New research conducted by Goodyear has found that British drivers are the most comfortable in heavy rain compared to other severe winter weather conditions. Just one in ten (12%) drivers expressed a level of concern while driving in such conditions. A quarter (26%) of drivers from Britain said they were very comfortable driving in heavy rain.
Out of all the conditions, British drivers ranked ice as number one for keeping them off the road. 16% of drivers would avoid driving in icy conditions, with a further 27% expressing a degree of concern. This isn’t helped as the majority of British drivers (56%) are unsure of the differences between summer, winter and all-season tyres.
This is the data from Goodyear’s Winter Driving Attitudes Survey, which asked 4,000 drivers across Europe about their driving habits, fears and knowledge. The survey intended to find out how attitudes and perceptions to driving in the coldest months differ across eight key European countries. The survey asked respondents a range of questions about their driving experience, tyre knowledge and awareness of local legislation.
In countries with winter tyre legislation, the level of awareness drivers have for summer, winter and all-season tyres is high. 68% of respondents agreed with the statement “I am aware of the differences between a summer/winter tyre and an all-season tyre.” In Poland, an impressive 80% are aware of the difference.
However, in the UK, there was not as much self-reported knowledge. Only 45% of British drivers were confident they knew the difference between season-specific and all-season tyres. In some European countries and regions, tyres certified for winter use are mandated during the colder months, but there is no such law in the UK.
Choosing a tyre fit for your needs
To provide drivers with confidence in winter conditions, Goodyear’s Vector 4Seasons Gen-3 is certified with the three-peak mountain snowflake (3PMSF) symbol, meaning the tyre conforms to standards that certify its traction potential on snow. The benefit of the Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen-3 is that it provides all-round performance no matter the season. Drivers can be confident in the ice and snow because of the 3PMSF certification and enjoy plenty of grip reserves in the dry.
The Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen-3 range, characterised for its wide working temperature range, boasts impressive wet, dry and snow handling that gives drivers confidence all year round. It was recently named the winner of Auto Bild’s all-season tyre test for the second consecutive year, placing ahead of more than 30 other brands in a comprehensive examination of dry, wet, snow and mileage performance.
Jaap Van Wessum, Sales General Manager Consumer at Goodyear Tyres UK&I Limited, said: “The survey showed that drivers choose different options for adverse conditions, with some switching between winter to summer tyres and some choosing all-season options, such as Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen-3. Goodyear is positioning itself to take the lead when it comes to matching its offering to current trends and responding to what customers want most. We have seen a rise in the crossover vehicle market, and a similar trend is taking place in the crossover tyre market.
“What we have witnessed is that for drivers who live in the average UK & Ireland climate and complete a moderate number of miles each year, a Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen-3 tyre would be the best option for them. The tyre gives an excellent amount of grip in both the summer and winter months. The survey shows there is a definite appetite in the market for all-season products. Given the level of versatility and convenience it brings, it is without doubt a compelling offering.”
