Do I need winter tyres in the UK?

While the UK isn’t known for its extreme winter conditions, this doesn’t mean you can ignore cold-weather considerations completely. While many European countries now require winter tyres to be fitted in weather under 7°C, the UK does not. So, you might be wondering, then, “Do I need winter tyres?” which is what we’re here to answer for you.

What are winter tyres?

Winter tyres are specifically engineered to maintain safe performance when temperatures consistently sit below 7°C. While many people associate them solely with snow, their primary benefit is in all cold-weather conditions, including icy, and wet roads. The key difference is that the compound in winter tyres remains flexible in the cold, unlike standard summer tyres, which harden. This hardening of summer tyres significantly reduces grip and traction as its lack of flexibility reduces the tyre’s contact patch on the road, increasing the risks associated with winter road hazards.

Furthermore, winter tyres feature a unique tread profile characterised by tiny, sharp sipes. This design element is crucial as it allows the tyre to cut into snow and vastly improves its effectiveness at dispersing water and slush.

Winter tyres are great, especially for those travelling in the early mornings, commuting to work, or ensuring your family’s safety during the school run.

Are winter tyres mandatory in the UK?

Unlike many European countries, there is no legal requirement for those of us in the UK to fit winter tyres when the temperatures drop, and it is entirely legal to drive on summer tyres all year round.

However, legality doesn’t equate to safety. While you won’t be at risk of a fine for driving on summer tyres, you might struggle with hazardous conditions, experiencing reduced control in steering, traction, and stopping distances.
3 Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) and identifying a winter tyre

All winter and all-season tyres sold in the UK and Europe will have a distinctive marker, certifying that they have been tested to the extreme conditions required for these types of tyres. The marker is called the 3 Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF for short), which can be found on the sidewall of your winter tyre, typically next to M+S (which stands for Mud and Snow).

The Davanti range includes 3PMSF certification on our Alltoura, Wintoura, and—an uncommon feature for all-terrain tyres—on our Terratoura A/T. To achieve this, all our certified tyres have been put through rigorous testing in the wintry conditions of our test centre in IVALDO, Finland.

What about all-season tyres?

All-season tyres are designed to offer a compromise between summer and winter tyres, making them perfect for places with milder winters, such as the UK. While they can’t compete with the performance of a winter tyre in cold weather, they still achieve solid results, especially for those looking for a cost-effective equivalent that avoids the technical and storage issues associated with switching to winter tyres in the summer.

All-season tyres, such as our Alltoura and Alltoura H/T ranges, are designed to provide optimal year-round performance.

Can I mix all-season, winter or summer tyres?

No, you should never mix all-season, winter and summer tyres, and it would be challenging to find a garage that would facilitate it for you. Mixing seasonal tyres can severely compromise your handling, grip and cause your tyres to wear unevenly.

While winter tyres are not a legal requirement in the UK, they offer the highest degree of safety and performance when temperatures consistently fall below 7°C. Their specialised compound and tread pattern significantly improve grip, braking, and control on cold, wet, and icy roads, making them the superior choice for those prioritising maximum safety during the winter months, especially for early morning or essential journeys.

If you’re looking for some winter or all-season tyres, we’ve got you covered at Davanti. Check our full 3PMSF range. Or to reach out to some experts or find your closest Davanti dealer, use our handy dealer locator.