Mercedes-Benz has launched a cold weather tyre programme to help its customers stay safe on the roads during winter weather.

The tyres are available from all Mercedes-Benz retailers and official workshops, and for all models in the current Mercedes-Benz and smart range as well as older models.

Cold weather tyres are common in northern mainland Europe, and they improve grip – and therefore safety – where temperatures drop below around 7C.

They’re made with higher levels of silica than normal, increasing suppleness and the tyre contact patch at low temperatures – and they have different tread patterns.

Mike Belk, managing director customer service for Mercedes-Benz UK, explained: “The costs of running cold weather tyres are offset with the additional life given to regular tyres, and indeed can be entirely recouped by if they enable the driver to avoid even one minor icy accident.”

According to industry body Tyre Safe, stopping distances from 50mph on a cold wet road are up to six metres shorter for a car using cold weather tyres compared with regular tyres – which is about the same length as a large family car.

Stopping from just 20 mph on an icy road can be improved by 11 metres – around the length of a bus.