Best Winter Tyres 2025 UK: Complete Buying Guide & Top 10 Picks
Discover the best winter tyres for 2025 with expert reviews, performance tests, and money-saving tips. Updated December 2025 with latest prices and rankings.
Best winter tyres for UK driving in 2025 - comprehensive buying guide
Best Winter Tyres 2025 UK: Complete Buying Guide & Top Picks
Quick Answer: The Continental WinterContact TS 870 tops our 2025 rankings, followed by the Michelin Alpin 7 and Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3. Winter tyres cost £50-£220 per tyre depending on size and brand. Fit them when temperatures drop below 7°C (typically October to March).
2025 Winter Tyre Rankings at a Glance
Premium Choice: Continental WinterContact TS 870 (£95-160) Best All-Rounder: Michelin Alpin 7 (£110-180) Best Value: Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 (£85-145) Best for Snow: Bridgestone Blizzak 6 (£100-165) Best for SUVs: Pirelli Scorpion Winter 2 (£130-220) Best Budget: Falken Eurowinter HS02 (£60-100)
Why Winter Tyres Matter in the UK
Winter tyres aren't just for snow—they're essential for any driving below 7°C. The UK's wet, cold winters make them particularly valuable:
- 40% better grip on cold, wet roads compared to summer tyres
- Reduced braking distances by up to 10 metres at 60mph
- Improved traction on snow, ice, and slush
- Better handling when temperatures drop
The special rubber compounds in winter tyres stay flexible in cold weather, while summer tyres harden and lose grip.
Top Winter Tyres for 2025: Expert Tested
1. Continental WinterContact TS 870 - Editor's Choice
The Continental WinterContact TS 870 is a great choice for UK drivers who want safety and performance in winter conditions. It grips well on cold, wet roads and handles light snow with ease, giving you confidence when the weather turns.
Key Features:
- Great grip on wet and icy roads keeps you safe.
- Shorter stopping distances mean more confidence in tricky conditions.
- Improved fuel efficiency helps save you money on longer journeys.
- Long-lasting durability means fewer tyre changes over time.
- Comfortable ride ensures a smoother journey for you and your passengers.
Best For: Drivers who prioritize safety and performance
Price Range: £95-160 per tyre
Where to Buy: Continental Official · Black Circles · Halfords
2. Michelin Alpin 7 - Best All-Rounder
The Michelin Alpin 7 is a brilliant choice for winter driving in the UK. It offers great grip in rain and cold, plus it handles occasional snow well. You’ll enjoy a smooth ride and longer-lasting performance through those chilly months.
Key Features:
- Great grip on wet and slippery roads keeps you safe in winter.
- Shorter stopping distances help avoid accidents in tricky conditions.
- Long-lasting durability means you won't need to replace them often.
- Better fuel efficiency can save you money on petrol.
- Improved comfort makes your winter drives more enjoyable and less noisy.
Best For: Drivers seeking premium all-round performance and longevity
Price Range: £110-180 per tyre
Where to Buy: Michelin Official · Black Circles · Halfords
3. Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 - Best for Fuel Economy
The Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 is a solid choice for UK drivers. It handles well in rain and cold, giving you good grip and control. Plus, it’s designed to be fuel efficient, which is great for those high-mileage journeys.
Key Features:
- Great grip on wet and slippery roads keeps you safe in winter.
- Shorter stopping distances help you avoid accidents in tricky conditions.
- Better fuel efficiency saves you money on long winter drives.
- Long-lasting tread means fewer trips to the garage for replacements.
- Quiet and comfortable ride makes your journey more enjoyable.
Best For: High-mileage drivers concerned about fuel costs
Price Range: £85-145 per tyre
Where to Buy: Goodyear Official · Black Circles · Halfords
4. Bridgestone Blizzak 6 - Best for Snow & Ice
The Bridgestone Blizzak 6 is perfect for tackling our chilly UK winters. It grips well on wet roads and handles snow like a champ, giving you confidence even in tricky conditions. A solid choice if you want peace of mind while driving.
Key Features:
- Improved grip on icy and snowy roads keeps you safer.
- Shorter stopping distances reduce the risk of accidents.
- Better performance in rain helps prevent aquaplaning.
