The 7°C Rule: The Science Behind Winter Tyres

The difference between summer and winter tyres isn’t about tread pattern—it’s about chemistry.

When the temperature drops below 7°C, the rubber compound in summer tyres begins to harden and lose its flexibility. This means the tyre cannot properly key into the microscopic texture of the road surface, resulting in significantly reduced grip—even on dry roads.

Winter tyres use a specially formulated compound with a high silica content that remains soft and pliable in cold temperatures. This allows the tyre to maintain maximum contact with the road surface, providing dramatically better grip, shorter braking distances, and improved handling in all cold-weather conditions: wet, icy, or snowy.

The 7°C threshold is not arbitrary—it’s the temperature at which the performance advantage of winter tyres becomes measurable and significant.

Or visit us at our garage on Carshalton Road, Mitcham—no appointment needed for tyre checks.

Winter Tyres or All-Season Tyres: Which is Right for You?

Both have their place, but they serve different needs.

All-Season Tyres:

All-season tyres are designed to provide acceptable performance in a wide range of conditions, from warm summer roads to mild winter weather. They are a practical compromise for drivers who face relatively mild winters and want to avoid the cost and inconvenience of changing tyres twice a year. They perform better than summer tyres in cold, wet conditions, but they cannot match the grip and safety of dedicated winter tyres in severe cold, ice, or snow.

Find Your Winter Tyres

We stock 3PMSF-certified winter tyres from leading brands including Michelin, Continental, Goodyear, Bridgestone, and Pirelli.

All prices include professional fitting, computerized wheel balancing, new valves, and eco-friendly disposal of your old tyres.

More Than Just Tyres: Our Complete Winter Service

We make switching to winter tyres as easy and convenient as possible.

Expert Fitting & Advice

Our experienced technicians will help you choose the right winter tyres for your vehicle, driving habits, and budget. We ensure every tyre is professionally fitted, balanced to perfection, and torqued to the manufacturer’s exact specifications for maximum safety and performance.

Tyre Hotel: Seasonal Storage

Don’t have space to store your summer tyres during the winter months? Our secure “Tyre Hotel” service provides clean, climate-controlled storage for your off-season tyres. When spring arrives, we’ll swap them back over for you, making seasonal tyre changes completely hassle-free.

Winter Tyre FAQs

When should I fit winter tyres in the UK?

The general rule is to switch to winter tyres from October to April, or whenever the average daily temperature consistently drops below 7°C. In the South East, this typically means late October through to early April.

Can I use winter tyres all year round?

It’s not recommended. The soft compound that makes winter tyres so effective in the cold wears very quickly in warmer temperatures (above 7°C), and braking distances actually increase on hot, dry roads. Winter tyres are specifically engineered for cold weather and should be swapped out for summer or all-season tyres when temperatures rise consistently above 7°C.

Do I need to fit four winter tyres, or can I just fit two?

You must fit four winter tyres. Fitting only two creates a dangerous imbalance in grip between the front and rear axles, which can cause unpredictable handling, especially during braking and cornering. All major tyre manufacturers and safety organizations strongly recommend fitting a full set of four.

Do winter tyres affect my car insurance?

No. Fitting winter tyres is seen as a safety improvement by UK insurers and does not negatively affect your policy. Most insurers do not even require you to inform them, though it’s always worth checking your specific policy. Some insurers may even offer a small discount for using winter tyres.

Are winter tyres legal in the UK?

Yes, absolutely. Winter tyres are fully legal and encouraged in the UK. Unlike some European countries, the UK does not mandate winter tyres, but there are no restrictions on using them either.