Choosing the right tyres isn’t just about grip - it’s about staying safe, saving money, and making sure your car can handle whatever the UK weather throws at it. And let’s be honest, that can be anything - we’ve all seen a frosty morning followed by sunshine the same day. In fact, according to the Met Office, the UK averages 133 days of rainfall a year, with temperatures often dipping below 7°C in winter - the point where summer tyres start losing grip. So, should you stick with all-season tyres for convenience, or go all-in with winter tyres for maximum safety? Let’s break it down at Tire Streets UK.
What Are All Season Tyres?
All season tyres are exactly what they sound like: tyres designed to work all year round. They combine the key features of summer tyres and winter tyres into one, making them a handy “fit-and-forget” option for most UK drivers.
Benefits of All Season Tyres
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Year-round convenience - no swapping tyres every six months.
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Good all-round performance - reliable grip in rain, mild snow, and cold conditions.
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Cost-effective - saves money on fitting and storage.
Disadvantages of All Season Tyres
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Jack of all trades - they’re not the best in extreme summer or extreme winter conditions.
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Not ideal for heavy snow or ice - while they’ll cope with light snow, all season tyres can’t match winter tyres for grip.
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Wear faster - because they’re on your car all year, you may need to replace them sooner than a set of tyres swapped seasonally.
What Are Winter Tyres?
Winter tyres (sometimes called snow tyres) are purpose-built for cold, icy, and snowy conditions. They’re made with a softer rubber compound and a deeper, self-cleaning tread pattern to maximise grip when the roads are at their worst.
Benefits of Winter Tyres
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Superior grip - designed to stay flexible below 7°C, giving you better traction and control.
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Shorter braking distances - essential in snow, slush, or icy conditions.
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Added safety - give peace of mind when winter really bites.
Disadvantages of Winter Tyres
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Not for summer use - they wear out quickly and lose performance when it’s warm.
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Extra cost and hassle - you’ll need to swap them for summer tyres or all season tyres once the weather improves.
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Storage space - you’ll need somewhere to keep the set you’re not using.
Key Differences Between Winter and All Season Tyres
Tyre Compounds and Temperature Performance
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All-season tyres: designed to cope with -10°C to +30°C.
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Winter tyres: at their best from +7°C down to -20°C or lower.
Grip, Handling, and Braking Distances
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Winter tyres stop quicker on snow and ice.
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All-season tyres perform better in warmer, wetter conditions.
Noise, Comfort, and Fuel Efficiency
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All-season tyres are quieter and often more efficient on dry roads.
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Winter tyres can feel heavier and noisier because of their tread design.
Longevity and Durability
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Winter tyres wear faster in warm weather.
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All-season tyres work year-round but may need replacing sooner due to constant use.
Which Tyres Perform Best in the UK Climate?
Temperature Trends in the UK
On average, we get around six months where temps dip to or below 7°C. That’s enough to make winter tyres useful - but not essential everywhere.
Rainfall and Wet Road Conditions
Rain is like the UK’s trademark. All-season tyres handle wet, cold, and soggy roads really well, which is why they’re such a solid option here.
Snow and Ice: England vs Scotland
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England - snow is rare, so all-season tyres are usually enough.
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Scotland & rural areas - snow and ice are more common, so winter tyres can be a game-changer.
Cost and Convenience Factors
Seasonal Tyre Swaps and Storage
Winter tyres mean swapping twice a year and paying around £30-£60 per swap unless you do it yourself. You’ll also need a dedicated space to store your spare set.
Year-Round Use and Wear Rates
All-season tyres save you the hassle, but because they’re on 12 months of the year, you might find they wear quickly than tyres rotated seasonally.
Recommended All-Season Tyres for the UK
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Michelin CrossClimate 2 - premium option with brilliant wet and cold performance.
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Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen-3 - solid all-rounder for year-round driving.
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Continental Cross Contact LX Sport – premium option for SUVs and 4x4s.
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Accelera X-GRIP 4S - reliable budget-friendly all season car tyre.
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Avon AS7 - dependable UK-made option.
Recommended Winter Tyres for the UK
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Michelin Alpin 6 - proven performance in cold, wet, and snowy conditions.
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Goodyear UltraGrip 9 - excellent grip on ice.
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Dunlop Winter Sport 5 - sporty feel even in winter.
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Yokohama V906 - reliable in harsh winter conditions.
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BF Goodrich G-Force Winter – an affordable but capable option.
Which Tyres Should You Choose?
