Should you switch to winter tyres this year?

Tuesday 18th November 2025

The nights are darker, the temperature drastically falls, and the weather is unpredictable: it’s a classic UK winter. But even if you don’t see heavy snow, the colder conditions can significantly affect how your tyres grip, brake and steer. This is where winter tyres become one of the most effective ways to drive safer, whether it’s a short journey across town or a longer motorway trip.

In this guide, we share our 55 years’ worth of car maintenance experience, breaking down when to change to winter tyres, what makes them different, and whether they’re right for you.?

What are winter tyres?

Winter tyres are engineered to provide safer handling, better braking and improved traction when the colder temperatures bring bad weather. They contain:

Higher natural rubber content to keep the tyres flexible in lower temperatures

Advanced silica compounds which prevent the tyres hardening below 7ºC

Deeper tread grooves to disperse water and grip packed snow

Thousands of tiny cuts (called sipes) which reduces the likelihood of aquaplaning

This combination means winter tyres maintain grip and stability when summer tyres may stiffen and slide.?

How to identify winter tyres

You can identify winter tyres by locating the Three Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) on the tyre sidewall or the letters ‘M+S’ which stand for mud and snow. For tyres to qualify for these ratings, they must be tested to a regulatory standard.

When should I change to winter tyres?

There are three reliable guidelines to help you decide when to change to winter tyres:

When temperatures consistently reach 7ºC or below as cold conditions harden summer tyres, reducing their grip and extending braking distances.?

When the UK ‘civil’ time changes from British Summer Time (BST) to Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) meaning clocks go back one hour.

When your local forecast predicts prolonged colder spells, especially if you’re a rural driver or live in hillier parts of the UK.

While the UK’s astronomical winter is usually a few days before Christmas to mid-March of the next year, the meteorological winter between December and February is a better judgement to use.

Even though UK winters are gradually warming, like the data from Carbon Brief explains, sharp temperature drops still occur (often unexpectedly). Contact your local Formula One Autocentres branch to choose your new winter tyres. You can buy online and make an appointment for free fitting and disposal of your old tyres.

How does the drop in temperature affect tyres?

A tyre’s performance is impacted by the drop in temperature, as the tyre compound used in summer tyres isn’t as suitable to safely and effectively handle icy and wet conditions. The winter also:

Stiffens the rubber of the tyres

Decreases tyre pressure

Increases the risk of cracks or bulges?

Creates longer braking distances

According to the British Tyre Manufacturers’ Association, a car braking at 60mph on a wet 5°C road stopped 5 metres shorter with winter tyres fitted. That’s over a full car length’s difference.?

The TyreSafe charity recommends fitting winter tyres, as standard tyres lack the specialist patterns needed for cold-weather performance. They also provide a ‘Winter Weather Tyres’ safety leaflet.?

Why should you buy winter tyres?

There is no necessity to buy winter tyres, as they’re not compulsory in the UK, but they’re a smart and safe choice in several situations.

You should choose winter tyres if:

You live in remote areas of the UK where bad weather conditions are likely to last for longer.

You regularly drive early mornings or late evenings, which is when temperatures are usually at their lowest.

You commute longer distances.

You want shorter stopping distances, as safety is paramount.

You aren’t confident or experienced driving in icy conditions.

The area you live in is prone to frost, black ice or steep inclines.

Winter tyres are designed with specialist cold-weather compounds, so they retain enhanced grip on the road in icy or wet conditions. If you’re worried about tyre safety, Formula One Autocentres offers a free tyre check.

How much are winter tyres?

The cost of winter tyres depends on whether you opt for budget brands, mid-range or premium tyres, as well as the size. At Formula One Autocentres, our online tyre prices are consistently lower than in-store prices because it provides us with 2 days prior to fitting to track down and secure your chosen tyres at the best available price.

You can choose premium tyres from leading tyre manufacturers, like Bridgestone, Pirelli, and Kumho, or, if you prefer, choose from our extensive range of budget brands. Every price online, ranging between £53 and £357 per tyre, is the cost of the fully fitted tyre, with no hidden costs, as you deserve full transparency when making your car safer.

However, buying winter tyres for your vehicle should not replace your regular maintenance checks throughout the year. Worried about checking your tyres yourself? Contact Formula One Autocentres for a free tyre check.

Winter tyre comparison chart?

In this chart, we’ve compared the pros and cons of winter tyres. The main comparison is between increased safety and practicality or cost.

Advantages of Winter Tyres	Disadvantages of Winter Tyres
Designed for temperatures below 7ºC	Not as suitable for warmer weather
Enhanced grip on snow, ice and slush	Can be costly to add to your car, as it means buying two sets
Shorter braking distances in poor weather	Seasonal fitting and removal needed
Improved stability and control	Additional storage space needed
Enhanced aquaplaning resistance	Higher upfront cost
Engineered to withstand winter conditions	Can wear faster if used in warm temperatures
Can be more cost-effective in the long-run due to slower winter wear	UK winters can be mild, reducing the perceived benefit
Increased confidence for drivers anxious about winter conditions	Not legally required