Best Winter Tyres 2026 UK: Complete Buying Guide & Top Picks

Quick Answer: The Continental WinterContact TS 870 tops our 2026 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).

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2026 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)

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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.

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Top Winter Tyres for 2026: Expert Tested

1. Continental WinterContact TS 870 - Editor's Choice

The Continental WinterContact TS 870 is a fantastic choice for UK drivers. It offers excellent grip in cold and wet conditions, making it safer for those rainy days and the occasional flurry. You’ll feel confident behind the wheel all winter long.

Key Features:

• Great grip on wet roads helps prevent skidding in rainy weather.
• Shorter stopping distances mean added safety when braking in cold conditions.
• They last longer, saving you money on replacements over time.
• Improved fuel efficiency can lower your petrol costs during winter drives.
• Quiet performance makes for a more comfortable journey on icy roads.

Best For: Drivers who prioritize safety and performance

Price Range: £95-160 per tyre

Where to Buy: Continental Official · Black Circles · Halfords

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2. Michelin Alpin 7 - Best All-Rounder

The Michelin Alpin 7 is a fantastic choice for UK drivers. It offers great grip in wet and cold conditions, plus it handles light snow really well. You’ll appreciate its durability and performance throughout the winter months.

Key Features:

• Great grip in wet and icy conditions keeps you safer on the road.
• Shorter stopping distances mean you can brake more quickly when needed.
• Long-lasting tread helps you save money over time by reducing replacements.
• Improved fuel efficiency helps lower your petrol costs during winter driving.
• Comfortable ride quality makes your journeys more pleasant in chilly weather.

Best For: Drivers seeking premium all-round performance and longevity

Price Range: £110-180 per tyre

Where to Buy: Michelin Official · Black Circles · Halfords

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3. Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 - Best for Fuel Economy

The Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 is a great choice for UK drivers. It handles wet and cold conditions really well, giving you confidence on the roads, even when it snows. Plus, it helps save fuel, which is always a bonus.

Key Features:

• Great grip on wet and icy roads for safer driving.
• Shorter stopping distances mean you can brake confidently in emergencies.
• Long-lasting tread helps save you money over time.
• Improved fuel efficiency due to better rolling resistance.
• Quieter ride makes your journeys more comfortable and enjoyable.

Best For: High-mileage drivers concerned about fuel costs

Price Range: £85-145 per tyre

Where to Buy: Goodyear Official · Black Circles · Halfords

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4. Bridgestone Blizzak 6 - Best for Snow & Ice

The Bridgestone Blizzak 6 is a great choice for UK drivers facing wet and snowy conditions. It offers excellent grip on icy roads and helps maintain control when temperatures drop. You'll feel much safer getting around in winter weather.

Key Features:

• Improved grip on icy roads for safer driving in winter weather.
• Shorter stopping distances in wet and slippery conditions to help avoid accidents.
• Better fuel efficiency compared to standard tyres, saving you money on petrol.
• Long-lasting tread life means fewer tyre changes over the winter season.
• Enhanced comfort and noise reduction for a smoother ride during chilly drives.

Best For: Drivers in areas with frequent snow and ice

Price Range: £100-165 per tyre

Where to Buy: Bridgestone Official · Black Circles · Halfords

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5. Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 - Best for Handling

The Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 is a great choice if you drive a performance car and want solid winter grip. It handles well in cold, wet conditions and offers reliable traction when the occasional snow hits. Perfect for our UK winters!

Key Features:

• Excellent grip on wet and icy roads keeps you safe.
• Shorter stopping distances help you react quickly in emergencies.
• Long-lasting tread means you save money over time.
• Improved fuel efficiency can lower your petrol costs.
• 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

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6. Pirelli Scorpion Winter 2 - Best for SUVs

If you drive an SUV or crossover, the Pirelli Scorpion Winter 2 is a great choice for those chilly UK months. It grips well in wet and cold conditions, making it safer for those surprise snow days and rainy drives.

Key Features:

• Improved grip on wet and icy roads keeps you safe in winter weather.
• Shorter stopping distances help you react quickly in unpredictable conditions.
• Long-lasting tread means you won’t need to replace them every season.
• Better fuel efficiency saves you money on those chilly commutes.
• Quieter ride enhances comfort on long journeys through winter landscapes.

Best For: SUV and crossover owners

Price Range: £130-220 per tyre

Where to Buy: Pirelli Official · Black Circles · Halfords

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7. Nokian WR Snowproof - Best Scandinavian Option

The Nokian WR Snowproof is perfect for tackling those chilly, wet Scottish roads. It grips well in rain and offers reliable traction on snow, so you can drive with confidence no matter the weather. A solid choice for winter conditions!

