What are Winter Tyres?
Winter tyres are made to provide the best traction and grip possible in cold weather. They have a softer compound, deeper grooves, and tiny incisions (known as sipes) built into the tread. These characteristics improve contact with the road by spreading water and snow and allowing the rubber to move around.
A winter tyre can be recognised by the snowflake logo on the sidewall. Keep in mind that tyres stamped “M+S” (mud and snow) but without the snowflake emblem are not always appropriate winter tyres.
What are the benefits of Winter Tyres?
For winter tyres, temperatures below 7 degrees Celsius are ideal. In these conditions, regardless of whether there is snow or ice, they actually perform better for traction, cornering grip, and braking than normal “summer” tyres.
The efficiency of winter tyres has been investigated by Tyresafe, an independent organization dedicated to traffic safety.
It discovered:
| Temperature / Condition | Summer Tyres Stopping Distance | Winter Tyres Stopping Distance |
|---|---|---|
| 20 degrees C | 65.3m | 67m |
| 5 degrees C | 70.5m | 65.7m |
On snow, the distance grows significantly because winter tyres’ sipes still provide traction when the tread is packed with wet snow. A two-wheel-drive automobile with winter tyres is invariably safer in these conditions than a four-wheel-drive vehicle with summer tyres.
What is the Law on Winter Tyres?
In the UK, winter tyres are not required. Fewer drivers, many of whom reside in more rural regions, such as the Scottish Highlands, choose to install them.
However, the situation is very different throughout most of continental Europe. For instance, winter tyres are required in Sweden from the start of December until the end of March. Additionally, between 1 November and 15 April in Austria, they must be installed, or you risk a €5,000 punishment.
To stay legal and safe while travelling, always check local regulations.
How much do Winter Tyres cost?
Depending on your car and wheel size, the cost of winter tyres varies considerably. On average, they cost a little bit more than a comparable summer tyre in the UK.
Even if buying four winter tyres is expensive, keep in mind that your summer tyres will live longer as a result, especially if you also buy a set of “winter wheels” to prevent switching over twice a year. The longer-term cost of winter tyres is therefore rather modest, despite the fact that the initial investment may be somewhat significant.
Having said that, if you don’t have a proper garage or shed, you might also have to pay for storage at a “Tyre Hotel.” For instance, ATS Euromaster bills £7.50 per tyre per season.
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