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Are Winter Tyres Worth It?

If you’re winter-proofing your vehicle to better handle colder temperatures and subsequent driving risks, you’re undoubtedly weighing up the benefits of winter tyres. Let’s take a look at whether or not they’re worth it for you.

What are winter tyres?

If you live in an area where roads become wet, icy and covered in leaf mulch during winter, having tyres designed for these conditions provides greater safety. In European countries like Germany, it’s a legal requirement to change your summer tyres over to winter ones from approximately October to Easter.

Winter tyres are designed to offer the greatest possible traction and grip in colder conditions. They do so by way of deeper grooves and narrow cuts built into their tread.

You can easily distinguish a winter tyre as it will have a ‘3 PMSF’ (a 3-Peak Mountain Snow Flake symbol) on their sidewall. Tyres with ‘M+S’ are also classified as tyres suitable for ‘mud and snow’, but are not subject to the same rigorous testing as the 3PMSF winter tyres.

Are winter tyres worth it?

Remember that if you’re driving your car through Europe in the winter months, you may be legally required to have winter tyres, so always check in advance before planning any road trip. The UK does not have legal requirements for winter tyre use.

When temperatures consistently drop below 7 degrees Celsius, summer tyres are less effective. They have less traction, and your vehicle’s overall stopping distance is therefore longer.

Winter tyres are designed to prevent the build-up of snow and ice on the tyre thanks to their narrow, deep grooves, which also help to reduce the vehicle’s stopping distance. As such, they provide greater grip in colder conditions – whether the weather is wet or dry.

For greater driving safety, security and confidence, if you live in an isolated and remote area, or if the UK is expecting a bout of cold weather, it’s wise to change your tyres over to winter ones. You’ll have greater control and stability, your tyres will respond quicker to braking, and you’re less likely to experience aquaplaning. Overall, then, you’re less likely to have an accident if you’re using winter tyres in cold conditions.

Are there drawbacks to winter tyres?

Winter tyres can be expensive, but it depends on your wheel size, car make and model, and tyre brand. Changing them over can also feel like a faff – particularly if you’re also swapping over to ‘winter wheels’. Plus, you’ll need to pay to store your winter tyres whilst they’re not in use if you don’t have a garage or secure shed.

However, using winter tyres can protect more expensive summer tyres, which may benefit you financially in the long term. Purchasing in the spring when demand drops can be a clever way of grabbing winter tyres at bargain prices, too.

Find winter car finance

If you’re thinking of upgrading your car for the colder months and have questions about your car finance eligibility, contact our friendly team on enquiries@mycarcredit.co.uk.

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Loan amount

£

Repayment term

My credit rating

X monthly repayments of
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Typical rate

Loan amount

Total payable

X% APR*

£X

*for illustration purposes only

No impact on your credit score*

Representative Example

Borrowing £7,500 at a representative APR of 12.4%, annual interest rate (fixed) 12.36%, 47 monthly payments of £196.44 followed by 1 payment of £206.44 (incl. estimated £10 option to purchase fee), a deposit of £0.00, total cost of credit is £1,939.12, total amount payable is £9,439.12.

Evolution Funding Limited, trading as My Car Credit, is a credit broker and not a lender.

Please ensure you can afford the repayments for the duration of the loan before entering into a credit agreement.

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10 Cold Weather Car Problems – And How to Solve Them

Winter is on the way and to help you prepare, we’ve put together a roundup of the most common cold weather car problems. No matter how new your car is, many of these issues will often pop up. The good news is, we’ve also got solutions! Read on to find out more about the 10 most common cold weather car problems and how to fix them.

1. Frozen windscreen wipers

Icy conditions can leave many motorists struggling with frozen windscreen wipers. This is especially problematic in the mornings when the wipers can stick to the windshield and refuse to budge. Forcing them can tear the rubber wipers and damage the electric motor that operates them – not to mention scratch your glass windscreen.

Problem solved

Keep a can of de-icer on hand and give your windscreen a good spray before jumping into the driver’s seat. Another good solution for this cold weather car problem is to invest in winter wiper blades.

2. Spark plug failure

When temperatures dip, your spark plugs can take a hit. This means they can’t generate the combustion needed to start the engine, which will leave you high and dry. It’s one of the most common cold weather car problems, but luckily, it’s easy enough to fix.

Problem solved

Check your spark plugs before winter arrives and replace them if necessary. Don’t wait until you turn the key and your engine doesn’t start. Chances are, this will happen on the coldest and most inconvenient day of the year.