Key Features:

• Great grip on wet roads keeps you safe in rainy conditions.
• Shorter stopping distances mean you can react quicker to hazards.
• Long-lasting performance helps you save money on replacements.
• Better fuel efficiency can lower your petrol costs over time.
• Quiet and comfortable ride makes for a more pleasant driving experience.

Best For: Drivers in Scotland or northern regions

Price Range: £90-155 per tyre

Where to Buy: Nokian Official · Black Circles

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8. Falken Eurowinter HS02 - Best Budget Choice

The Falken Eurowinter HS02 is a great choice for budget-conscious drivers. It offers solid grip in rain, cold and even the occasional snow, making those winter journeys safer and more comfortable without breaking the bank.

Key Features:

• Great grip on wet roads helps prevent skids and enhances safety.
• Shorter stopping distances give you more confidence in icy conditions.
• They can last longer, saving you money on replacements over time.
• Improved fuel efficiency means more miles for your money in winter.
• Quiet ride makes winter driving more comfortable and enjoyable.

Best For: Budget-conscious drivers who still want quality

Price Range: £60-100 per tyre

Where to Buy: Falken Official · Black Circles

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9. Vredestein Wintrac Pro - Best for High-Performance Cars

If you have a sports car and need a winter tyre, the Vredestein Wintrac Pro is a solid choice. It handles wet roads and chilly conditions well, giving you great grip and confidence, even if snow makes a rare appearance.

Key Features:

• Excellent grip on wet roads helps prevent skids in rainy weather.
• Shorter stopping distances mean safer braking in icy conditions.
• Enhanced durability ensures the tyres last longer, saving you money.
• Improved fuel efficiency keeps your petrol costs down during winter drives.
• Quiet ride contributes to a more comfortable driving experience on long journeys.

Best For: Sports car and high-performance vehicle owners

Price Range: £95-160 per tyre

Where to Buy: Vredestein Official · Black Circles

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10. Hankook Winter i*cept RS3 - Best Value Mid-Range

The Hankook Winter i*cept RS3 is a great choice for UK drivers. It handles wet and cold conditions well and offers good grip on occasional snow. Plus, it's affordable, making it a smart pick for winter driving.

Key Features:

• Improved grip on icy and snowy roads keeps you safer during winter trips.
• Shorter stopping distances in wet conditions help prevent accidents and give you peace of mind.
• Better fuel efficiency means you save money at the pump during chilly drives.
• Long-lasting tread life means fewer trips to the garage and lower replacement costs.
• Quieter performance makes for a more comfortable ride on cold and wet days.

Best For: Drivers seeking good performance at mid-range prices

Price Range: £70-120 per tyre

Where to Buy: Hankook Official · Black Circles

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🆕 Newly Discovered Winter Tyres

These tyres have recently appeared in reviews and tests. We're monitoring their performance.

Kumho WinterCraft WP52 plus (New)

The Kumho WinterCraft WP52+ winter tyre is designed to provide enhanced grip and stability in cold, wet, and snowy conditions, making it an excellent choice for UK drivers facing harsh winter weather. With its advanced tread pattern and rubber compounds, it aims to deliver reliable performance and improved handling on icy roads, ensuring a safer driving experience throughout the winter months.

Source: TyreReviews

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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.

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SUV & 4x4 Winter Tyres

SUV owners should consider tyres designed for heavier vehicles:

• Pirelli Scorpion Winter 2 - Winter Tyre of the Year 2026 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.

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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.

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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

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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

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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

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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 swap back to regular tyres in warmer months, as winter tyres can wear out faster in heat and offer less grip on dry roads. Keeping seasonal tyres means better performance and safety for all driving conditions.

Do I need to change all four tyres to winter ones?

While you can fit just two winter tyres, it's safer to have them on all four wheels to ensure balanced handling and traction. Mixing tyres can lead to unpredictable behaviour, especially in slippery conditions.

How should I store my winter tyres when not in use?

Keep your winter tyres in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight to prevent damage. Make sure they're clean and stacked or hung properly to maintain their shape and longevity.

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Ready to find the perfect winter tyres for your vehicle? Compare prices and book fitting through trusted UK retailers.

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About the Author: The AutoChain Team monitors tyre tests, reviews, and pricing to provide accurate, up-to-date information for UK drivers.