What are winter tyres?
Standard summer tyres can become stiffer as temperatures fall. Winter tyres use a different rubber compound with a high silica content, along with a tread pattern designed to remain flexible when temperatures drop below around 7°C.
This can improve braking and handling on snow and ice, as well as on cold, wet roads.
You can usually identify winter tyres by the snowflake or snow-topped mountain symbol on the sidewall.
Winter tyres aren't designed to be used all year round, though. Summer tyres generally perform better when temperatures rise and roads are dry, so choosing specialist winter tyres usually means swapping between two sets during the year.
Do you need winter tyres in the UK?
Unlike some European countries, winter tyres aren't compulsory in the UK.
For many drivers, the relatively mild climate means the extra cost and inconvenience of owning, storing and fitting two sets of tyres may be difficult to justify. Many parts of the UK rarely experience prolonged snow or ice, and some drivers can avoid using their car when conditions are particularly bad.
But winter tyres could be worth considering if you live somewhere that regularly experiences colder conditions, particularly remote or rural areas where snow and ice may last longer.
Think about:
- the conditions where you live
- how often you need to drive in bad weather
- how confident you feel driving when roads are icy or snowy.
Should you fit two or four winter tyres?
If you decide to switch to winter tyres, you should fit all four. Fitting winter tyres to only one axle can affect the balance and stability of your car.
Do you need new wheels for winter tyres?
Not necessarily. A tyre fitter can swap your summer and winter tyres on the same wheels, although some drivers choose a separate set of wheels to make seasonal changes easier.
Some winter tyres are available pre-fitted to steel wheels, which can be cheaper than alloy wheels. If you change wheels, you may also need a different type of wheel nut or bolt, so check with the supplier or your vehicle manufacturer.
Make sure the diameter, width and offset of any replacement wheels meet your vehicle manufacturer's specifications. You can check your vehicle handbook for suitable wheel and tyre sizes.
What about all-season tyres?
All-season tyres offer another option. They use a rubber compound similar to winter tyres but have a tread pattern that's a compromise between summer and winter designs.
They may not offer the same specialist performance as dedicated winter tyres, but they can perform better than summer tyres in wintry conditions while avoiding the need to swap tyres twice a year.
What about snow chains?
If you don't want to invest in winter tyres, you might consider carrying snow chains for emergencies.
Snow chains should only be used when the road is covered by enough compacted snow or ice to protect the surface from damage.
They can also be difficult to fit and remove, particularly in cold conditions or when snow has built up around the wheel arches. If you're planning to carry them, make sure you know how to fit them before you need to use them.
Do you need to tell your insurer about winter tyres?
You shouldn't normally need to tell your insurer if you fit winter tyres to your existing wheels, but requirements can vary. Check your policy or contact your insurer to confirm whether you need to notify them, even if fitting winter tyres doesn't affect your premium or cover.
If you use a second set of wheels, make sure they're the correct specification for your vehicle.
Look after your tyres throughout winter
Whatever type of tyre you use, regular checks are important.
Check your tyre pressures against the manufacturer's recommended levels. Don't be tempted to reduce the pressure to try to improve grip in snow or ice – this won't help and can affect your car's handling.
Keep an eye on your tread depth too. The legal minimum tread depth for cars in the UK is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre, although more tread can help tyres perform better in challenging winter conditions.
Check regularly for cuts, cracks, bulges or other signs of damage.
Good maintenance can reduce the risk of tyre problems, but it can't protect you from everything. Winter potholes, road debris or a sharp object can still damage a well-maintained tyre and leave you facing an unexpected repair or replacement bill.
Extra reassurance with AA Tyre Cover
To help with the cost of repairing or replacing a damaged tyre, AA members can add AA Tyre Cover.
You can claim up to £160 per damaged tyre, for up to five tyres during a 12-month policy period, subject to the policy terms.
Tyre Cover is designed for unexpected damage rather than routine maintenance or tyres that have reached the end of their normal working life through wear and tear.
You'll need AA breakdown cover and must report the tyre-related breakdown to us. A seven-day initial exclusion period and other terms and exclusions apply, so check the policy documents to understand what's covered.
Ready for the road this winter?
A few simple checks can make a big difference. Keep an eye on your tyre pressures, tread and overall condition, particularly when temperatures drop or before a longer winter journey.
And while good maintenance can help reduce the chances of a problem, it can't protect you from every pothole or sharp object in the road.
Find out more about AA Tyre Cover and see if it's right for you.
More advice on tyres:
