The benefits of Mercedes-Benz Winter Tyres

Mercedes-Benz test cold weather tyres

Winter is a problematic driving season for most.  Ice and snow are not the only factors which can create a dangerous slippery road, but also the invisible aspects such as the cold and damp will naturally have an effect.  However, tyre manufacturers have addressed this need and created “cold weather tyres” providing much greater grip in these conditions.

At temperatures below 7 degrees, warm weather tyres are more rigid and hard to grip to the surface.  Cold weather tyres are designed with a special flexible tread compound, coupled with more grooves, geared to more easily sink into the peaks and troughs of the icy road surface, thereby generating more traction.  

A couple of tests carried out by Mercedes-Benz on an ice-rink, using 2 virtually identical cars, showed the difference in performance and safety between warm and cold weather tyres.  The first Mercedes-Benz car, fitted with warm weather tyres, found it hard to find traction when pulling away, and when reaching the designated marker at its test speed of 15mph, the stopping distance was measured at 9.75 metres.  When the same test was carried out using the Mercedes-Benz car fitted with cold weather tyres, the difference was visible.  A far better grip was obtained at the start line allowing the car to get up to speed quicker and safer, and the stopping distance reduced to 7.01 metres.  The warm weather tyres took an extra 39% further to stop.  Whilst only a small gap of 2.74 meters may be shown here when tested at 15mph, imagine the significance when travelling at higher speeds on main roads and motorways.

Mercedes-Benz then tested the impact on a normal corner turn, again measured at a speed of 15mph.  Here the difference between the 2 tyres on their respective Mercedes-Benz road cars showed an even more dramatic impact.  Using cones to signify the shape of the road, the Mercedes-Benz model fitted with warm weather tyres breaks through the cone-barrier towards the peak of the turn, sliding out of control without any traction, and no stopping control.  Conversely, at the same speed, the Mercedes-Benz with the specifically designed cold weather tyres maintained traction and safely completed the turn.

Mercedes-Benz cold weather tyres are now available from the Lookers Mercedes-Benz Official Workshops.  Please contact your nearest Lookers Mercedes-Benz retailer for more details and pricing.