Winter Tyres vs All-Season Tyres: Which Is Best for UK Roads?
As colder months approach, choosing the right tyres is essential for safety, performance, and peace of mind. Whether you’re driving a petrol, diesel, or electric vehicle, fitting winter tyres or all-season tyres can dramatically improve grip, braking, and control on wet, icy, or snowy roads.
At Ryton Tyre and Autocentre, we specialise in tyre safety and offer a free tyre check to help you select the best option for your vehicle and driving style.
❄️ Why Winter Tyres Are Essential in Cold Weather
Winter tyres, such as the Davanti Wintoura range, are designed with a softer rubber compound that stays flexible below 7°C. This allows them to maintain traction on snow, slush, and ice. Their deeper tread and advanced siping patterns help disperse water and grip slippery surfaces—reducing the risk of skidding and improving braking distances.
Winter tyres are ideal for rural drivers, those in colder regions, or anyone regularly facing severe winter conditions. Davanti’s winter tyres meet the Three Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) standard, certifying them for extreme weather use
🌦️ All-Season Tyres: Year-Round Convenience
All-season tyres, like the Davanti Alltoura 4-Seasons, combine the benefits of summer and winter tyres. They perform reliably in rain, light snow, and cooler temperatures, making them perfect for UK drivers who want one set of tyres all year round.
The Alltoura also carries the 3PMSF symbol, meaning it’s certified for winter use. While not as specialised as winter tyres in deep snow, they offer excellent performance in mixed conditions and eliminate the need for seasonal tyre changes.
☀️ Why Summer Tyres Aren’t Suitable for Winter
Summer tyres are built for warm, dry roads. Below 7°C, their rubber hardens, reducing grip and increasing braking distances. In icy or snowy conditions, summer tyres can become dangerously ineffective. For winter driving, switching to winter or all-season tyres is strongly recommended.
📏 Tread Depth: A Critical Safety Factor
Regardless of tyre type, tread depth plays a vital role in safety. For winter driving, a minimum tread depth of 3mm is advised to maintain grip and prevent aquaplaning. The UK legal minimum is 1.6mm, but tyres should be replaced well before reaching this limit to ensure safe handling and braking.
🚗 Free Tyre Check at Ryton Tyre and Autocentre
At Ryton Tyre and Autocentre, we offer a free tyre safety check and expert advice to help you choose the right tyres for your vehicle—including electric cars. Whether you’re considering Davanti winter tyres, Davanti all-season tyres, or simply want to check your tread depth, our team is here to help.
We stock and fit tyres for all types of vehicles and driving conditions. Book your free tyre check today and drive with confidence this winter.