Tyres > Help > Tyres Help > When to change to winter tyres in the UK
In the UK, there are no legal requirements which require that winter tyres be fitted to a vehicle. However, it is recommended that motorists switch to winter tyres when temperatures consistently drop under the 7°C mark. This is to ensure better grip and handling in freezing and slippery conditions.
Winter tyres are not just designed for snow and ice - but aid in better driving performance in any cold and wet conditions - that reduce grip on the road.
As a general rule of thumb, winter tyres are designed with a deeper tread pattern and are made from a softer rubber compound than summer tyres. This allows them to remain flexible in freezing conditions for more effective performances in winter weather.
If you live in an area that experiences colder temperatures and a lot of rain during the winter months, it may be worth considering switching to winter tyres. As for when this should be – it can vary. From October onwards, the areas of the UK at high altitude will begin to experience the kind of weather conditions that winter tyres were created for.
It's best to make the switch before the first snowfall, as it can be difficult to find and fit winter tyres during heavy snow and ice conditions.