More than 30 days of freezing weather

Ford and Pirelli have predicted that the UK will see more than 30 days of temperatures below 7 degrees Celsius. They have suggested that these cold days will be between the 1st of January and the 28th of February. They are so confident of their prediction that they are offering customers who buy their cold weather tyres a 50% discount if they are proved wrong.

With the cold, snowy and icy conditions seen recently in the UK, drivers are looking at ways to make their cars safer. Winter tyres are gaining some momentum in the UK; they are better suited to the freezing temperatures because they contain more natural rubber which does not harden in the low temperatures.

Normal or summer tyres are fitted as standard on all UK cars, they have a harder compound and are engineered to provide maximum grip in normal temperatures. But, as the temperatures drop the molecules in the tread freeze and harden increasing the risk of aquaplaning and skidding.

With new construction techniques there is no need to have separate winter and summer tyres, using the latest construction techniques Pirelli have created a winter tyre hat can operate in normal temperatures too.

Paul Muers, marketing manager for Ford Customer Service Division, said: "The snowy and icy conditions we're experiencing right now and the severity of last winter really bring the benefits of these tyres into sharp focus. Until recently, British drivers haven't had the option of cold weather tyres - something which is the norm in other European countries. With Pirelli, we're changing that and giving drivers the chance to fit cold weather tyres - and we're so confident of the benefits, we will refund them half the cost if the winter stays warm!"

Like many other manufacturers you can buy Ford parts online, winter tyres can be purchased online and then booked for fitting at a local Ford dealership.