- Long-lasting tread means fewer tyre changes over time.
- Fuel efficiency remains stable, so you save money on petrol.
Best For: Drivers in areas with frequent snow and ice
Price Range: £100-165 per tyre
Where to Buy: Bridgestone Official · Black Circles · Halfords
5. Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 - Best for Handling
The Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 is perfect for performance car owners who want to tackle UK winters with confidence. It offers great grip in cold, wet conditions and handles occasional snow well, keeping you safe and comfortable on the road.
Key Features:
- Great grip on wet and icy roads keeps you safe.
- Shorter stopping distances give you peace of mind in emergencies.
- Long-lasting tread helps you save money over time.
- Improved fuel efficiency means less spending at the pump.
- Quieter ride enhances comfort during winter journeys.
Best For: Performance car owners who need winter capability
Price Range: £105-175 per tyre
Where to Buy: Pirelli Official · Black Circles · Halfords
6. Pirelli Scorpion Winter 2 - Best for SUVs
The Pirelli Scorpion Winter 2 is a solid choice for your SUV. It offers great grip in cold and wet conditions, making those rainy drives safer. Plus, it handles light snow well, so you're ready for anything this winter throws your way.
Key Features:
- Great grip on wet roads gives you confidence in rainy conditions.
- Shorter stopping distances help you brake safely when needed.
- Long-lasting tread life saves you money over time.
- Improved fuel efficiency means fewer trips to the petrol station.
- Quiet ride enhances your comfort during long journeys.
Best For: SUV and crossover owners
Price Range: £130-220 per tyre
Where to Buy: Pirelli Official · Black Circles · Halfords
7. Nokian WR Snowproof - Best Scandinavian Option
If you're driving in Scotland or the north, the Nokian WR Snowproof is a great choice. It offers excellent grip in cold, wet conditions and handles occasional snow really well. Perfect for keeping your journeys safe and comfortable.
Key Features:
- Excellent grip on wet and icy roads keeps you safe in winter weather.
- Shorter stopping distances help you react quickly in unpredictable conditions.
- Long-lasting wear means you get more value for your money over time.
- Fuel efficiency can save you money on petrol during the colder months.
- Quiet and comfortable ride makes your journeys more enjoyable and relaxed.
Best For: Drivers in Scotland or northern regions
Price Range: £90-155 per tyre
Where to Buy: Nokian Official · Black Circles
8. Falken Eurowinter HS02 - Best Budget Choice
The Falken Eurowinter HS02 is a great choice if you're looking for reliable winter performance without breaking the bank. It handles wet roads and chilly temperatures well, giving you peace of mind during those unpredictable UK winter days.
Key Features:
- Excellent grip on wet roads keeps you safer in rainy winter conditions.
- Shorter stopping distances help you react quickly in emergencies.
- Long-lasting tread means you won’t have to replace them every season.
- Improved fuel efficiency can save you money on petrol during winter driving.
- Quiet ride reduces road noise for a more comfortable journey.
Best For: Budget-conscious drivers who still want quality
Price Range: £60-100 per tyre
Where to Buy: Falken Official · Black Circles
9. Vredestein Wintrac Pro - Best for High-Performance Cars
The Vredestein Wintrac Pro is a great choice for sports car enthusiasts tackling UK winters. It offers excellent grip in wet and icy conditions, ensuring you stay safe and confident on the road when the weather turns chilly.
Key Features:
- Improved grip on wet and slippery roads keeps you safe in winter weather.
- Shorter stopping distances help you react quickly in emergency situations.
- Long-lasting durability means you get more value for your money.
- Better fuel efficiency can save you money on fuel during cold months.
- Quiet and comfortable ride makes your winter journeys more enjoyable.
Best For: Sports car and high-performance vehicle owners
Price Range: £95-160 per tyre
Where to Buy: Vredestein Official · Black Circles
10. Hankook Winter i*cept RS3 - Best Value Mid-Range
The Hankook Winter i*cept RS3 is a solid choice for UK drivers. It offers great grip in wet and cold conditions, plus it handles light snow well. Perfect if you want reliable performance without breaking the bank.
Key Features:
- Great grip on wet or icy roads keeps you safe in winter weather.
