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Why winter tyres?

Winter tyres: what they are and why you should be using them during the winter months

Cold weather tyres There is a huge lack of awareness in the UK about winter tyres. Either motorists are not aware they exist or they think that the tyre can only be used during times of heavy snow or ice.

In fact, drivers will benefit from using winter tyres on slush, ice, frost and even wet roads. In fact any time the temperature dips below +7 degrees centigrade, you’re better off on winter tyres. 


Unlike summer tyres (everyday standard tyres in the UK), winter tyres do not harden at lower temperatures. That means they give you a much better grip on the road and the ability to stop in a shorter distance, increasing your safety on the road.

What’s the difference between a winter and a summer tyre?


What happens to a summer tyre when the temperature drops is that the tyre compound loses its flexibility, making it less grippy in low temperatures.

Cold weather diagram



Braking distance on ice

Safety during the winter months:

Drivers are six times more likely to have an accident during the winter months, with the numbers rising further when snow and ice add an extra hazard.

During the big freeze at the start of 2010, more than 3 million motorists had an accident and 45 per cent had two or more near misses according to a survey by Continental Tyres.

Nearly half of all accident claims are made during the winter months.

Motorists are unprepared for the wintry conditions when driving, and many are unaware that they can improve safety by switching to winter tyres.

Winter tyres are a legal requirement in other EU countries such as Austria, Germany and Finlandand many offer specific winter recommendations. There is however, no legislation or guidance in this country and most people aren’t even aware of winter tyres. There isn’t anything in the Highway Code on the subject.

When should I fit winter tyres to my car?

It is recommended that you switch to winter tyres in the UK between October and April.

If you are reluctant to change tyres and have nowhere to store summer tyres when they are not in use, you are better off using winter tyres all year round.



Other winter safety tips:

  • Visibility is vital. Keep your windscreen and windows clear
  • Check your lights are clean and working
  • Reduce your speed on slippery surfaces and avoid harsh braking or acceleration
  • At low speeds use second rather than first gear to avoid spinning the wheels
  • To slow the car change down and use  engine braking but  if you need to use the brakes apply them gently
  • Increase the distance between you and the vehicle in front – in rain, ice and snow leave enough space to stop safely
  • Allow up to ten times the normal braking distance, especially on motorways
  • Check your tyres: The legal limit for tread depth on tyres is 1.6mm, but safety experts at Continental Tyres recommend a minimum of 3mm for wet weather safety.    Ensuring tyres are correctly inflated will also improve your cars handling as well as saving you money.
  • Put together an emergency kit, such as food, drink, torch and extra clothing, for journeys in severe winter weather, and keep it in the back of your car
  • Plan ahead and allow enough time to get to your destination.


For further information on tyre checks visit

To find your local Continental winter tyre retailer, please click here