Audi's new winter wheel and tyre programme masters icy driving conditions

With heavy and persistent snow fall set to become a regular feature of our winters, UK drivers are faced with the prospect of coping with the challenges such extreme weather brings. Not only does snow and ice create traction problems for even the most careful driver, but freezing water and industrial salt on roads increases the risk of corrosion to a vehicle's wheels.

However, as with so much in life the right tools make the job easier, and with this in mind Audi have produced their new winter wheel and tyre programme.

Throughout the country Audi centres are stocking up on stand-alone winter tyre sets and complete wheel-and-tyre sets for all models, from the A1 premium subcompact to the Q7 luxury SUV.

So how does a winter tyre set help drivers? Well, at low temperatures the rubber in normal tyres contracts, making the tyre harder and less flexible which results in reduced traction. Audi's winter tyres are made from rubber compounds which retain their flexibility even in very cold environments to ensure no loss of grip. Sipes (additional grooves in the tyre tread blocks) increase grip further by interlocking with the road surface, while specially designed tread patterns also facilitate improved water displacement.

When all these features are in play traction is improved by up to sixty percent on roads covered with surface water, slush, snow and even ice, and braking distances can be reduced as much as twenty percent - making these tyres a must for any driver facing prolonged winter conditions.

To minimise disruption to the driver's schedule, Audi winter tyre sets are designed to be fitted to your existing wheels, and are reasonably priced from £550 (including fitting).

To combat salt corrosion, Audi wheel-and-tyre sets include impressive 16-inch to 19-inch alloy wheels, precision engineered to ensure industry leading anti-corrosion resistance from all manner of winter related vectors, including freezing water, slush, salt and snow - prices start from £792 (including fitting).

For complete winter weather protection and control Audi's Quattro all-wheel-drive system will enhance road holding ability even further, giving the Audi driver the edge on the elements even in the coldest of bleak midwinters.