Driving during the colder months can be tricky, and staying safe on Britain’s roads is essential. One way to prepare your vehicle for icy, wet, and snowy conditions is by fitting winter tyres, also known as snow tyres.
At first glance, winter tyres may look like standard summer tyres, but they are designed with a different rubber compound and tread pattern. Unlike summer tyres, they perform best when the temperature drops below +7°C. This makes them highly effective not only on snow but also on icy or wet roads, giving drivers better grip and control.
Whether you drive a car or van, winter tyres can make a big difference to your safety and driving confidence during the colder season. A wide selection is available across premium brands like Continental, Bridgestone, and Pirelli, as well as affordable options to suit different budgets.
When temperatures drop, driving conditions become more challenging. Equipping your vehicle with winter tyres (also known as snow tyres) can make a huge difference to your safety and driving confidence during the colder months.
Designed for vans and light commercial vehicles, the Continental VancoWinter provides outstanding grip on snow, ice, and wet surfaces. With reinforced sidewalls and a tough tread, it delivers stability under heavy loads—making it an excellent choice for business or long-distance winter driving.
The Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3 is built for high-performance vehicles, offering precise handling and excellent braking on snow, ice, and cold wet roads. Its advanced tread technology ensures drivers enjoy control and confidence, even in severe winter conditions.
For SUVs and larger vehicles, the Continental CrossContact Winter offers dependable grip and stability on winter roads. Its tread pattern is designed to improve braking and cornering, providing safe and reliable performance when driving in snow or on icy surfaces.
Winter tyres are made from a softer rubber compound that contains more natural rubber. Unlike summer tyres, they remain flexible in temperatures below +7°C, maintaining traction and reducing braking distances on icy, snowy, and wet roads. The tread features deep grooves and thousands of fine slits (sipes) that “bite” into snow and ice, providing interlocking grip where it’s needed most. This helps drivers maintain control even in slippery conditions.
If you’re planning to drive abroad, it’s important to check local regulations. In many European countries, winter tyres are either mandatory or highly recommended during the winter months.
In the UK, the best time to switch to winter tyres is typically between October and March, when temperatures often drop below +7°C. At this point, summer tyres begin to lose flexibility, while winter tyres maintain grip and safety on cold, wet, or icy roads.
Changing tyres twice a year can feel like a hassle, but many garages and tyre specialists offer seasonal tyre swap services. These services not only fit your tyres at the right time but also provide safe storage for the set you’re not using, saving you the trouble of finding space at home.
For guidance on the most suitable tyres for your car—whether winter, summer, or all-season—it’s always a good idea to speak with a tyre professional. They can recommend the right option based on your driving habits, vehicle type, and local weather conditions. You can also explore helpful resources and driving tips online to stay safe and prepared throughout the winter season.
