All-Season Tyres Explained: Summer vs Winter Tyres for UK Drivers
Choosing the right tyres for your most-travelled roads is important for safety, performance and efficiency. But what’s the difference between summer tyres, winter tyres and all-season tyres, and which option is best for UK drivers?
Winter tyres
Winter tyres are designed to provide better grip in colder temperatures. They have more grooves in the tread to help channel water away and reduce the risk of aquaplaning.
They’re made from a hard-wearing compound containing more natural rubber, which helps prevent the tyre from hardening or splitting in freezing conditions. Drivers who switch to winter tyres are generally advised to use them from October to March, when temperatures are more likely to fall below 7°C.
Summer tyres
All-season tyres are designed to strike a balance between summer and winter tyres. The UK has a relatively moderate climate, with extreme temperatures typically lasting only short periods each year.
Because of this, many drivers choose all-season tyres to avoid the cost and inconvenience of changing tyres twice a year, making them a practical option for everyday UK driving.
How to choose the right tyres for your car
Ultimately, choosing the right tyres means weighing up:
Typical weather conditions where you live
The types of roads you drive on most frequently
Your budget
There are also additional costs to consider when swapping tyres, such as fitting and storage for the unused set. Many drivers make this decision with advice from a trusted mechanic or tyre specialist.
If you plan to drive abroad during winter months, it’s important to check local tyre laws, as winter tyres or snow-rated tyres may be legally required in some countries.
Tyre Tread Depth and Legal Requirements
Whichever tyres you choose, it’s important to regularly check your tyre tread depth. The legal minimum tread depth in the UK is 1.6mm, but grip and braking performance can begin to decline once tread depth falls below 3mm.
Some drivers therefore choose to replace their tyres earlier for added safety. You can use the tyre-scanning tool in Vixa to keep track of tread wear and spot potential issues before they become a problem.