Continental showcases winter tyre demonstrations

Continental is encouraging drivers to experience free winter tyre demonstrations for the fifth year running.

The German tyre manufacturer will offer the demonstrations at Mercedes-Benz World as Partner in Excellence during October half term.

Continental winter tyres have not been short of success, with the Continental WinterContact TS 860 picking up its third Auto Express winter tyre test win in a row – coupled with wins in the Auto Express 2016 and 2017 tyre awards. Proving itself as a benchmark winter tyre, the TS 860 continues to trail blaze with reduced braking distances and assured handling for the winter season.

On average, UK drivers are six times more likely to have an accident during the winter months, with the numbers rising further when snow and ice add an extra hazard. Continental will provide a free driving experience in two cars through a slalom on a simulated icy track. One fitted with Continental summer tyres and the other with Continental winter tyres, providing first-hand experience of the notable difference between summer and winter tyre compounds.

Over 1,000 motorists have already experienced the winter tests and the responses were unanimous, demonstrating a clear difference between summer and winter tyres. Prior to experiencing the tests, 82% of those that took part had never experienced winter tyres. Following the free demonstrations, 98% said that the Continental winter tyres exceeded their expectations and proved a valuable exercise. Nine out of ten motorists went on to say that they were now very keen to switch to winter tyres for the colder part of the year.

In temperatures below 7 degrees, a vehicle fitted with winter tyres will come to standstill on a snow-covered road (from a speed of just 30 mph) after 35 metres – with normal tyres the braking distance required is a further 8 metres (43 metres). That is another two car lengths.

Mark Griffiths, safety expert at Continental Tyres, said: “Year on year our free winter tyre tests work towards educating motorists on why winter tyres make such a difference. With demonstrations such as these, we aim to educate consumers about the vast increase in safety by simply changing your tyres can make. Fitting a car with seasonal tyres, along with the care and maintenance, is one of the easiest methods of improving vehicle safety on the roads.

“These free driving experiences further support our ‘Vision Zero’, a global initiative that aims to reduce road accidents worldwide through improved driver education and enhanced automotive safety systems.”

The demonstrations will take place across the half term period and last 20 minutes per session. There is no need for people to book – just turn up that day – between 20th-28th October 2018 within the hours of 11:00-13:00, subject to availability. 

Summer vs Winter tyres test at Mercedes-Benz World

Start

Driving in winter hints and tips

Before you set off:

• Check tyres for wear often and replace if necessary. The legal limit for tread depth on tyres is 1.6 mm, but safety experts at Continental Tyres recommend a minimum of 3 mm for wet weather safety. Ensuring tyres are correctly inflated will also improve your cars handling as well as saving you money
• Plan ahead and allow enough time to get to your destination
• Ensure you have the correct tyre pressure and tread depth
• Book your car in for a winter service and keep up maintenance
• Use antifreeze in the radiator of your car and in your windscreen wash
• Keep windscreens and mirrors clean to avoid glare of a low winter sun
• Keep your battery fully charged and replace if it becomes unreliable
• Keep lights clean and check bulbs regularly
• Carry a ContiComfortKit which will keep you moving if you have a puncture
• Put together an emergency kit, such as food, drink, torch and extra clothing, for journeys in severe winter weather, and keep it in the back of your car

On the road:

• Visibility is vital. Keep your windscreen and windows clear
• Reduce your speed on slippery surfaces and avoid harsh braking or acceleration
• At low speeds use second rather than first gear to avoid spinning the wheels
• To slow the car change down and use engine braking but if you need to use the brakes apply them gently
• Increase the distance between you and the vehicle in front – in rain, ice and snow leave enough space to stop safely
• Allow up to ten times the normal braking distance, especially on motorways
• Use a higher gear to avoid spinning the wheels when starting off or climbing hills
• In a diesel car you can often climb slippery slopes or hills by putting the car into 2nd gear, engaging the clutch slowly and let the engine run at idling speed-the car will climb slowly without the use of the accelerator