Understanding Winter Tyre Laws in the UK: What You Need to Know Before Driving
The winter season can bring challenging driving conditions, including heavy rain, sleet, snow, and black ice. So, it is no surprise that many drivers in the UK opt to fit their vehicles with a set of winter tyres. But is this really necessary, and do winter tyres have any advantages over summer or all season tyres? To answer those questions, let's delve into this topic in a little more detail.
What Are Winter Tyres?
Winter tyres are specifically designed to ensure that cold temperatures and potentially hazardous weather conditions don't make your vehicle difficult to handle when out on the road.
Winter tyres are constructed from a softer compound rubber material and are equipped with a number of features, such as narrow sipes and deeper grooves for improved traction and more effective water and snow dispersal.
Are Winter Tyres Mandatory in the UK?
When it comes to winter tyres UK law is very different to the legislation in effect across many other European countries. So, unlike in Finland and Estonia, where winter tyres are a legal requirement, there is no obligation for UK drivers to switch to dedicated winter tyres during the colder months of the year.
The main reason for this is that the UK doesn't typically experience the severe winter weather conditions that are seen in countries that do legally require drivers to use winter tyres. However, as weather conditions become increasingly changeable across every season, there is an argument to be made that dedicated winter tyres in the UK provide an additional level of safety in wet, snowy and icy conditions
Should I Invest in Winter Tyres?
When temperatures fall below 7 degrees Celsius, it is a good idea to review our winter tyres guide and perhaps switch out your summer tyres for either winter or all season tyres.
Both winter and all season tyres are more effective in cold weather.
It is a good idea to book a free seasonal safety check at your local Protyre garage ahead of the winter season, which will evaluate everything from your car's oil levels to your battery health and wiper blades. It also includes a tyre check to guarantee that your tyres are compliant with UK requirements.
In addition, our tyre professionals will be on hand to provide personalised advice and answer any questions you have to help you make the right decisions for you.
Popular Winter Car Tyres
We stock a selection of winter tyres from leading brands. Some of the most popular
models include:
- Bridgestone Blizzak LM001
Suitable for compacts, mid-sized cars and some family saloons, this premium winter tyre provides excellent stability when cornering, supports precise steering, and delivers a reliable grip.
- Falken Eurowinter HS-435
The soft tread compound provides excellent flexibility in low temperatures, and its deep grooves efficiently remove water, slush and snow for optimal levels of traction on challenging surfaces.
- Goodyear Eagle UltraGrip GW-3
This premium winter tyre provides drivers with highly responsive handling in wintry and wet driving conditions, as well as featuring RunOnFlat technology for additional peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
When it comes to winter tyres UK law clearly states that they are not a requirement. This means that if you only drive in cities on well-gritted roads, you may not need to invest in a dedicated set of winter tyres for your vehicle. However, if you live in a remote area, frequently drive on a variety of different roads or encounter a range of driving conditions, then you will likely experience a number of handling, performance and safety benefits from investing in a high quality set of winter tyres for your vehicle. Talk to a Protyre expert to explore your options
Industry standard symbols can be found on the sidewall of all winter tyres. Look out for the three-peak mountain snowflake (3PMSF) or the M+S symbol. If you're keen to invest in a new set of winter tyres, you can order online from the Protyre website and pay with Klarna to spread the cost.
