The Volkswagen Winter Tyre Programme

Volkswagen has launched a winter tyre programme offering customers a cost-effective way of having the correct tyres on their vehicles.

"The message we want to get across is that you don’t need snow to make the most of winter tyres," said Volkswagen UK Parts Marketing Manager Eric Ekins. "In fact, once the mercury hits seven degrees Celsius or below, winter tyres tend to outperform their summer counterparts with greater grip for acceleration, cornering and braking."

Met Office statistics show that the average temperature in UK winter months in the last century has always been under six degrees Celsius, a temperature at which winter tyres provide real safety advantages of summer tyres.

Winter tyres use a rubber compound which is optimised for temperatures under seven degrees Celsius. The compound used in regular tyres stiffens at lower temperatures, but winter tyres will remain softer and therefore can retain grip. A special tread design optimises water displacement and additional grooves 'sipes' help with traction.

Volkswagen also offers high-quality nylon tyre/wheel storage bags for £25 inclusive for a set of four.

Winter tyres can be ordered from Volkswagen dealers for models from the Volkswagen Polo to the Phaeton, priced from £250 a set including fitting. Winter wheel and tyre sets can also be purchased ranging in size from 15 to 19 inches, with alloys specifically designed to offer maximum anti-corrosion resistance to snow and salt, priced from £725 including fitting.