Everyday Urban Drivers
If you’re mainly city-based and deal with rain more than snow, all-season tyres are the smarter, hassle-free choice.
Rural and Remote Drivers
If you live in the countryside, travel on untreated roads, or drive in Scotland, winter tyres could make all the difference.
High Mileage vs Low Mileage Drivers
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High mileage - winter tyres can be worth it for long trips in winter.
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Low mileage - all-season tyres save time and money, especially if you don’t want to be swapping tyres twice a year.
Conclusion: All-Season vs Winter Tyres in the UK
When it comes to choosing tyres in the UK, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. All-season tyres are a convenient, cost-effective option for most drivers, offering reliable performance in rain, mild snow, and cooler temperatures without the hassle of seasonal swaps. Winter tyres, on the other hand, are purpose-built for icy roads, deep snow, and consistently cold conditions, giving you maximum grip and braking performance when it really matters.
For city and suburban drivers in England, all-season tyres like the Michelin CrossClimate 2 are usually more than enough. But if you live in rural areas, Scotland, or anywhere that faces harsher winters, winter tyres such as the Michelin Alpin 6 can provide that extra peace of mind and safety. Ultimately, the best choice comes down to your driving habits, local weather, and how much you value convenience versus performance in winter conditions.
P.S. Check out our full range of tyres at Tire Streets UK with next-day delivery and 5% off your first order. Sign up for the mailing list to get extra discounts and access to exclusive offers.
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Frequently Asked Questions about
Are all season tyres better than winter tyres?
All season tyres are better for most UK drivers because they handle rain, mild cold and occasional snow without swapping sets. Winter tyres outperform all seasons in heavy snow and icy roads. Legally, both are safe, but the best choice depends on where you drive. Popular pick: Michelin CrossClimate2
Can I use all season tyres in winter?
Yes, you can use all season tyres in winter in the UK. They’re designed to stay flexible below 7°C and handle light snow safely. For harsher conditions, winter tyres grip better. All-season tyres like the Yokohama Geolandar X-CV G057 are legal, safe, and ideal for everyday winter driving across most of the UK.
Is an all season tyre the same as a winter tyre?
No, an all season tyre is not the same as a winter tyre. Winter tyres use a softer compound and deeper tread for maximum grip below 7°C. All season tyres combine summer and winter features, offering balance year-round. Both are road-legal, but only winter tyres are designed for extreme ice and snow.
Are all season tyres good for daily driving?
Yes, all season tyres are perfect for daily driving in the UK. They grip well in rain, dry and mild winter conditions, saving you the hassle of switching tyres. Legally safe year-round, they also help you pass MOT tread checks. Drivers love the Michelin CrossClimate2 for reliable everyday performance.
Can I mix winter and all season tyres?
No, you should not mix winter and all season tyres. UK safety guidelines recommend all four tyres match for grip, braking and handling balance. Mixing types increases accident risk and could fail an MOT. If you have a tight budget, switch to all four Accelera X-Grip 4S all season tyres instead of mixing.
What happens if we use winter tyres in summer?
Using winter tyres in summer leads to faster wear, longer braking distances, and higher fuel use. Their soft rubber isn’t designed for hot tarmac. While still legal, it’s unsafe and costs more long-term. For year-round safety, switch to all season tyres like the Continental Cross Contact LX Sport instead.
Can a normal tyre be driven in winter?
Yes, summer tyres can be driven in winter legally, but they lose grip below 7°C. Braking distances increase on wet or icy roads, raising accident risk. For UK winters, all season tyres are a safer, road-legal middle ground, while winter tyres remain the best option for icy conditions.
When to replace all-season tyres?
Replace all-season tyres when the tread depth is 3mm for winter grip or at the UK legal limit of 1.6mm. Driving below this tread depth risks fines and MOT failure. Watch for cracks, uneven wear or slipping on wet roads. Upgrading to fresh tyres keeps your car safe, legal, and ready for all conditions.
At what temperature do all-season tyres stop working?
All season tyres work best above freezing temperatures. Below 0°C, grip reduces compared to winter tyres, but they’re still road-legal in the UK. If you face icy roads often, winter tyres are safer. For most UK drivers, though, one set of all seasons comfortably covers every season.
All season tyres vs winter tyres UK cost
In the UK, all season tyres cost less long-term. Winter tyres need a second set, seasonal fitting, and storage, raising costs. All seasons save money by working year-round with one road-legal set. Explore our range of tyres to compare prices and find tyres that fit both your driving style and budget.