Which tyres should I fit in winter in the UK?
Key takeaways
Winter tyres are not legally required in the UK but they are more effective than standard fit summer tyres when the temperature drops below seven degrees Celsius (7°C)
October to March/April is usually the best time to use winter tyres but it depends on where you live in the UK
Most insurers don’t charge additional premiums for vehicles fitted with winter tyres, provided the tyres are roadworthy and fitted to the manufacturer’s instructions
Do I need winter tyres?
There’s no legal requirement to fit winter tyres in the UK, unlike other countries in Europe, which experience harsher winters.
But it can still be worth swapping between standard fit summer tyres and winter tyres even when it’s not snowing in the UK. That’s because when the temperature drops below seven degrees Celsius (7°C) winter tyres are more effective than standard fit summer tyres.
Summer tyres versus winter tyres
Summer tyres aren’t designed for low temperatures. They’re made of a softer rubber compound, which hardens in cold weather, and the tyre becomes less flexible and loses grip
Winter tyres are designed to remain flexible at lower temperatures and have a tread pattern which improves grip on slush, snow and icy roads
What are the safety benefits of winter tyres?
In the snow: the braking distance with summer tyres is twice as long as braking distance with certified winter tyres, according to tyre manufacturer Michelin
On wet roads in the winter: there is a five-metre braking difference, according to the British Tyre Manufacturers’ Association (BTMA). A car with winter tyres, travelling at 62mph, will stop in 65.7 metres compared to 70.5m using summer tyres, it says
The UK has increased rainfall in the autumn and winter and that can mean more standing water. The tread pattern on winter tyres is made up of specially designed grooves called sipes which can disperse water away from the tyre. This reduces the risk of aquaplaning.
The type of material winter tyres are made from, their tread depth and their design features, notably sipes, give them much better grip than standard summer tyres in cold temperatures.
Shorter braking distances
Less chance of aquaplaning
Better grip
The safety benefits of winter tyres have been proven on different road surfaces and weather conditions.
How do I know if I my car has winter tyres?
You can spot a certified winter tyre as it will be marked with a three-peak mountain snowflake (also known as the 3PMSF marking) or Alpine symbol in the rubber of the sidewall of your tyre.
If you see a tyre marked M+S that means they are ‘snow tyres’ which have have been self-certified by the tyre manufacturer rather than going through a performance test.
When is the best time to fit winter tyres
Winter tyres aren’t just for winter driving, you can start using them in the autumn when the temperature drops and rainfall increases.
You should switch to winter tyres when the temperature is consistently below 7°C, and switch back to summer tyres when the weather warms up and is consistently above 7°C.
📣 Did you know? As a rule of thumb, October to March/April is the best time to use winter tyres but it really depends on where you live in the UK and what the average temperatures are.
You’ll get more benefits from winter tyres if you live in Scotland than if you live in the South of England, for example.
What are the disadvantages of fitting winter tyres?
The hassle and expense of having them fitted and removed
Needing somewhere to store the tyres. If you don’t have a suitable garage or shed you could use a ‘tyre hotel’, with prices starting at about £15 per set per year.
Can I fit winter tyres all year round?
There are no rules against using winter tyres all year round but it’s not recommended to use winter tyres in the summer because:
They won’t perform as well as in warmer temperatures. Michelin points out that the softer tread will wear down quicker on warm tarmac, and optimal handling will be reduced, extending the stopping distance of your vehicle
Your fuel consumption is likely to go up
On a dry road in the summer, the braking distance is five metres further on winter tyres compared to summer tyres when travelling at 62mph, according to the BTMA
Are winter tyres worth it?
If you’re planning to fit winter tyres you need to change all four tyres, and it could cost about £500 for a full set from a premium brand, including fitment. Prices will vary depending on your car and tyre size.
However, winter tyres last longer than summer tyres and by switching between tyres you won’t have to replace your summer tyres as often.
Some drivers also choose to buy a set of wheels to fit their winter tyres on, and you may want to consider buying a spare wheel.
To decide whether winter tyres are worth the expense or not, you need to consider how much driving you do in the winter months and what the weather is like where you live. You may decide the safety benefits outweigh the cost and give you peace of mind.
If you can afford it, and your circumstances justify it, the ultimate set-up is a 4x4 car with winter tyres.
📣 Did you know? Parents are more likely to fit winter tyres to their car, according to a survey by YouGov. Almost half (47%) of British drivers who use winter tyres had at least one child under the age of 18 compared to a quarter (25%) of car owners overall, the research found.
What are all-season tyres?
An alternative to switching between summer and winter tyres is to use all-season tyres (or all-weather tyres). They’re a compromise between summer and winter tyres and use technology from both.
They perform well in temperatures ranging from -10°C up to 30°C so they’re ideal for mild summers and mild winters with light snowfall.
They are more effective than winter tyres above 7°C but they won’t be as good as winter tyres in severe winter conditions, especially heavy snowfall.
How much do all-season tyres cost?
All-season tyres are usually cheaper than winter tyres and you won’t have the inconvenience or expense of changing and storing them as you can use them all year round.
However, you could still pay about £400 or more for a set of premium brand tyres, including fitment, depending on your vehicle and tyre size.
Does changing my tyres affect my car insurance?
No, the Association of British Insurers (ABI) says that most insurers do not charge additional premiums for vehicles fitted with winter tyres, provided that the tyres are roadworthy and have been fitted in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
However, whether you have to inform your insurer you have fitted winter or all-season tyres varies, so it’s worth checking on your insurer’s website or giving them a call.
If you’ve changed the wheels as well as the tyres you will need to contact them.
Do I need winter tyres when driving abroad?
Yes, you might need to fit them in some European countries, such as Germany, Austria, Sweden, Finland and Norway, at certain times of the year.
In some European countries it’s compulsory to fit snow chains. Essentially, these are metal chains that you attach to your tyres to give you more grip in the snow.
Rules about studded tyres (a winter tyre with extra metal studs) also vary by country. They’re illegal in the UK.
If you’re planning to take your car abroad, check the country’s requirements before you travel.
