Are winter tyres really worth it?

When the temperature drops, grip becomes everything. For fleets running vans and trucks through the colder months, winter tyres are often near the top of the safety list. But are they really worth the cost and hassle? Let’s find out.

What are winter tyres?

Winter tyres are made from a softer rubber compound, with more natural rubber and silica. That keeps them flexible in the cold, so they grip the road better when temperatures fall – while standard tyres start to harden and lose grip.

When should you fit them?

You don’t need to wait for snow. It’s the temperature that matters. Winter tyres work best at around 7°C and below, which is also the point where standard tyres start to become less effective.

Many fleets switch over in October or November, so they’re ready before the worst of the weather. And it’s worth planning ahead – stock, especially for commercial vehicles, can run low once a cold snap is forecast.

How are they different?

The biggest difference is the tread. Winter tyres have deeper grooves and lots of small slits, called sipes, which:

• Clear water and slush more effectively

• Grip snow – packed snow in the grooves actually helps the tyre bite into the snow on the road

• Help to shorten stopping distances

Tyre maker, Continental, says a vehicle on winter tyres can stop on a snowy road from 30mph in around 35 metres, compared with around 43 metres on standard summer tyres. That’s roughly two car lengths – a difference that matters even more for heavy, loaded vehicles.

What about all-season tyres? All-season tyres are a compromise. They perform better in the cold than summer tyres, but not as well as dedicated winter tyres in really harsh conditions. For many UK fleets, they’re a practical middle ground.

Do I have to fit them?

No – winter tyres aren’t a legal requirement in the UK. But many fleet operators treat them as part of their winter safety routine, especially for vehicles working in rural, hilly or northern areas, where the difference in grip could be lifesaving.

How much do they cost?

Winter tyres aren’t cheap, and switching a whole fleet is a significant investment. There’s also the cost of fitting and storing the summer set, which for a big fleet can mean a lot of space – some use a “tyre hotel” storage service.

On the plus side, running two sets means each set lasts longer, which helps balance out the initial cost.

So, are they worth it?

If your vehicles regularly face cold, icy or snowy conditions, winter tyres – or at least good all-season tyres – are well worth considering. Better grip and shorter stopping distances mean safer drivers, fewer incidents and less downtime.

And if you do break down this winter

Through snow, sleet or ice, we’ll be there. We’ll get you moving again at the roadside wherever we can, and recover any size of vehicle when we can’t. We can even help keep perishable deliveries on track by arranging a replacement refrigerated vehicle.

Looking for support with your fleet this winter? Get in touch with our team.