3. Chilly interiors

There’s nothing quite as uncomfortable as getting into a freezing car, only to find that your heating has packed in. This is one of those cold weather car problems that many people are all too familiar with.

Problem solved

A faulty thermostat is one of the most common culprits for this issue. Other possibilities include a clogged heater core or a drained antifreeze canister. Depending on how confident you are with cars, you can check these yourself or book your vehicle into the mechanic for a checkup.

4. Dead batteries

Batteries can be especially problematic in the winter, with most losing around 35% of power when temperatures drop to 0°C. In extremely cold conditions of -17°C or lower, batteries can lose up to 60% of their power. Pair this with the fact that kickstarting engines in cold conditions can drain up to 50% more energy, and dead batteries are one of the most common cold weather car problems.

Problem solved

Unless your battery is less than one year old, it’s best to get it tested before winter weather rolls in.

5. Frozen parts

Batteries and spark plugs aren’t the only things that can cause your engine to lie dormant. Issues like frozen petrol in the fuel line and viscous engine oil can prevent your car from turning over.

Problem solved

If you don’t have access to a warmer location to park your car overnight, such as a garage, an engine block heater can be a good solution for this cold weather car problem.

6. Deflating tyres

Cold weather can cause your tyre pressure to be all over the place. To be more specific, a drop of around 12°C can drain around 1 PSI. If your pressure falls too low, it can compromise things like handling and traction.

Problem solved

Checking your tyre pressure regularly is the best way to stay on top of PSI in the winter. Another option is fitting your car with winter tyres.

7. Wheelspin

Speaking of wheels… Slippery road surfaces can make driving far more challenging in the winter.

Problem solved

Check your tyre tread before December. Avoid driving in icy conditions if possible, and if you must get behind the wheel, stick to a low speed and a high gear to improve grip. Maintaining a 10-second gap between cars in front of you is also essential.

8. Corrosion and rust

Corrosion can leave many motorists feeling salty about winter weather… literally. While salting the roads helps to melt snow and ice, it can also take a serious toll on your car. As well as corroding external parts, salt can also infiltrate the engine and damage components. This is one of those cold weather car problems that affects motorists across the country.

Problem solved

Wash your car regularly throughout the winter. Even a quick hose down can wash away salt and help keep your car in tip top condition. Don’t forget to give the undercarriage and wheel wells a good spritz!

9. Frozen lock mechanisms

Heavy rain followed by a sudden drop in temperature can wreak havoc on car locks. Water can freeze in the mechanisms, which can prevent motorists from unlocking their doors. Talk about annoying!

Problem solved

Grab your can of de-icer and give the lock a quick spray. Another option is hand sanitiser. Never try to force a key, as this can lead to even more damage.

10. Dodgy handling

Unfortunately, many older cars just don’t offer the same responsive handling as newer models.

Problem solved

Sometimes the best solution is simply to upgrade to a newer vehicle – and there are plenty of fantastic options for winter driving. When it comes to snow, the Suzuki S-Cross is a sturdy family SUV with loads of room for all your winter jackets, ski gear and more. It’s also packed with advanced safety features, which make driving in challenging winter conditions a whole lot easier.

For all-electric models, we’re seeing lots of interest in the Volvo XC40 Recharge. This compact SUV offers an electric range of almost 260 miles, plus all the top-tier safety features you expect from the Swedish brand.

If you’re on the hunt for a hybrid, the Honda HR-V is more than capable of taking on wild winter weather. Little luxuries like heated seats will keep you cosy all winter long. It also features intelligent technology, like automatic wipers that detect the first drops of rain. Perfect for the drizzly British winters!

Upgrade your wheels this winter

Are you thinking about upgrading to a new set of wheels for the winter? We can get you into the driver’s seat of your dream car with competitive finance options, tailored to you.

Whatever you’re thinking of buying, we can match your application with lenders from our extensive panel. We work with a large variety of lenders, which gives you the best possible chance of success. What are you waiting for? Give us a call to find out more about car finance and get the ball rolling. Or check out our car finance calculator to determine exactly how much you can borrow.

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Representative Example

Borrowing £7,500 at a representative APR of 12.4%, annual interest rate (fixed) 12.36%, 47 monthly payments of £196.44 followed by 1 payment of £206.44 (incl. estimated £10 option to purchase fee), a deposit of £0.00, total cost of credit is £1,939.12, total amount payable is £9,439.12.

Evolution Funding Limited, trading as My Car Credit, is a credit broker and not a lender.

