As winter approaches and the temperatures start to drop, we all know how challenging driving can become in and around Newcastle. From dark mornings and slippery roads, to slippery surfaces, icy windscreens and reduced visibility, the colder months demand extra care and preparation. At Premier Vehicle Care, we want to help you stay safe and confident behind the wheel this season. That starts with looking after your tyres, carrying out regular tyre safety checks, and making sure all vehicles are fully winter-ready.
In this guide, we’ll share expert advice on preparing your car for winter motoring, from fitting winter tyres to maintaining your vehicle and adjusting your driving habits for the season ahead.
Why Winter Preparation Matters
Winter driving can be unpredictable. Even experienced drivers can find themselves caught out by sudden frost, heavy rain, or patches of black ice. In Newcastle, we’re no strangers to cold mornings, slippery side streets, and challenging road conditions, and taking time to prepare your car can make all the difference.
Proper preparation helps reduce the risk of breakdowns, improves your grip on the road, and ensures you can stop safely when conditions change. More importantly, it gives you peace of mind that your vehicle is equipped to handle whatever the North East weather throws at it.
Checking Your Tyres: The Foundation of Winter Safety
Your tyres are the only part of your car that makes contact with the road, which means their condition has a direct impact on your safety, especially in cold and wet weather. It is crucial to check all four tyres to ensure your vehicle remains safe and compliant with UK law. That’s why regular tyre safety checks are essential as winter sets in.
At Premier Vehicle Care, we recommend checking the following before temperatures drop to ensure your tyres are safe across the complete surface of each tyre:
1. Tread Depth
Your tyres need adequate tread to grip the road properly. The legal minimum tread depth in the UK is 1.6mm, and this must be measured across the central three-quarters of the tyre. We suggest replacing tyres once they fall below 3mm, particularly before winter, as winter conditions can significantly affect the lifespan of your tyres. Deeper tread channels help disperse water, reduce the risk of aquaplaning, and provide better traction on icy or snowy surfaces.
2. Tyre Pressure
Cold air can cause tyre pressure to drop, which affects handling and fuel efficiency. Always check your tyre pressures when your tyres are cold, and inflate them to the manufacturer’s recommended level (you’ll find this in your owner’s manual or inside your car door frame). Underinflated tyres wear out faster and reduce your control on slippery roads.
3. Tyre Condition
Inspect each tyre carefully and the wheels they are fitted to for cuts, bulges, cracks, or embedded debris. Any visible damage could compromise your tyre’s structure and increase the risk of a blowout, something you definitely want to avoid in winter weather. If you’re unsure, we’re always happy to inspect your tyres in our Newcastle workshop and advise on whether they’re safe to use. Always ensure you are using the correct tyre size for your vehicle to maintain optimal safety and performance.
Why Choose Winter Tyres in Newcastle
When the temperature drops below 7°C, standard tyres can harden and lose flexibility, resulting in reduced grip on cold, wet, or icy roads. Winter tyres are specifically designed to perform better in these conditions, offering improved safety and control. This is because winter tyres use a special rubber compound that remains soft and flexible in cold weather, ensuring optimal performance even as temperatures fall.
Here’s why we often recommend winter tyres to our customers across Newcastle:
- Better grip in cold conditions: Winter tyres stay softer at low temperatures, helping them grip the road better when it’s cold or icy.
- Shorter stopping distances: They can reduce your braking distance by several metres compared to summer tyres on icy roads.
- Improved handling: With deeper tread patterns, wider grooves, and more sipes (small slits in the rubber), winter tyres channel away water and slush more efficiently, providing better handling in challenging conditions.
- Peace of mind: Whether you’re commuting to work or taking the kids to school, you’ll feel more secure knowing your tyres are ready for winter conditions.
Winter tyres maintain excellent grip on the road surface, even in icy, snowy, or wet conditions, helping to keep you safe throughout the winter months.
At Premier Vehicle Care, we stock and fit a wide range of winter tyres in Newcastle, suitable for all makes and models. Our winter tyres deliver superior performance in challenging conditions, thanks to advanced rubber compounds and tread designs.
Choosing the right tyre type is essential for both safety and performance, and our expert technicians are available to advise and fit the best option for your vehicle. We offer a wide selection of tyre brands, including premium and budget tyres, so you can find the right fit for your needs and budget. Premier Vehicle Care provides a comprehensive range of tyres for cars and other vehicles, ensuring you have access to new tyres for winter driving.
By using legal and safe tyres, you can save money and avoid having to pay fines or face insurance issues. Checking your tyres before long journeys is also crucial for your safety and peace of mind.
We can also store your summer tyres until the warmer months return, making seasonal tyre changes quick and easy.
