Winter is here, and with it, the need to ensure your car is ready for the colder months. One of the most important aspects of winter car preparation is making sure you have the right tyres for the driving conditions. Heavy rain, ice, mud, plant debris and snow all create additional hazards on the roads during those winter months, so it’s important to ensure your car is up to the challenge.
In this article, we'll cover everything you need to know about winter tyres, including what they are, why they're necessary, and how they differ from other types of tyres.
Winter tyres are specifically designed to perform better in cold weather conditions. Once called snow tyres, the naming of the tyres evolved alongside technological evolutions that mean snow tyres are no longer just good for snow, but for all winter conditions. Winter car tyres are made from a special rubber compound that remains flexible at lower temperatures, providing better grip and handling on icy and snowy roads. The tread pattern on winter tyres is also unique, featuring deeper grooves and more sipes (small slits) to improve traction on snow and ice.
Winter tyres improve driving safety in poor weather conditions. Here’s why:
- Superior grip and traction on snow and ice due to specialised rubber compound and tread design.
- Shorter braking distances and better handling, which reduces the risk of accidents.
- Consistent performance in extreme cold – as they remain flexible at low temperatures.
- Improved fuel efficiency by reducing the energy needed to maintain traction on slippery surfaces.
- Enhanced safety and peace of mind during the winter months.
While it's not a legal requirement to use winter tyres in the UK, they are highly recommended if you live in areas that regularly experience cold, icy or snowy conditions. Winter tyres provide better grip and handling in temperatures below 7°C, which can significantly enhance your safety on the road. They are particularly beneficial in rural or hilly areas where roads are less likely to be gritted. Even in urban areas, winter tyres can improve your vehicle's performance during the colder months, offering peace of mind and reducing the risk of accidents. So, while not mandatory, switching to winter tyres in the UK can be a smart move for safer winter driving.
There’s no exact date or month that you should change your tyres in winter. As we’ve said, winter tyres perform best in temperatures below 7°C, so keep an eye on the weather forecast to help you decide. In usual weather patterns, this tends to be around November time, with temperatures rising again in March/April – but we all know the Great British weather can be unpredictable!
While there is no UK law against using winter tyres in the summer, it's not recommended. Winter tyres are designed for optimal performance in cold conditions. In warmer weather, the softer rubber compound of winter tyres can wear out more quickly, leading to reduced tread life. Additionally, the tread pattern of winter tyres, which is great for snow and ice, can cause increased road noise and reduced fuel efficiency on dry, warm roads. For these reasons, it's best to switch to summer or all-season tyres during the warmer months to ensure your tyres last longer and your vehicle performs efficiently.
Understanding the differences between winter tyres and other types of tyres can help you make an informed decision on which is best:
- Winter tyres vs. summer tyres: Summer tyres are made from a harder rubber compound that performs well in warm conditions but becomes rigid in the cold, reducing grip. Winter tyres, on the other hand, stay flexible in low temperatures.
- Winter tyres vs. all-season tyres: All-season tyres are a compromise between summer and winter tyres. They can handle a variety of conditions but don't perform as well as winter tyres in extreme cold or snow.
Absolutely! If you live in an area that experiences cold winters – particularly rural and hilly areas – investing in winter tyres can significantly enhance your safety on the road. They provide better control and stability, which is crucial for navigating icy and snowy conditions.
If you have any questions about winter tyres or need help choosing the best tyre for winter, head to your nearest Eurorepar garage to speak to one of our friendly experts. We're here to help you stay safe and prepared for whatever winter throws your way!
For more advice on winter driving, check out our breakdown kit checklist and our step-by-step guide to changing a tyre yourself.
