• Carry necessary tools, a self-repair kit, and medical supplies when venturing onto less-traveled roads.

At Apollo Tyres, we prioritize your safety and driving pleasure. Follow these measures for a safe driving experience during the upcoming winter season. For more helpful guides and interesting automotive information, continue following our blog.