Please ensure you can afford the repayments for the duration of the loan before entering into a credit agreement.

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Winter Car Prep: 10 Tips to Prepare Your Vehicle

The colder seasons bring greater challenges for vehicles, with sharp increases in breakdowns. Performing key winter car prep is one way to safeguard against such a breakdown – and these are our ten tips for winterising your car.

Winter car prep: 10 things to check

Battery

Checking your vehicle’s battery is the most important part of winter car prep. The RAC reports dealing with over 400,000 battery-related faults every winter, so doing your due diligence in advance will help to prevent your vehicle making this list.

Cold temperatures and higher usage of elements like your car lights, heater and blower all strain a car’s battery, making it harder for the engine to turn over.

Car batteries have a standard life of five years. If yours is struggling to power your car even in warmer temperatures, it probably needs changing.

Tyres

Having tyres in good condition is vital year-round, but it’s also the next most critical step in winter car prep after checking your battery.

The legal minimum tread depth for tyres is 1.6mm, but it’s worth upgrading to winter tyres during colder months, which have a greater depth of 3mm and offer more traction and grip.

Check your tyre pressure too, as this is what keeps the tyres connected to the road, which is critical during icier periods.

Antifreeze

Antifreeze keeps the water in your vehicle from freezing over, which is vital in colder months. Without it, you can end up with either a frozen engine or an overheated vehicle.

Although a car’s coolant is a sealed system, it’s nonetheless worth checking as part of winter car prep. Use an antifreeze tester, which are widely available at garages, in order to check how effective your antifreeze is, and top it up if your levels are looking low.

Windscreen wipers

You need your car’s windscreen wipers to be up to scratch in the cold.

Run your finger along your windscreen wipers to check that there aren’t any tears, as these will reduce the efficacy of your screen wash. If your wipers get frozen to your windscreen, use either de-icer or warm water – never boiling water! – in order to detach them. Don’t try to operate your car if the wipers are frozen to the windscreen, as you may end up blowing a fuse.

Screen wash

During the winter, there’s more wet weather, which results in more dirt and road salt hitting your wind screen.

Ensure that you have enough screen wash available – and that it is effective in lower temperatures and won’t freeze over. This will keep your wind screen clear, otherwise you risk accidents if you drive with grubby glass.

Lights

Your headlights are how you see and can be seen, especially on dark winter nights. They often get dirtier during the colder months, so take care to clean and check your lights regularly in order to prevent this build up.

It’s wise to carry spare bulbs if you can, and to be comfortable with changing them, too.

Carry an emergency kit

It’s wise to carry an emergency winter kit in your car during colder seasons. Having a bag containing items like a high-vis vest, a shovel, tow rope, torch, de-icer, hazard warning triangle, and first aid kit is sensible.

Breakdown cover

Sometimes, no matter your winter car prep, things go wrong. Ensure that your breakdown cover is up to date and that you have the relevant details plugged into your phone before headed off on winter car journeys.

Oil and fuel

Confirm that there’s enough fuel in your vehicle before departing on any journey – it’s a basic winter car prep step, but an important one. It’s also wise to check your oil levels too, so you can avoid a winter breakdown or engine damage.

Take your vehicle in for a winter car service

If you don’t feel confident winterising your vehicle, you should take it in to be checked by a professional. In fact, you may even be able to take advantage of discounted winter car checks in the lead up to the season.

Don’t forget that keeping your car maintained throughout the year is also a great way of ensuring it’s in the best possible condition once the temperature drops.

Finance your perfect winter car

If you’re looking for a new vehicle that’s safer for the winter months, establish your car finance eligibility by contacting the team at My Car Credit today. We’ve also got a whole host of other articles, including more motoring advice, for you to read.

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Loan amount

£

Repayment term

My credit rating

X monthly repayments of
^£X

Typical rate

Loan amount

Total payable

X% APR*

£X

*for illustration purposes only

No impact on your credit score*

Representative Example

Borrowing £7,500 at a representative APR of 12.4%, annual interest rate (fixed) 12.36%, 47 monthly payments of £196.44 followed by 1 payment of £206.44 (incl. estimated £10 option to purchase fee), a deposit of £0.00, total cost of credit is £1,939.12, total amount payable is £9,439.12.

Evolution Funding Limited, trading as My Car Credit, is a credit broker and not a lender.

Please ensure you can afford the repayments for the duration of the loan before entering into a credit agreement.

*Initial application is a soft search. Should you progress, some lenders may perform a hard search on your credit file.

Require more help?

