As hazardous conditions increase due to the more harsh winter conditions, fitting winter tyres could be a valid option for our road users.

Offering a dramatic reduction in stopping distance, industry experts advised that winter tyres work more effectively than normal tyres when temperatures become lower than seven degrees.

With statistics from the Met Office showing that temperatures have been hitting an average of below seven degrees from mid November to March since 1980, having some fitted could be of great advantage for the chilly months.

With a different tread pattern and compound, snow tyres offer extra grip when compared with regular tyres.  A reduced performance under the same conditions can be seen in ‘summer’ tyres due to an increase in hardness and loss of elasticity.

Dependant on vehicle type, the average cost for a standard family car is £300 for a full set.  This is without the added cost of having steel wheel hubs fitted in order to mount them.

Whilst a rear wheeled drive BMW could struggle to make its way through a mini roundabout in Britain, the same vehicle with winter tyres is able to easily negotiate a snowbound European Alpine road.

Last years early cold snap in the UK meant winter tyre sales were booming, to such an extent that stockists were caught out by demand and had sold out in early December, leaving vehicles struggling to cope in treacherous conditions with unsuitable tyres.

The Department of Transports data shows that only 11 per cent of UK car accidents are caused by skidding during dry conditions, compared with 48 per cent during the winter.