Winter Tyres – Stay Safe in Cold Conditions

What are winter tyres?

Winter tyres are designed to deliver maximum safety and performance when temperatures fall below 7°C. They’re built to tackle ice, slush, snow and frosty conditions by using special rubber compounds and unique tread patterns that provide superior traction and shorter braking distances .

While we don’t get harsh winters in the UK as often as some countries, winter tyres are still an option, especially if you live in rural areas, higher altitudes, or travel frequently during the colder months.

How do winter tyres work?

Winter tyres use a softer rubber compound that stays flexible in low temperatures. This flexibility helps the tyre maintain grip on cold roads, something that summer tyres simply can't do.

They also feature deep grooves and a large number of small cuts called sipes, which bite into snow and ice for improved traction.

Here’s how the key elements work together:

1. Softer Rubber Compounds

Winter tyres are made from a high-silica compound that remains flexible in temperatures below 7°C. While summer tyres stiffen up in the cold and lose grip, winter tyres stay pliable, helping them maintain strong contact with the road, even in freezing conditions.

2. Sipes for Extra Grip

Look closely at a winter tyre and you’ll see lots of tiny cuts in the tread blocks. These are called sipes, and they’re designed to provide extra biting edges. On snow, slush or ice, these sipes grip the surface more effectively, improving acceleration, braking and handling.

3. Deeper, Wider Tread Patterns

Winter tyres also feature deeper tread depths and wider grooves. This allows them to channel snow, slush and water away from the contact patch, reducing the risk of aquaplaning and maintaining traction on slippery roads.

4. Snow Compaction for Traction

Interestingly, winter tyres use snow to grip snow. Their tread is designed to compact snow into the grooves, creating friction between the tyre and the road surface. This snow-on-snow contact generates far more grip than you’d expect.

5. Evolving Tread Designs

Some premium winter tyres use multi-layered tread compounds that adapt as the tyre wears. These “evolving” designs ensure that wet or icy grip is maintained throughout the life of the tyre, not just when it’s new.

Benefits of winter tyres

• Improved grip on cold, wet, icy or snowy roads
• Shorter braking distances in freezing conditions
• Better handling and cornering in winter weather
• Increased confidence behind the wheel during winter

Recommended winter tyres

Some great winter tyre options for UK drivers include:

• Continental WinterContact TS 870: Excellent wet and snow handling with strong wear resistance.
• Michelin Alpin 6: Reliable winter performance and extended lifespan thanks to evolving tread pattern.
• Goodyear UltraGrip Performance+: Great traction in snow and slush with responsive handling.

All of these tyres are engineered for UK winter conditions and could be the difference between a safe stop and a close call.

Are winter tyres suitable for the UK?

They are suitable in areas where winter conditions are more pronounced. Even when there’s no snow, the colder temperatures can cause summer tyres to lose flexibility and traction. Winter tyres offer peace of mind and increased safety when you need it most.

That said, if your region experiences milder winters and limited snowfall, a high-quality all-season tyre might be sufficient.

Winter tyre maintenance tips

• Store them properly: When not in use, keep them in a cool, dry place away from sunlight.
• Check pressure often: Cold air reduces tyre pressure.
• Inspect for cracks or wear especially after long periods of use or storage.
• Change all four tyres: Mixing winter and summer tyres compromises vehicle balance and safety.

Final thoughts

Winter tyres are a smart investment if you want to stay mobile and safe when the weather turns particularly inclement and icy / snowy. Their specialised design makes a big difference in cold conditions, and with more premium