Ford is offering Pirelli cold weather tyres to motorists this winter to help them avoid slip ups on the roads. Until now, the tyres have not been sold in any great quantity in the UK, but they provide several safety benefits thanks to a tread pattern that works optimally in colder temperatures maximising adhesion in icy conditions.

Summer tyres are fitted as standard on all vehicles in the UK and are engineered to give good grip in normal seasonal temperatures. When the weather turns cold, however, the rubber freezes and hardens, increasing the risk of aquaplaning.

The new cold weather tyres mean that grip stays good in all conditions and excel when the temperature falls. A higher proportion of natural rubber is used to give improved traction and prevent the hardening effect seen in summer tyres.

Ford and Pirelli have teamed up to offer these new tyres to make drivers safer during the winter months. Customers buying four Pirelli cold weather tyres before 31st December 2010 will be able to register their details and get a 50% refund on the price if the weather is warmer than expected between the beginning of January and the end of February.

A set of Pirelli cold weather tyres can be purchased from £555 at participating Ford dealers.