You may think that because it hardly ever snows where you live, winter tyres are a waste of time. Not so. winter tyres are designed to help cope with all types of poor weather conditions, not just snow, giving you greater traction and road holding on

mud-covered roads, and through slush and ice.

What's more, their rubber compound is specially formulated for superior performance on wet roads, and

during the winter there are plenty of those! Of course, if you do live in an area prone to heavy snowfall, Avon has winter tyres specifically designed to give maximum traction.

Many people in colder regions keep a spare set of wheels (usually steel ones; you

don't want salt corroding your expensive alloys during the winter months) already

mounted with winter tyres, swapping them over at the end of the autumn, keeping them on until spring.

Because Avon winter tyres are designed to perform well on dry roads, too, you

should try some this winter, wherever you live. You never know when the weather could catch you out, and with Avon winter tyres you'll be well prepared for any eventuality.

Full sets are best - Fit winter tyres - or M+S tyres, as they're also known - in sets of four. Never mix them with normal road tyres. Studded winter

tyres should also be fitted as a foursome; mixing studded tyres with the non-studded variety will lead to unstable braking and cornering.

Running-in - Non-studded tyres should be used at reduced speeds for the first 60 miles or so. Studded tyres take longer to bed in, so keep your speed down for the first 200 miles.

Speed ratings - The speed ratings for winter tyres differ from those of regular road tyres and very often have a reduced speed capability. Make

sure you are aware of the maximum safe speed rating of your winter tyres and drive accordingly.

Studs on tarmac - Away from the snow and icy conditions they are specifically designed for, studs give reduced road holding and braking ability. So, on snow- and ice-free surfaces, please do not exceed 62mph.

Keep your studs 'directional' - After a period of use, studs develop a pattern of wear that makes them most effective in the direction they've been travelling. When you take off your studded tyres at the end of the season, mark them in such a way that when next you put them on, they face the 'right' direction.

Unfortunately the tyre manufacturers never seem to make enough winter tyres and we often run out early in the season. Buy your winter tyres

early. Some customers buy their winter tyres early and store them at home in their garage and ask us to fit them when the weather gets colder. Others have their winter tyres fitted on the day of purchase.