HAVE you bought a set of winter tyres yet?

In countries where severe winter weather is expected, most drivers switch to a set of special tyres during the cold season.

Normal tyres start to lose grip at temperatures below minus seven - regardless of the road surface. Winter tyres can mean the difference between stopping and ploughing into the car ahead.

Indeed, such is their road safety value, some countries make fitting winter tyres a legal requirement.

Following last year's atrocious conditions and the early snow in December garages have reported a rush to buy winter rubber.

But what are your options?

* Winter tyres: these look like your normal tyres but have a different tread pattern with wider grooves and narrow slits at the edges.

They are also made from a different rubber to prevent the tread stiffening as the temperature drops. Winter tyres stay soft and grippy well below zero.

Tyres made from winter rubber carry a special logo - usually a snowflake or a mountain - on the sidewall.

PROS: Bags more grip, simple to fit.

CONS: Expensive, especially if you want a set on rims so they can be swapped quickly.

* Snow chains and socks: The snow sock is a relatively new development. It is made from a strong fabric material which can be stretched over the tyre.

Chains are more effective than socks but take longer to fit.

PROS: Easily removed and stored in summer.

Drawbacks: Chains increase the width of a tyre and may affect the suspension, ABS brakes or, in extreme cases, rub on the wheel arch. Practise makes perfect.

Cannot be used on clear roads. Socks will wear out quickly if driven on clear road surfaces.

* Mud and snow tyres: These are a compromise between the grip of a full-on snow tyre and the handling characteristics of summer tyres.

They are made from the same compound as snow tyres.

PROS: Fit 'n forget CONS: Not as good as a standard tyre in summer. Tend to wear out quicker.

Peter Rodger, chief examiner with the Institute of Advanced Motorists, said: “With extremes of cold weather being unusual here, and the UK government showing no signs of making winter tyres compulsory, there is no obligation to invest in them. Nevertheless, a set of winter tyres could be a sensible option for some UK motorists, for example those who live at high altitude or in remote areas. For the rest of us, whether the cost is justified depends on individual circumstances such as annual mileage and whether you have the option to avoid driving in extreme conditions.”