BMW UK Launches New Winter Tire Program

The British division of BMW announced today that a winter wheel and tire package will be available for the first time in the UK, due to the fact that summer tires fitted as standard equipment operate best at temperatures above 7°C. The new program developed by BMW has been been specially engineered to perform in true wintry conditions of snow and ice.

The tire is made from a different mix of rubber / silica compound which enables them to operate efficiently at much lower temperatures, generating heat and reaching their optimum operating temperature much more easily.

“The benefits of such a package are two-fold. It is the best way to a BMW performing to the best of its abilities during severe weather, yet if the winter is mild, winter tire users will still benefit from significantly reduced tire wear and increased wet weather grip and performance,” a company statement reads.

There is also a cost benefit included, considering the fact that new BMW winter wheel and tires can result in as much as 40% better wear characteristics than summer tires when the outside temperature is below 7°C – meaning the tires will last a lot longer.

“Winter tires also feature bigger tread blocks with larger open channels which ensure they dissipate standing water more effectively, helping them to reduce the risk of skidding on wet surfaces. This sophisticated tire technology ensures maximum levels of grip over winter, significantly reducing the chances of an accident, whatever the conditions. Braking distances improve by up to 20 per cent on icy roads and up to 10 per cent in the wet,” the statement says.

A number of different wheel styles and sizes, including alloy and steel rims are available. Prices vary by model but start at GBP 600 for a complete set of four winter wheels and tires on a BMW 1 or 3 Series.