Got a question you can’t find the answer to, or need some advice and guidance around taking out car finance? Our Car Credit Specialists are friendly, experienced, and here to help so get in touch today!

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Which Types of Tyres Should I Get? Summer, Winter or All-Season?

An Audi wheel showing different types of tyres you can get

While the Great British climate is certainly changeable throughout the year, there are definitely notable variations between the warmer months of summer and the colder ones in winter. In order to adjust to the different conditions of the roads and the demands they place on your vehicle, it’s important to fit the right tyre.

Generally speaking, there are three types of tyres available to car owners – summer tyres, winter tyres or all-season tyres. The clue to the benefits of each is held in their names, but which one should you go for? This guide sets out the pros and cons of each, allowing you to make an informed decision the next time you need to pay a visit to your garage or dealership.

The case for summer tyres

Summer tyres are by far the most popular choice among British drivers, with 95% of motorists favouring them throughout the year. They are specifically designed to offer unbeatable grip on dry roads, excellent stability when cornering and optimal mileage returns – as long as the thermometer reads 7°C or higher.

The difficulties arise when temperatures fall below that 7°C threshold, since the rubber used to make them hardens in colder weather and offers reduced grip. This is especially true when driving in snow, as research has found that braking times are doubled in comparison to using winter tyres.

The case for winter tyres

As you might have guessed, winter tyres are engineered to offer the inverse of their summer counterparts. If it’s 7°C or less outside, the aggressive tread pattern which characterises winter tyres is invaluable in digging into snow to offer greater traction and braking ability, while they can also part slush with greater ease, too.

Another of the main reasons for their enhanced safety is the custom rubber compound used to make them. Unlike summer tyres, this remains both flexible and cushioning in colder weather, offering superior control of the car. They shouldn’t be used in warmer weather, however, since their softness is vulnerable to rapid degradation on dry tarmac – which means they must be replaced more quickly.

The case for all-season tyres

As the name suggests, all-season tyres are a fairly new innovation which offer the best of both worlds. Designed to offer decent handling in all driving conditions, they provide you with the relevant control and safety even when it’s snowing outside. Their bespoke tread pattern also means they’re longer lasting than their winter alternatives.

However, it’s important to remember that opting for all-season tyres does involve compromise. They don’t offer quite the same mileage, cornering or braking capabilities as summer tyres in warm weather, and neither are they as effective in dealing with inclement conditions as winter tyres.

The right tyres for you

Ultimately, the type of tyres you favour will depend upon the time of year, your willingness to switch out your tyres with the changing of the seasons and the budget you have set aside for tyre replacement.

For those who would rather stick with the same set of tyres year-round, all-season tyres are a good option – but don’t provide quite the same performance or longevity as their rivals when used as intended.

Whichever variation you decide upon, it should be remembered that practicing good car and tyre maintenance can extend the lifespan of your vehicle and all its component parts, thus saving you time, money and energy in the long run.

The right wheels for you

As well as choosing the right tyres throughout the year, you’ll want to make sure you’ve got the right car. Whether it’s fuel efficiency, space or just a sought-after look, My Car Credit can help you take the first step to the right wheels for your requirements. Our quick and easy car finance application process will find an affordable finance deal for you, whatever your credit score. Use our free car loan calculator and then put us to the test by applying online today.

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Loan amount

£

Repayment term

My credit rating

X monthly repayments of
^£X

Typical rate

Loan amount

Total payable

X% APR*

£X

*for illustration purposes only

No impact on your credit score*

Representative Example

Borrowing £7,500 at a representative APR of 12.4%, annual interest rate (fixed) 12.36%, 47 monthly payments of £196.44 followed by 1 payment of £206.44 (incl. estimated £10 option to purchase fee), a deposit of £0.00, total cost of credit is £1,939.12, total amount payable is £9,439.12.

Evolution Funding Limited, trading as My Car Credit, is a credit broker and not a lender.

Please ensure you can afford the repayments for the duration of the loan before entering into a credit agreement.

*Initial application is a soft search. Should you progress, some lenders may perform a hard search on your credit file.

Require more help?

Got a question you can’t find the answer to, or need some advice and guidance around taking out car finance? Our Car Credit Specialists are friendly, experienced, and here to help so get in touch today!

or call 01246 458 810

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Car and Tyre Maintenance 101

It’s almost too obvious to state the importance of your tyres – they are the only connection between your vehicle and the road, and have a huge influence over your driving experience and general safety. However, they are not often given the attention they deserve. According to a Michelin study, 36% of UK drivers are driving around on tyres that are dangerously under-inflated. Tyre pressure is just one aspect of looking after your tyres – there’s plenty more to know about tyre maintenance.