- Shorter stopping distances help prevent accidents when roads are slippery.
- Long-lasting tread means you won't need to change tyres as often.
- Improved fuel efficiency saves you money on petrol during the colder months.
- Quiet ride enhances comfort on long journeys, even in chilly conditions.
Best For: Drivers seeking good performance at mid-range prices
Price Range: £70-120 per tyre
Where to Buy: Hankook Official · Black Circles
Budget Winter Tyres Worth Considering
If premium prices are out of reach, these budget options still provide genuine winter performance:
- Nexen Winguard Sport 2 - £55-90 per tyre
- Kumho WinterCraft WP52 - £50-85 per tyre
- GT Radial WinterPro 2 - £45-75 per tyre
All carry the 3PMSF symbol and provide significantly better cold weather grip than summer tyres.
SUV & 4x4 Winter Tyres
SUV owners should consider tyres designed for heavier vehicles:
- Pirelli Scorpion Winter 2 - Winter Tyre of the Year 2025 for SUVs
- Continental WinterContact TS 870 P - SUV version of our top pick
- Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV - Premium SUV option
- Goodyear UltraGrip Performance+ SUV - Good value SUV choice
SUV winter tyres typically cost 10-20% more than standard sizes due to larger dimensions.
Understanding Tyre Labels and Ratings
EU Tyre Label
Every winter tyre carries an EU label with key ratings:
Fuel Efficiency: A to E scale (A = best) Wet Grip: A to E scale (A = shortest braking distance) Noise Level: Measured in decibels (lower = quieter)
The 3PMSF Symbol
Look for the Three Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) symbol—it indicates EU-certified snow performance. All our recommended tyres carry this symbol.
How to Choose the Right Winter Tyres
By Driving Style
City Driving: Focus on wet grip and fuel efficiency Motorway Driving: Prioritize stability and tread life Rural Driving: Emphasize snow and ice performance
By Budget
Budget (£50-80): Falken, Hankook, Nexen - good performance, less longevity Mid-Range (£80-120): Goodyear, Nokian - best balance of value Premium (£120+): Continental, Michelin - top performance, longest life
When to Fit Winter Tyres
- Switch to winter tyres: When temperatures drop below 7°C (usually October)
- Switch back to summer: When temperatures stay above 7°C (usually April)
- The "October to Easter" rule works well for most UK drivers
Where to Buy Winter Tyres in the UK
Online Retailers
- Black Circles - Price comparison + mobile fitting
- Tyre Shopper - Good deals and local fitting
- Halfords - Click & collect option
National Chains
- Kwik Fit
- ATS Euromaster
- National Tyres
- Halfords Autocentres
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need winter tyres in the UK?
Winter tyres aren't legally required, but they're highly recommended if you drive regularly between October and March. They provide significantly better grip below 7°C—which is most UK winter days.
How much do winter tyres cost?
Budget options start around £50-70 per tyre, mid-range £80-120, and premium £120-200+. A full set of four typically costs £250-800 including fitting.
How long do winter tyres last?
Winter tyres typically last 3-4 seasons (15,000-25,000 miles) with proper storage. Replace them when tread depth reaches 3mm for optimal winter performance.
Can I use winter tyres all year?
Not recommended. Winter tyres wear faster in warm weather and have reduced performance above 7°C. Having separate sets is more economical long-term.
Additional FAQs
Can I use winter tyres all year round?
It's best to avoid using winter tyres in warmer months as they wear out faster and might not grip well on dry roads. Stick to summer tyres when the temperature is consistently above seven degrees Celsius.
How do I know if my winter tyres need replacing?
Check the tread depth; if it's below 3mm, it's time for a change. You can also look for visible cracks or bulges, which signal they are past their best.
Do I need to adjust my tyre pressure when using winter tyres?
Yes, winter tyres can perform differently, so it's a smart idea to check and adjust the tyre pressure regularly during the colder months. Keeping them at the manufacturer's recommended level helps you stay safe and get better fuel efficiency.
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Ready to find the perfect winter tyres for your vehicle? Compare prices and book fitting through trusted UK retailers.
About the Author: The AutoChain Team monitors tyre tests, reviews, and pricing to provide accurate, up-to-date information for UK drivers.