Winter Tyres Explained: How They Work and When to Use Them

Updated 30 September 2025

What Are Winter Tyres?

Winter tyres are designed for cold conditions and slippery roads. They perform best in rain, ice, snow, and dry but low-temperature surfaces.

Unlike snow tyres, winter tyres don’t have metal studs. Instead, they are built specifically to maximise traction in cold weather, helping your vehicle stop and steer as effectively as possible even when the road surface is icy or frosty.

How Do Winter Tyres Work?

Winter tyres use a higher natural rubber content that keeps the rubber soft and flexible in freezing conditions. This is key to delivering grip where summer tyres would harden and lose performance.

They also feature:

• More grooves and sipes: The tread has many fine cuts that improve traction and channel away water, reducing the risk of aquaplaning.

• Deeper tread patterns: These bite into snow, ice, and slush, improving braking distances and control.

• Self-cleaning blocks: The tread blocks are designed to flex and vibrate, shaking out any snow that might otherwise clog the tyre and render it ineffective.

• Cold-weather traction: Below 7°C, winter tyres grip far better than both summer and all-season tyres.

What Do the Symbols Mean?

Winter tyres often carry two distinctive markings on the sidewall:

• M+S (Mud and Snow): Indicates the tread pattern and rubber compound offer better handling in muddy or snowy conditions than standard summer tyres. You’ll find this symbol on both all-season and winter tyres.

• 3PMSF (Three Peak Mountain Snowflake): Shows the tyre has passed EU Regulation 661/2009 for snow performance. This mark only applies to true winter tyres.

What Is the UK Law on Winter Tyres?

In the UK, there is no legal requirement to use winter tyres. Most drivers manage year-round with summer or all-season tyres, although motorists in remote areas – such as the Scottish Highlands – often choose them for added safety.

Across Europe, the rules can be far stricter:

• Sweden: Winter tyres are compulsory from December to March.

• Austria: They must be fitted between 1 November and 15 April, with fines of up to €5,000 for non-compliance.

When Should I Fit Winter Tyres?

For maximum benefit, switch to winter tyres in late November and keep them fitted until early March. During this period, average UK temperatures often dip below 7°C, when winter tyres deliver more grip than summer alternatives.

How Much Do Winter Tyres Cost?

The cost depends on your car and wheel size. On average, they are slightly more expensive than equivalent summer tyres in the UK, but many drivers consider the extra safety worthwhile.

Winter Tyres vs All-Season Tyres

All-season tyres are designed as a compromise, offering reasonable performance in both summer and winter conditions. However, they cannot match the grip and control of winter tyres in icy, snowy, or very cold weather. If you drive regularly in harsh winter conditions, dedicated winter tyres provide noticeably better safety and handling.