How long do tyres last?

There is no way of knowing how long your tyre will last – the tyre brand, the amount you drive, the conditions of the road and the care you take of your tyres will all have a major impact.

However, there are some general rules to follow:

After five years of use, you should make regular inspections of your tyres, and at least one annual inspection with a professional.
After ten years, you should replace your tyres – even if they look to be in good condition

What damages tyres?

Your tyres will receive general wear and tear with age and the amount you drive the vehicle. However, there are additional factors which can increase the damage caused to your tyres.

Various road condition issues can have a major effect – speed bumps, kerbs and potholes, to name a few.
Driving habits are the biggest influence that people don’t consider. If you speed and make quick starts or emergency brakes, you will greatly increase your chances of damaging your tyres.
Improper tyres can have a major affect on their longevity. If you have the wrong type of tyres (i.e. they are not the right size or compatibility for your vehicle) they won’t last for anywhere near as long. Also, this can prove very dangerous!

How do I make sure my tyres are in good condition?

It’s important to regularly make sure that your tyres are in good condition – once a month is a good marker. Here’s a good checklist to follow:

Check your tyre pressure – you can usually find this in the owner’s manual.
Check the tread wear – you can use a tread depth gauge (which you can get online) or by looking for signs of tread wear (e.g. any patterns in between the intended grooves of the tyres).
Check for any signs of damage – you can check your tyres visually for any bumps or punctures and run your hand around the edges for any physical signs of damage.
Be aware – you should always be sensitive to any changes in your car’s handling and steering, as well as any noises that are out of the ordinary.

When do I need to change my tyres?

You should change your tyres (regardless how they might appear) every ten years. After the five-year mark, you should have your tyres regularly inspected with a professional. However, these are only general guidelines and there are other ways of knowing if your tyres need to be changed:

The tread (i.e. the depth of the groove in the tyres) is below 1.6mm
There is a hole in the tread which is more than 6mm in diameter
There is any damage to the edge of the tyre that sits on the wheel
There are any changes to steering or handling

Your tyres are one of the most under-appreciated part of your car. Whilst people can often spot a scratch or dent in the bodywork from a mile off, they rarely notice any issues with their tyres. However, it’s absolutely vital that you take good care of your tyres – so make sure you check them!

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Loan amount

£

Repayment term

My credit rating

X monthly repayments of
^£X

Typical rate

Loan amount

Total payable

X% APR*

£X

*for illustration purposes only

No impact on your credit score*

Representative Example

Borrowing £7,500 at a representative APR of 12.4%, annual interest rate (fixed) 12.36%, 47 monthly payments of £196.44 followed by 1 payment of £206.44 (incl. estimated £10 option to purchase fee), a deposit of £0.00, total cost of credit is £1,939.12, total amount payable is £9,439.12.

Evolution Funding Limited, trading as My Car Credit, is a credit broker and not a lender.

Please ensure you can afford the repayments for the duration of the loan before entering into a credit agreement.

*Initial application is a soft search. Should you progress, some lenders may perform a hard search on your credit file.

Require more help?

Got a question you can’t find the answer to, or need some advice and guidance around taking out car finance? Our Car Credit Specialists are friendly, experienced, and here to help so get in touch today!

or call 01246 458 810

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If you’re winter-proofing your vehicle to better handle colder temperatures and subsequent driving risks, you’re undoubtedly weighing up the benefits of winter tyres. Let’s take a look at whether or not they’re worth it for you.

What are winter tyres?

Are winter tyres worth it?

Are there drawbacks to winter tyres?

Find winter car finance

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1. Frozen windscreen wipers

2. Spark plug failure

3. Chilly interiors

4. Dead batteries

5. Frozen parts

6. Deflating tyres

7. Wheelspin

8. Corrosion and rust

9. Frozen lock mechanisms

10. Dodgy handling

Upgrade your wheels this winter

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The colder seasons bring greater challenges for vehicles, with sharp increases in breakdowns. Performing key winter car prep is one way to safeguard against such a breakdown – and these are our ten tips for winterising your car.

Winter car prep: 10 things to check

Finance your perfect winter car

Rates from 9.9% APR. Representative APR 12.4%

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The case for summer tyres

The case for winter tyres

The case for all-season tyres

The right tyres for you

The right wheels for you

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How long do tyres last?

What damages tyres?

How do I make sure my tyres are in good condition?

When do I need to change my tyres?

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