Checking your winter grip

When you drive your vehicle in an alpine area in winter you need to determine how it performs in these low ambient temperatures and in snow or icy conditions.

Here is a safe way to determine how much tyre grip is available for any vehicle when driving in challenging winter conditions.

  • When it is safe to do so, at a safe speed, and, making sure that no one is close behind you, apply the brakes firmly until the wheels lock up and the ABS is activated.
  • Keep the brake pedal pressed down until the vehicle stops completely.
  • This will give you a clear indication of the grip available at that particular point in time.
  • You can repeat this test to continually monitor grip in different conditions.

Benefits of checking your winter grip

Remember that the grip of your tyres varies depending on the conditions you’re driving in. And no matter how many safety features your vehicle has, it’s the tyres that determine how it drives and handles on snow and ice.

This simple test procedure will indicate the grip level of your tyres and highlight the need for correct winter tyres for safer winter driving.

Concerned about your grip? What next?

If you experience less grip after completing this test, we encourage you to contact us. Our experienced team can talk you through the benefits of snow tyres, and which tyres would be best suited to your vehicle.