Top tips for towing in Winter

Preparation involves many things, not least of which is knowing how to change your driving style. Hopefully, you know that too much acceleration followed by sudden braking is a recipe for disaster; your car will probably stop but the trailer may not. Pre-plan your journeys, choosing roads that will make it easy to pull off the road and stop if problems arise. On a long haul, plan for shorter stretches and more rest stops.

There are also important mechanical preparations you should make well before the date of a planned winter towing trip.

In most parts of Britain, we keep our summer tyres on all year round. We’ve had a run of mild winters and perhaps this has created a false sense of security. However, this is a gamble you do not want to make if you are towing. You should definitely consider swapping to winter tyres or even investing in a full set of winter wheels.
 
If you’re planning to tow long-haul or on a regular basis, you should already be thinking about extra-load tyres. It doesn’t matter if all the weight is inside the trailer and not the towing vehicle; weight is still transferred through your suspension, which must also cope with less predictable weight distribution if the trailer sways in high winds or on difficult roads. This means that the ideal tyres for a winter tow are both XL and all-season.
 
Most major brands offer suitable tyres, but a notably good option is the Bridgestone Dueler. The Dueler has a continuous spiral of nylon that helps to keep its shape, combined with an aggressive tread that provides extra grip. Bridgestone has achieved this without compromising other features such as smooth handling and ride comfort so you won’t mind keeping them on even when you aren’t towing. You may also wish to take a look at the Bridgestone Weather Control A005 and the Falken Euro all season AS210.

Any substantial trailer should have its own lights and brakes integrated with those of the main vehicle. Not only do trailer brakes help to prevent skidding and fishtailing but they reduce pressure on the tow vehicle's own brakes and tyres. Protect your car by letting your trailer do some work.

Our qualified fitters know their way around trailers as well as cars. Let us know you are planning a winter tow and we will thoroughly check vital components such as batteries, brakes and tyres before you set off. You can book a free vehicle check online.

Protyre offer a tiered service packages depending on your budget and driving style. Find out more about each service package by clicking the buttons below:

There are two good reasons for not using cruise control in either bad weather or when towing (and definitely not both together). One is its effect on the car and the other is its effect on the driver.

Did you know?

'Protyre offer free tyre checks at all of our garages. Click the button below to book online today, or alternatively, give your local Protyre garage a call and book your vehicle in over the phone.

Despite the hype, computers don’t have the senses or the experience of a human driver. They do not react appropriately in difficult road conditions and will often accelerate or downshift at the wrong moment. Cruise control also encourages drivers to relax precisely when they should be at their most alert and ready for the unexpected.