The great winter tyre debate

Winter is here, but do we need specific tyres?

It’s said that there’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing. And just as we wouldn’t head to the ski slopes in shorts and flip-flops, it’s easy to assume the same logic applies to our cars.

For many drivers, winter tyres are a fantastic idea. They give good traction, even in icy conditions. They're safer to drive through large amounts of water and boast a shorter braking distance than a summer wheel. But they can also be bulky. And expensive. And unlike a warm jacket or fleece-lined boot, not a simple thing to take off.

What are winter tyres?

In the UK, there are three main varieties of tyre: summer, all-season, and winter. It's not law in the UK, but generally advice is to switch to winter tyres when temperatures dip below 7 degrees Celsius.

Summer tyres, as a rule, do better in mild weather. Their tread has large contact patches, to help sweep away excess water. They’re made using softer rubber, designed for a tighter grip on tarmac and more agility during harsh turns. The downside is that when the temperature drops, this rubber toughens to the point where it could crack. And the wider grooves struggle to sweep away snow or ice.

All-seasonal tyres - the hybrid of the group – have a similar rubber compound to summer, but a more intricately-patterned tyre tread.

Winter tyres are made from tough rubber with a high silica content to help them stay flexible and grippy on the road. They also have deeper, narrower grooves than summer tyres. Across these grooves are something called sipes: thin slits cut into the rubber. This tread pattern is designed to give better traction during cold snaps, and helps you stop faster on icy or frosty roads. Keep an eye out for a snowflake or mountain icon if you're looking to buy winter tyres.

Pros and cons of different types of tyres

Do I need them?

Legally, a UK-driven car isn’t required to switch tyres with seasons. Hybrid options are standard, and many drivers get on with these just fine.

The impacts of climate change will also be a factor. Years ago, it was the norm to swap tyres around Halloween, then back again with BST. Nowadays, with our shorter, milder winters, there won’t necessarily be enough sub-7 degrees Celsius days to warrant this. But this could also depend on your postcode. Drivers in the icy Highlands will face different conditions to those on the balmy Cornish coast.

If you regularly drive your car abroad, law could be a factor too. Several European countries - including Finland, Germany, Austria and Iceland - require winter tyres during specific months. The tread depths can also differ, so check before you travel.

A final consideration is money. Not just the price of the tyre, but their tendency to make the car guzzle fuel during warmer months. This makes them expensive to run all-year round, so if you’re simply in the market for a new set, all-seasons are a better option. Which leads us onto…

How much will they cost?

As with many goods, quality doesn’t come cheap. Winter tyres are an investment, costing up to £1000 for a full set (ideally you’d buy a full set: replacing just the back upsets the stability of your car and can wear down the tread).

But the initial outlay could save you £££ down the road. Changing between seasonal tyres will keep them in good nick. Their material and groove patterns are designed to save fuel and resist extreme conditions. If a mechanic changes your tyres, you should only need to check your tread twice a year. Which will help prevent surprises and costly repairs.

Do I need to tell my insurer?

Not usually. So long as your tyres are roadworthy and have been fitted in accordance with manufacturer instructions, and you’re not planning on changing the wheels. But you can check the ABI’s online guide first. If your insurer isn’t listed, or you’re still not sure, give them a quick call.

If you’re expecting regular extreme weather, like snow, ice or hail, then winter tyres might be a sensible choice. For everyone else, good sense and a regular twenty pence coin-check will be enough to weather occasional storms. Regardless of your decision, decent insurance is a must on the roads. AXA car cover starts from just £241¹ and can include extras such as breakdown cover and courtesy car upgrades. Get a quote, or find out more.

¹ 10% of AXA Comprehensive Car Insurance customers paid this or less between 1 January and 31 March 2025.