Rain, snow, wet leaves, black ice… Winter brings with it an abundance of seasonal road hazards.

One way you can negate the risk posed by these problems is to have winter tyres fitted. But while they enhance safety, some drivers don’t think winter tyres are worth the money. So today we explore what winter tyres actually do, their benefits, and whether they’d be right for you as we head into deepest darkest winter.

What are winter tyres?

Winter tyres provide optimal grip and traction in cold and frozen conditions. They have a softer compound than regular tyres, along with deeper grooves and narrow cuts called sipes built into the tread. These features help disperse snow and water, and enable the rubber to move more, which improves its contact with the road.

You can identify a winter tyre by the snowflake symbol on the sidewall. Just remember that tyre manufacturers also produce MS tyres, which stands for mud and snow. These have an M+S symbol on the sidewall, but they’re not necessarily proper winter tyres.

What are the benefits of winter tyres?

Winter tyres work best at temperatures below 7°C. In these conditions they outperform conventional ‘summer’ tyres in terms of traction, braking and cornering grip, regardless of whether there’s snow or ice on the road. However, summer tyres and winter tyres outperform each other in terms of stopping distance during their respective seasons:

The performance gap widens considerably on snow, as the sipes on winter tyres offer grip even when the tread is packed with soft snow. In these conditions, a two-wheel–drive car with winter tyres is safer than a 4×4 with summer tyres.

How much do winter tyres cost?

There’s a wide price range for winter tyres, as it depends on your car and wheel size, but they’re generally slightly more expensive than an equivalent summer tyre. But while the cost of four winter tyres may be significant—especially if you also buy a set of ‘winter wheels’ to avoid swapping over twice a year—remember that your summer tyres will now last longer. So while your initial outlay might be high, the longer-term cost of winter tyres is relatively low.

You may wish to send your tyres to a ‘tyre hotel’ for storage in their ideal conditions, especially if you don’t have a suitable shed or garage. This won’t set you back by much in terms of cost—for example, ATS Euromaster offers this service for just £7.50 per tyre. And finally, remember that while fitting winter tyres shouldn’t affect your car insurance, it’s worth checking with your provider.

Are winter tyres a legal requirement?

Winter tyres are not mandatory in the UK, and few drivers opt to fit them. Most drivers with winter tyres live in remote areas especially affected by wintry conditions, like the Highlands.

It’s a different story across much of mainland Europe. For example, in Sweden, winter tyres are compulsory from December 1 to March 31. In Austria they’re compulsory from November 1 to April 15, or you face a $5,000 fine. So always check local guidelines to stay safe and legal.

What are the alternatives to winter tyres?

If you’re concerned about the upfront cost of winter tyres, you could consider snow socks, high-grip fabric covers fitted over your car’s driven wheels, or snow chains, a harder-wearing steel alternative. However, remember that neither is a direct substitute for winter tyres, and neither can be used on snow-free roads. But they may offer peace of mind—and a way out of a slippery situation.

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