Winter tyres are commonplace in many European countries, but only came to the fore in Ireland after last years snow and ice. They offer some big benefits in cold climates and are something that Irish drivers are being urged to consider.

Carmaker Skoda says that in 2011, winter tyres would have been more effective than summer tyres for 147 days. The theory is that when the temperature gets below 7°C the softer, winter rubber compounds offer more grip and better braking and this applies regardless of whether the road is wet, icy or snow covered. Tests have shown that a car on winter tyres will stop five metres sooner on a wet road from 100kmh than one on conventional tyres from 48kmh, with the difference even greater on snow.