When should you use winter tyres versus all-season tyres?
Your choice of tyres will have a significant impact on your driving experience, which is precisely why selecting the right tyres for the right time of the year is essential. There are many different factors that can influence which tyres you ultimately choose, with the weather conditions being one of the most important elements to consider. In the UK, there are three different types of seasonal tyre, with all-season and winter tyres being the most popular options. So, let's take a look at the differences between all-season and winter tyres, which we hope will provide you with all the information you need to make the right choice for you and your vehicle.
What are winter tyres?
Winter tyres provide positive driving experiences in challenging conditions and in temperatures below 7 degrees Celsius. They are equipped with a number of design features to help remove slush from the surface and really grip onto frosty road surfaces. Additionally, they have wider grooves running around their circumference as well as larger shoulder blocks, which minimise the risks of aquaplaning in wet conditions.
Winter tyres are markedly louder than summer or all-winter tyres, and they can start to show signs of wear much faster. This is because the compound material they are constructed from is relatively soft, which means it can provide plenty of grip on icy and snow-covered roads by remaining flexible even in chilly conditions.
However, as they soften in temperatures above 7 degrees Celsius, the characteristics that provide a level of safety and precision in winter conditions are lost. This means that they should not be used outside of the winter season.
Key features of winter tyres:
Excellent grip on ice and snow
Suitable for use in temperatures below 7 degrees Celsius
Shorter braking distance on ice and snow-covered roads
What are all-season tyres?
All-season or all-year tyres do exactly what the name suggests: they are a reliable option for most of the year as they combine the most important elements of both winter and summer tyres. They are constructed from a much harder compound material than winter tyres and are renowned for being incredibly durable and much less prone to wear and tear.
All-season tyres have tread patterns with more notches and grooves than summer tyres, which allows them to grip onto frost or light snow-covered road conditions. So, they can be an excellent choice when driving frequently on both dry and wet roads. However, while they function optimally in average temperatures, they are not designed to deliver an optimal handling and braking experience in harsh winter weather.
Key features of all-season tyres:
Constructed from a durable, long-lasting hard compound material Quieter rolling noise than winter tyres Suitable for use in mild temperatures
Can I use all-season tyres all year round?
There are no legal requirements that mandate which type of tyre can be used at any given point throughout the year, however, there are strong recommendations which will result in an improved driving experience.
All-season tyres can only be used all year round in climates that experience mild winters, mild summers, and only occasional light snowfall. We advise vehicle owners in regions experiencing harsh winters to switch from all-season to winter tyres as soon as the temperature falls below 7 degrees Celsius.
How do I recognise winter tyres?
Winter tyres are stamped with a snowflake or a mountain symbol, as well as the M+S symbol.
The snowflake/mountain is also known as the 3PMSF or the three-peak mountain and snowflake and indicates that the tyre meets the regulatory performance requirements on snowy conditions set out by the EU regulation 661/2009.
The M+S symbol indicates that the tyre has been proven to handle well in both snow and mud, both of which you are likely to encounter during the winter months.
What does a winter tyre tread pattern look like?
The tread block of winter tyres features a number of narrow slits, which are referred to as sipes. As sipes are interlocked, they are able to effectively bite into the snow and provide shorter braking distances and extra traction. Sipes also ensure that slush, light snow and water are all easily dispersed from the tyre.
Can I use winter tyres all year round?
While, once again, there are no legal requirements in place, our years of experience tell us that it is important not to use winter tyres all year round unless you live and regularly drive in a place that is always cold and the roads are always covered with ice or snow. When winter tyres are used in temperatures above 7 degrees Celsius, they will not respond well to fast manoeuvres on either wet or dry ground, which makes them less safe in challenging conditions.
When should I switch to winter tyres from all-season tyres?
As winter tyres are best suited to conditions below 7 degrees Celsius, we recommend switching to your winter tyres as soon as you see the temperatures consistently around this figure or below.
Can I purchase two winter tyres to mix with other tyre types?
While this practice is not illegal, our experts maintain that it is unsafe to mix tyres as cornering can be difficult, and you are much more likely to spin out even in relatively mild conditions.
How long will winter tyres last?
If you invest in a good quality set of four winter tyres, you can reasonably expect them to last at least three years when switching them out every six months or so. With proper care and storage, they may even last for up to five years.
When should I replace winter tyres?
Winter tyres are equipped with a deeper tread than summer or all-weather tyres to ensure they are able to hold onto snow and slush to maintain excellent traction in tricky conditions. It is important to replace your winter tyres before this tread is worn down. The legal minimum tread depth is 1.6mm, however, tyre experts recommend replacing winter tyres well before they reach this minimum.
What are the best winter tyres?
All the top tyre brands, including Bridgestone and Falken, offer excellent quality winter tyres suited to a range of challenging cold weather conditions. The exact make and model you choose will depend on a range of different factors, including your vehicle, your driving style and personal preferences.
You can find your nearest Protyre garage and book a tyre check with our tyre professionals online via our website. Our qualified fitters are also always on hand to offer further advice and assistance, so please don't hesitate to get in touch with any questions or queries, as we're always happy to help.
The local garage you can trust
If the time has come to replace your tyres or you're worried about how your vehicle is performing, our expert mechanics are ready to help. We offer a free tyre check (bookable online) or you can call into one of our many nationwide garages for further assistance. We are always happy to help and will be able to advise you on your next best steps.
