Frequently asked questions about winter tyres

Winter tyres cost roughly the same price as standard tyres. When your car is fitted with winter tyres, your standard tyres are “hibernating”. Using the right tyres for the time of year and driving conditions reduces the effort or amount of work that the tyres must do. Fitting winter tyres should increase the life expectancy of your summer tyres. Using summer tyres in winter can increase tyre wear by up to 20%.* 

Source: *Tyresafe. 

Snow isn’t the only factor which counts when making the decision to fit winter tyres. These tyres are designed to perform more effectively when the temperature drops to 7 °C or below. 

Match your speed to the conditions you are driving in. Winter tyres have a speed rating, just like summer tyres. The speed rating is generally lower with winter tyres than summer tyres. 

There isn't any legislation governing the use of winter tyres in the UK. But in many European countries winter tyres are now mandatory from both a legal and an insurance perspective. This is because of the performance benefits they deliver when the temperature drops to 7°C or below. 

Maybe you don't, but nowadays many dealers and tyre suppliers offer the option to store standard or winter tyres for you, these are usually called “tyre hotels” 

The new generation of winter tyres can be fitted to aluminium rims trouble-free ……and they don’t look half bad! 

Even when everything is exceptionally well organised, the gritters cannot reach everywhere and grit all the roads at the same time. During harsh winters it is also known for the UK to experience grit shortages. 

In previous years there has been media speculation regarding the possible implications of having winter tyres fitted. To clarify the situation, in December 2010 SMMT (Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders) after discussions with ABI (Association of British Insurers) clarified that the fitment of winter tyres does not constitute a modification that will affect premiums (provided they are fitted by a reputable garage, and in accordance with manufacturers own specifications). Policyholders are still encouraged to check with their insurance provider. 

If all the days are counted on which it snows, freezes and ices over, it adds up to a lot more than just a few days per year. You might be surprised to learn that the British Isles experiences a ground frost on an average of up to 58 days a year.* Not only that, but the average temperature can fall below 7°C for over 120 days,** that’s a third of the year. 

Source: *Met Office: Days of ground frost Winter average 1971-2001. ** Met Office Data 2010.