As the days get colder, UK drivers start searching whether winter tyres are worth it. Unlike in Germany or Austria, winter tyres are not compulsory in the UK. So do you need them, would all-season tyres be a better choice, and how do you decide? This guide gives a practical answer.
Are winter tyres a legal requirement in the UK?
No. There is no law in the UK requiring winter tyres or snow chains on normal roads. Your tyres must simply meet the general tyre law: at least 1.6 mm of tread across the central three-quarters and no serious damage – see our guide to UK tyre law.
If you drive abroad in winter, however, the rules can be very different. In Germany, for example, winter conditions require tyres with the alpine (mountain-and-snowflake) symbol, and in Austria winter tyres are required in winter conditions between 1 November and 15 April. Check the rules for every country on your route.
What makes a winter tyre different?
- Softer rubber compound that stays flexible below about 7 °C, when summer tyres harden.
- Deeper tread with many small slits (sipes) that grip snow and slush.
- Better braking on cold, wet roads – not just on snow.
Who benefits most from winter tyres?
- drivers in rural, hilly or northern areas such as Scotland, Wales, the Pennines or the north of England, where snow and ice are more common,
- people who must travel whatever the weather – carers, healthcare workers, commuters without alternatives,
- owners of rear-wheel-drive or powerful cars, which struggle for traction on summer tyres in the cold,
- drivers who take their car to the Alps or Scandinavia in winter.
All-season tyres: the UK compromise
For many UK drivers, all-season tyres with the alpine symbol are the best compromise. They perform better than summer tyres in cold, wet and occasionally snowy conditions, and you don’t need to swap tyres twice a year or store a second set. Tyre tests show that the best all-season tyres come close to winter tyres in light winter conditions, while dedicated winter tyres remain better on snow and ice.
Costs to consider
- a second set of tyres (ideally on separate wheels),
- fitting and balancing twice a year,
- storage, if you don’t have space at home.
Because you use each set only half the year, both last longer – so the long-term extra cost is lower than it first appears.
When to fit winter tyres
A common rule of thumb is to fit winter tyres when average temperatures stay below about 7 °C – in most of the UK from November to March. Book early: tyre shops get busy as soon as the first frost arrives.
Checking tyre test results
Independent tests by motoring clubs compare braking, handling and wear every autumn. Cheap budget tyres often perform poorly, especially in wet braking, so it is worth checking test results before you buy. Our winter tyre guide explains tread depth, tyre age and changeover costs.
Prepare the rest of your car too
Tyres are only part of winter readiness. Battery, antifreeze, wipers and lights matter just as much – see our winter car checklist.
Find a tyre shop near you
Kardet lists tyre shops and garages across Europe. Send a free request with your tyre size and get offers from local providers.