Standard summer tyres use a compound designed for mild and warm conditions. In the cold, below about 7 degrees Celsius, the compound stiffens and grip falls. Winter tyres use a softer compound and a different tread with many small cuts called sipes, which improve grip on cold wet roads, ice and snow. All-season tyres sit in between.
Summer tyres
- Best grip and braking in warm and moderately cool weather.
- Not designed for snow or ice.
- Usually the fitted standard on most UK cars.
Winter tyres
- Better grip below roughly 7 degrees, even on wet and dry tarmac.
- Designed for snow and ice with deep sipes.
- Wear faster in warm weather, so are usually swapped in spring.
- Marked with the three-peak mountain snowflake symbol; see tyre markings.
All-season tyres
- A compromise that works all year in mild climates.
- Many carry the snowflake symbol, showing they passed a snow test.
- Generally do not match a dedicated winter tyre in deep snow or summer tyres in hot dry grip.
- Convenient: no swapping and storage.
Which is right for you?
Most UK drivers on main roads, in towns and in the south, do well with good summer tyres or all-season tyres. People who live in hilly or rural areas, drive early in the morning on untreated roads or often see frost and snow may benefit more from winter or all-season tyres. Commuters in cities usually have gritted roads, so the benefit is smaller.
Winter sets and wheels
Some drivers buy a second set of wheels fitted with winter tyres and swap seasonally, which saves on tyre wear and fitting charges over time. Store off-season tyres out of sunlight, in a cool, dry place. See changing tyre size for approved smaller wheels.
Never mix
Do not mix winter and summer tyres on the same axle. Ideally fit all four the same. See replace tyres in pairs.
4x4s, vans and EVs
Four-wheel drive helps you pull away but does nothing for stopping or turning, which depend on tyres. See 4x4 and SUV tyres. EV and van owners should choose tyres with the right load index; see electric car tyres and load index explained.
Speed rating
Winter tyres may have a lower speed rating than summer ones. See speed ratings explained.
Fitting and swapping
We can fit and balance new tyres at your location; see mobile tyre fitting and mobile wheel balancing. We cover places including Leeds, Glasgow, Manchester and Birmingham; see the areas list. Call now for a quote on 0800 772 0355 or book now.
The seven degree rule explained
The often quoted threshold of about 7 degrees Celsius comes from how rubber behaves: below that, summer compounds stiffen and lose grip, even on dry roads. In the UK, many mornings from late autumn to early spring sit below that figure, even without any snow. That is why winter and all-season tyres can make a difference on cold, wet and frosty roads, not only in snow.
Costs and wear over time
A winter set costs money, but while it is on the car your summer tyres are not wearing, so total tyre life is shared across two sets. Swapping wheels at home needs storage space and a little effort; having a second set of wheels mounted makes the swap quick. All-season tyres avoid the swap but may wear faster in hot weather and cannot match a dedicated winter tyre in severe conditions. The best choice depends on where you drive, how many miles you cover and how much storage you have.
Checking tread on winter tyres
Winter tyres lose much of their benefit when the tread falls to around 4mm, well above the legal limit, so check them often. Measure and note the depth at the start of the season, and replace them when they drop to the point where wet and snow grip fall away.
Where to store a second set
Keep off-season tyres somewhere cool, dry and dark, such as a garage or shed, away from sunlight, solvents and electric motors. Stand tyres on their treads if they are on rims, stacked or hung, or upright if they are loose, and label the wheel positions before removing them. Check the pressure and condition before refitting, and have the wheels rebalanced if you notice any vibration after the swap.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need winter tyres in the UK?
Not by law, but they help in cold, wet and icy conditions, especially in rural or hilly areas.
What does the snowflake symbol mean?
The tyre passed a defined snow-grip test.
Can I mix winter and summer tyres?
No. Fit the same type on all four wheels.
Can you fit all-season tyres?
Yes. Call now for a quote on 0800 772 0355.
Related Help
Need help with your tyres now?
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