Essential Winter Car Checks Beyond Your Tyres
While tyres are crucial, they’re only one part of winter vehicle care. A well-prepared car is safer, more reliable, and less likely to leave you stranded on a freezing morning. Here are a few other checks we recommend carrying out, or booking in with our team, before the cold really sets in:
1. Battery Health
Cold weather can drain your battery’s power, especially if it’s more than three years old. We can check your battery’s condition and charging rate to ensure it’s strong enough to cope with winter demands such as heating, lights, and demisters.
2. Antifreeze and Coolant
Make sure your car’s antifreeze is topped up and mixed at the correct ratio. This prevents your engine’s cooling system from freezing, helping you avoid expensive damage. During a winter service, we’ll test your antifreeze and top it up if needed.
3. Windscreen and Wipers
Visibility is often reduced in winter due to rain, fog, and darkness. Replace any worn wiper blades, top up your screenwash with a winter formula, and check for cracks or chips in your windscreen that could worsen in freezing temperatures.
4. Lights
With shorter days and longer nights, fully functioning lights are essential. Check all bulbs, including brake lights and indicators, and clean your lenses regularly. We can replace faulty bulbs and align your headlights so you get the best illumination possible.
5. Brakes
Stopping distances increase on wet and icy roads, so your brakes need to be in excellent condition. During a tyre safety check or winter inspection, we’ll examine your brake pads, discs, and fluid levels for maximum performance.
Tips for Driving in Winter Conditions
Even with the best tyres and preparation, winter driving still requires extra caution. The conditions can change quickly, so it’s important to adapt your driving style to match. Reducing your speed in winter conditions is essential to maintain control and ensure safety. Here are some of our top tips:
1. Leave Extra Space
Braking distances can be up to ten times longer on icy roads. Always increase the gap between your car and the vehicle in front, giving yourself plenty of time to stop safely.
2. Slow and Steady
Avoid harsh acceleration or sudden braking, as this can cause your tyres to lose grip. Instead, use gentle movements when steering, accelerating, or braking.
3. Use Higher Gears on Slippery Roads
If you’re driving on snow or ice, pulling away in second gear can help prevent wheel spin. Drive smoothly and avoid over-revving.
4. Keep Your Lights On
In poor visibility or dark conditions, make sure your lights are switched on so other drivers can see you clearly.
5. Plan Ahead
Check weather forecasts and traffic updates before setting off. Allow extra time for your journey, and always carry essentials like a scraper, de-icer, and an emergency blanket in case you’re delayed.
Other Services to Keep You Safe This Winter
At Premier Vehicle Care, our Newcastle centre is not just specialists in tyres in Newcastle; we offer a full range of vehicle maintenance and repair services to help keep you safe and road-ready throughout the year.
Servicing
A regular car service ensures every key component is working properly, from your engine oil and filters to your lights and suspension. A winter service is particularly valuable, helping you catch potential problems before they cause a breakdown. We provide both interim and full servicing options to suit your needs.
MOT Testing
If your MOT is due during the colder months, don’t leave it to the last minute. Our MOT testing in Newcastle checks everything from brakes and emissions to tyres and lights, ensuring your vehicle meets all legal safety standards. We can also carry out any necessary repairs quickly to get you back on the road.
Why Choose Premier Vehicle Care in Newcastle
We know you have a choice when it comes to vehicle maintenance, but at Premier Vehicle Care, we pride ourselves on offering something a little different, a personal, friendly service you can trust. Here’s why our customers come back year after year:
- Experienced technicians: Our qualified team has decades of combined experience across all makes and models.
- Quality you can rely on: We use only top-quality tyres, parts, and fluids for every job.
- Local and trusted: Based in Newcastle, we’ve built a strong reputation for honest advice and exceptional service.
- Convenient and transparent: From clear pricing to flexible appointment times, we make it easy to keep your vehicle in top condition.
Whether you need winter tyres, a tyre safety check, or a full service, you can count on us to get your car ready for the season ahead.
Stay Safe This Winter with Expert Tyre Care in Newcastle
Preparing for winter motoring isn’t just about convenience; it’s about keeping you, your passengers, and other road users safe. With the right tyres, regular checks, and a few simple precautions, you can enjoy smooth, stress-free driving throughout the colder months.
At Premier Vehicle Care, we’re proud to help Newcastle drivers stay safe on the roads year-round. Whether it’s tyre checks, winter tyres, servicing, or MOTs, you can rely on us for expert care and trusted advice.
Stay safe, stay prepared, and remember, a little maintenance now can save you a lot of trouble later.
Book Your Winter Tyre Check Today
Don’t wait until the first frost to think about your tyres or winter car care. Book your tyre safety check or winter tyre fitting at Premier Vehicle Care today, and we’ll make sure your vehicle is fully prepared for whatever winter brings.
Book your appointment here or give us a call to speak with one of our friendly team members. We’re here to help you drive safely and confidently all winter long.
