Winter tyres in the UK - yes or no?

Winter Tyres – Are they necessary in the UK?

In many parts of mainland Europe it is common, or even a legal requirement for drivers to keep two sets of wheels and tyres – a set of 'summer' tyres and a set of specialist 'winter' tyres.  Winter tyres use a tread rubber compound (high silica content) and tread pattern specifically designed to retain flexibility in low temperatures (below +7 degrees C) and give good braking/traction performance on snow/ice as well as on wet roads in cold conditions .

The sidewall of a winter tyre will be marked with a symbol showing a snowflake or snow-topped mountains.  Winter tyres are not really suited to all year round use though – summer tyres will give better performance when temperatures are higher and roads dry – so you'll need two sets of tyres if you're going to choose specialist tyres for winter.

Why are winter tyres not compulsory here?

There are several practical and economic reasons:

·         many parts of the country never or only rarely experience weather conditions that would justify use of winter tyres

·         many drivers choose not to use the car when snow or ice are around

·         assuming that the industry could supply tyres in sufficient volume, the overall cost would be prohibitive – estimated at £500/car x 30million cars = £15billion for wheels/tyres plus storage and fitting costs

Should you buy winter tyres?

Winter tyres make sense if you live in a remote area where winter conditions are likely to be worse for longer. Elsewhere it may be harder to justify the cost, though this has to be a personal decision depending on the risk of bad weather, your confidence when driving and how much you have to drive when snow and ice are around. Winter tyres are made by most of the main manufacturers.  Some suppliers will provide these pre-fitted to a set of steel wheels too. If changing from alloy wheels to steel wheels you may have to change the design of wheel nuts used too. Ask the wheel supplier or car manufacturer for advice. Winter tyres must be fitted in sets of four. Fitting only one pair will affect the balance and stability of the car.

All Season Tyres

As an alternative you could consider buying 'All Season Tyres' which also have a high silica content for low temperature flexibility and a tread pattern somewhere between a normal summer tyre and an out-and-out winter tyre. Like all compromises they're unlikely to be as good as the best specialist tyre but can be expected to work better on wintry roads than a summer tyre and you will avoid the hassle and cost of swapping wheels/tyres twice a year.

Insurance implications - winter tyres

If you fit winter or all-season tyres in place of your standard 'summer' tyres there should be no need to tell your insurer – even though the speed index might be lower.

The lower speed index is still likely to exceed all national speed limits by a considerable margin – with the exception of some German autobahns – and is not checked as part of the passenger car MOT test.

If you follow the standard European practice of keeping two sets of wheels, one with winter tyres and one with summer tyres, then you shouldn't need to tell your insurer as long as the winter tyres are fitted to wheels of the correct specification.

• 'Correct specification' means that the wheel size – diameter, width and offset – conforms to the vehicle manufacturer's specifications.
• Check the handbook for details of wheel/tyre sizes suitable for your car and refer to the car manufacturer or dealer for further advice.

Over the winter of 2010/11 we did hear reports of some insurers increasing premiums or remarkably even refusing cover if winter tyres are fitted. As a result we recommend talking to your insurer if you are considering fitting winter tyres.

Association of British Insurers (ABI) Statement

Motor insurers recognise that some motorists may wish to fit winter tyres to their car during cold weather. Motor insurers recognise that, whilst no substitute for common sense driving, winter tyres can have a positive impact on improving road safety.

To assist in reducing potential uncertainty, the ABI has produced a commitment setting out the position of a number of named motor insurers in respect of the impact on insurance premiums of fitting winter tyres to your car.

It's important to check as some require that you inform them if winter tyres are fitted even though there is no effect on premiums or cover.

Tread depth and pressure

Whatever tyres you fit they must have enough tread  – at least 3mm is recommended for winter, and certainly no less than 2mm.

Check tyre pressures too but don't be tempted to try reducing pressure when there's snow and ice about – it doesn't help with grip and can affect handling.