Are winter tyres worth it?

Are winter tyres a worthwhile investment?

If you regularly drive in cold conditions, the safety case for winter tyres is strong.

The safety benefits

• Braking — Up to 10 metres shorter stopping distance on cold, wet roads compared to summer tyres at the same speed
• Grip — Dramatically better traction on ice, frost and light snow
• Control — More predictable and stable handling in low temperature conditions

The cost factor

Winter tyres require an additional upfront investment, and you may also want a second set of wheels to make seasonal changes easier. However, while you are using your winter tyres, your summer tyres are not wearing. Over several years, the total cost of ownership for both sets together is often not much more than running a single set year-round, because each set lasts proportionally longer.

When they are less necessary

If you live in a milder part of the UK, rarely encounter frost or snow, and mostly drive on well-treated main roads, all-season tyres may be a more practical and cost-effective solution. They offer improved cold weather performance without the need for seasonal swaps or storage.