Frequently Asked Questions

Are there insurance implications for fitting winter tyres?

There should be no need to tell your insurer about fitting winter or all season tyres to your car. As long as those tyres are fitted to wheels of the correct size according to the vehicle manufacturers specifications. You should always check your handbook for details of tyre and wheel sizes that are suitable for your car.
Are winter tyres a legal requirement in the UK?

In many European countries it is a legal requirement for drivers to change from summer to winter tyres in the months October – April however, in the UK there is no such law. There are a few reasons for this including;

- The UK does not receive enough snowfall yearly to justify the introduction of a law for this.

- Many people choose to take other methods of transport when we have extreme weather in the UK

Although it is a personal decision and not a legal requirement, it is important to remember that winter tyres are not only for use in the snow and can provide peace of mind for you and your family.
Can I use my winter tyres in the summer?

You should not use your winter tyres in the summer, the same as you should not use summer tyres in the winter. The silica compound in winter tyres is softer and will become much more malleable in warmer weather, increasing your fuel consumption. If you choose to fit specialist tyres in the winter, you should switch back to summer tyres in April.
Can I use snow chains instead?

You can use snow chains in the UK but only where the road surface is covered in a complete layer of compacted snow/ ice. This is because snow chains can cause damage to the road surface if there is no snow. They can be awkward to fit in the cold weather but are worth carrying in case of emergency.
How do I know if a tyre is a winter tyre?

If a tyre is a winter tyre then it will be marked with a symbol on the sidewall of a snowflake or mountain top covered in snow.
How many winter tyres should I buy?

You should always fit your vehicle with 4 winter tyres. Placing two winter and two summer tyres on your car will not impact your ability to drive on roads in poor conditions. It will in fact decrease your level of safety.
What are winter tyres?

It is recommended that you fit your vehicle with winter tyres between the months of October and April in the UK, or when temperatures drop below 7 °C. It is a common misconception amongst consumers in the UK that winter tyres ‘are only useful in the snow’. This is not the case and in fact they are designed to perform on wet and cold road surfaces also.

Winter tyres are made from a softer silica compound which enables the rubber to stay flexible in low temperatures. The compound in summer tyres becomes brittle and can crack in the cold weather which is why winter tyres are a safer option.

The tread pattern on winter tyres contains Sipes, which are small teeth like grooves that grip to snow and ice to allow for smooth driving and avoid that fear of slipping on the road.
Why should I buy winter tyres?

If you live in a remote area it is strongly recommended that you buy winter tyres to avoid becoming isolated in poor weather conditions.

Winter tyres provide safety on all road surfaces, which summer tyres simply cannot meet in the cooler months of the year.

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Winter tyres