Winter vs All-Season Tyres (UK) — Which Should You Choose?

If you drive in the UK, you’ve probably wondered whether you should buy winter tyres or all-season tyres.

This guide explains the difference in simple terms, so you can choose the best option for your car, van or 4×4.

Quick Answer (Most UK Drivers)

✅ All-season tyres are the best choice for most UK drivers because they perform well in:

  • cold weather

  • rain

  • light snow

  • everyday driving

✅ Winter tyres are best if you regularly drive in:

  • heavy snow areas

  • rural hills / steep roads

  • early mornings / late nights in freezing conditions

What’s the Difference?

✅ All-Season Tyres

All-season tyres are designed to work in summer and winter conditions.

They are a great “fit and forget” option for UK roads because they handle:

  • wet weather (very common in the UK)

  • cold temperatures

  • light snow

Most all-season tyres have the 3PMSF symbol (snowflake on a mountain) which means they’re tested for winter performance.

✅ Winter Tyres

Winter tyres are designed for maximum grip in cold conditions, especially when temperatures drop below 7°C.

They use:

  • softer rubber compounds (stay flexible in cold weather)

  • deeper tread patterns

  • extra sipes (tiny grooves for grip)

Winter tyres give better traction on:

  • snow

  • ice

  • cold wet roads

The 7°C Rule (Important)

A simple rule is:

❄️ Below 7°C = Winter tyres perform better
☀️ Above 7°C = Summer tyres perform better

All-season tyres are designed to be a strong compromise across both.

Symbols to Look For on Tyres

✅ 3PMSF Symbol (Best for UK Winter Conditions)

This symbol looks like a snowflake inside a mountain.

It means the tyre is officially tested for snow performance.

⚠️ M+S (Mud + Snow)

M+S is not always the same as proper winter testing.

If possible, choose 3PMSF for real winter performance.

Pros & Cons

✅ All-Season Tyres (Pros)

✔ One set all year round
✔ Great in rain + cold temperatures
✔ No need to change tyres twice a year
✔ Saves storage and fitting costs
✔ Perfect for UK mixed weather

❌ All-Season Tyres (Cons)

✘ Not as strong as winter tyres in heavy snow
✘ Not as sharp as summer tyres in hot weather

✅ Winter Tyres (Pros)

✔ Best grip in cold weather
✔ Better braking on snow and ice
✔ Better traction in rural / hilly areas
✔ Safer for winter commuting

❌ Winter Tyres (Cons)

✘ Need a second set of tyres (or wheels)
✘ More cost upfront
✘ Wear quicker in warm weather
✘ You’ll usually swap them off in spring

What Should You Choose? (By Driving Type)

🚗 If you drive mainly in towns/cities

✅ All-season tyres are ideal.

🛻 If you drive a van for work

✅ All-season tyres are great for year-round use
(especially in wet UK conditions)

🏔 If you drive in Wales / Scotland / rural hills

✅ Winter tyres can be worth it if roads freeze often.

🛣 If you do lots of motorway miles

✅ All-season tyres are perfect for stability and safety in rain.

Can I Mix Winter and All-Season Tyres?

⚠️ It’s not recommended to mix different tyre types across axles.

Best practice:
✅ Fit the same tyre type on all 4 wheels
(or at minimum in pairs on the same axle)

For stability and safe braking, matching tyres is always best.

Do Winter Tyres Need to Be Fitted in Sets of 4?

Recommended: Yes ✅

Fitting 4 gives you:

  • balanced grip

  • predictable braking

  • safer handling in corners

Final Recommendation (UK)

If you want the best “all year” tyre setup:

✅ All-Season tyres = best for most UK drivers
❄️ Winter tyres = best for regular snow/ice driving

Shop Winter & All-Season Tyres

You can browse our stock here:

  • All-Season Tyres: /collections/all-season-tyres

  • Winter Tyres: /collections/winter-tyres

  • Car Tyres: /collections/car-tyres

  • Van Tyres: /collections/van-tyres

  • 4×4 / SUV Tyres: /collections/4x4-tyres

If you want help choosing, contact us and we’ll point you in the right direction.