Winter Tyres: Do You Need Them, and Are They Worth It?

Winter tyres are not a legal requirement in the UK, and for most drivers around Barnsley good summer or all-season tyres with plenty of tread are enough. They earn their keep if you regularly drive on high, rural or untreated roads in cold weather, or if you cannot avoid travelling when it snows.

What is the difference between winter and normal tyres?

Winter tyres use a softer rubber compound that stays flexible when it is cold. Standard summer tyres harden as temperatures drop, which reduces grip. Winter tyres also have deeper tread with lots of small slits, called sipes, that bite into snow and slush and help clear water.

The tyre industry generally treats around 7°C as the point where winter tyres start to outperform summer tyres. Below that, and particularly on snow or ice, the difference in grip and braking can be large.

What about all-season tyres?

All-season tyres sit in between. They grip better than summer tyres in the cold and can be left on all year, so there is no changeover or storage. Look for the three-peak mountain snowflake symbol on the sidewall, which shows the tyre has passed a recognised snow test.

For many Yorkshire drivers who want better winter grip without the hassle of two sets, all-season tyres are a sensible middle ground.

What are the downsides of winter tyres?

• Cost. You are buying a second set of tyres, often on a second set of wheels to make the changeover easier.

• Storage. The set you are not using needs to be kept somewhere dry and cool.

• Changeovers. They need swapping in late autumn and again in spring.

• Warm-weather wear. The soft compound wears faster and handles less precisely on warm, dry roads, so they should come off when spring arrives.

Do I need winter tyres in Barnsley?

It depends on where and when you drive. Town roads and main routes are usually treated, and snow days are relatively few. If you commute over the moors towards the Pennines, live on a steep or rural road, or need to get to work whatever the weather, winter or all-season tyres are worth considering.

Whatever you choose, tread depth matters most. The legal minimum is 1.6mm, but grip in wet and slushy conditions drops well before that point.

Common questions

Do I have to tell my insurer if I fit winter tyres?

Some insurers do not treat winter tyres as a modification, but policies vary. Tell your insurer before you fit them so there is no doubt about your cover.

Can I fit just two winter tyres?

No. Fit them in a full set of four. Mixing tyre types between the front and rear axles can make the car unstable, especially under braking.

Are winter tyres compulsory anywhere?

Some European countries require winter tyres or snow equipment at certain times of year or in certain conditions. If you are driving abroad in winter, check the rules for each country before you travel.

Talk to our service centre

If you are not sure whether your current tyres are up to the job, our service centre in Barnsley, South Yorkshire can check tread depth and condition as part of a winter check or service. Our labour rate is £80 per hour plus VAT, and our menu prices include VAT. See our servicing and repairs page or call Customer Care on 01226 574321. For the rest of your winter checks, read our guide to getting your car ready for winter.

Updated October 2026.