Yokohama is poised to launch the newest generation of its winter tyre range in the UK and Ireland.

The W.drive V905 complements the established V902 pattern, forming part of the renowned W.drive range of winter tyres from Yokohama.

Designed to be used when ambient temperatures drop to around 7degC or below, winter tyres provide superior grip and safety to summer tyres at these lower temperatures. They also combine additional design features to offer greater safety in the advent of snow or ice; conditions which seem to be becoming more prevalent in the UK and Ireland.

There are two main areas of focus where the V905 delivers; the first is the design of the tread itself. Angled straight grooves and lateral grooves provide exceptional water, slush and snow clearance for optimum grip. A combination of different types of sipes also generates edge grip, essential when being used on compacted snow or ice and helping to maintain the tyre’s levels of grip and safety on these surfaces.

The compound of the tyre uses Yokohama’s now-familiar Orange Oil, helping to generate grip while reducing the proportion of petroleum-based constituents while the addition of micro-silica enhances grip, even at low temperatures.

Yokohama’s W.drive range has proved so successful that manufacturers such as Mercedes AMG, Audi and Bentley have approved it for winter use and the highly-respected German motoring organisation ADAC has recommended it to consumers.

The same principles that drove the development of the W.drive range have also been incorporated into the Geolandar I/T+, aimed at SUVs for both on and off-road use. Providing exceptional traction on snow and ice, the addition of a strengthened internal construction allows it to be used at higher speeds in all conditions.

And it’s not just cars and SUVs that can benefit from the Yokohama range of winter tyres. The WY01 is intended for light commercial vehicles, ensuring that Britain’s industry can also continue regardless of the weather. In addition to the winter pattern WY01, Yokohama also produces the popular Y354, a genuine all-season fitment.

The ‘Three Peak Snowflake’ symbol on its sidewall certifies that unlike many of its ‘all season’ competitors, the Y354’s winter performance is not compromised. This means that while the Y354 will cope with the demands of winter driving, it will keep performing well all year round.