Best Winter Tyres UK: 2026 Buying Guide & Top Picks
Discover the best winter tyres for 2026 with expert reviews, performance tests, and money-saving tips. Updated February 2026 with latest prices and rankings.
Best winter tyres for UK driving in 2026 - comprehensive buying guide
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).
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)
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 2026: Expert Tested
1. Continental WinterContact TS 870 - Editor's Choice
The Continental WinterContact TS 870 is perfect for those chilly UK winters. It offers great grip on wet roads and handles a bit of snow too, giving you peace of mind when driving in unpredictable weather. You'll feel safer and more secure.
Key Features:
- Improved grip on icy roads gives you confidence in winter driving.
- Shorter stopping distances help keep you and others safe.
- Excellent wet weather performance reduces the risk of aquaplaning.
- Long-lasting tread means you won't need to replace them as often.
- Better fuel efficiency helps save money on your journeys.
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
If you're looking for a reliable winter tyre, the Michelin Alpin 7 is a great choice. It handles wet and cold conditions really well and offers solid grip on occasional snow. Plus, it lasts a good while too!
Key Features:
- Great grip on wet roads helps you feel safe in rainy weather.
- Shorter stopping distances mean you can stop more quickly when needed.
- Improved fuel efficiency can save you money on petrol over time.
- Long-lasting tread ensures fewer replacements and better value for your money.
- Quiet ride keeps your journeys comfortable and enjoyable, even on rough roads.
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
If you're driving a lot in winter, the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 is a great choice. It handles wet and cold conditions really well, giving you confidence on the road even when the weather turns. Plus, it helps save on fuel costs.
Key Features:
- Superior grip in wet conditions keeps you safe on slippery roads.
- Shorter stopping distances help you react quickly in emergencies.
- Long-lasting tread means you get more value for your money.
- Improved fuel efficiency saves you money at the pump during winter.
- Quiet ride enhances comfort for you and your passengers on long journeys.
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
If you're driving in the UK during winter, the Bridgestone Blizzak 6 is a great choice. It grips well on wet roads and handles snow and ice confidently, giving you peace of mind in tricky conditions. Perfect for those chilly mornings!
Key Features:
- Bridgestone Blizzak 6 tyres provide excellent grip on wet and icy roads.
- They help reduce stopping distances in slippery conditions for safer driving.
- These tyres can improve fuel efficiency, saving you money at the pump.
- With longer tread life, you won't need to replace them as often.
- They offer a quieter ride, making your journey more pleasant and relaxed.
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 a great choice for performance car owners facing our UK winters. It grips well on wet and icy roads, providing confidence and control, so you can drive safely, even when the weather turns tricky.
Key Features:
- Great grip in wet and slippery conditions gives you confidence on the road.
- Shorter stopping distances mean safer journeys when roads are icy or snowy.
- Improved fuel efficiency helps you save money during those cold winter months.
- Long-lasting tread life means fewer trips to the garage for replacements.
- Quiet and comfortable ride keeps you relaxed during your winter drives.
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 fantastic choice for SUV and crossover drivers. It offers great grip in cold and wet conditions, plus it handles light snow well. You’ll feel confident and safe on those chilly UK roads.
Key Features:
- Great grip on wet and icy roads keeps you safer in winter.
- Shorter stopping distances help you avoid accidents when conditions get tricky.
- Long-lasting durability means you won’t need to replace them as often.
- Better fuel efficiency saves you money on petrol during cold months.
- Quiet ride enhances your comfort on long winter 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
The Nokian WR Snowproof is a great choice for winter driving in Scotland and northern regions. It offers solid grip in rain, cold, and light snow, giving you confidence on slippery roads. Perfect for those unpredictable winter days!
Key Features:
- Excellent grip in wet conditions keeps you safe on slippery roads.
- Shorter stopping distances help you react quickly in emergencies.
- Long-lasting performance saves you money on tyre replacements.
- Improved fuel efficiency means you'll spend less at the pump.
- Comfortable ride reduces noise and improves your driving experience.
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 a solid winter tyre without breaking the bank. It handles wet and cold conditions well, giving you good grip on those slushy roads we often see in the UK.
Key Features:
- Improved grip on wet roads helps you feel safer in rainy conditions.
- Shorter stopping distances mean you can react quicker in emergencies.
- Better fuel efficiency keeps your costs down during winter driving.
- Durable design means they last longer, saving you money over time.
- Whisper-quiet performance makes for a smoother, more comfortable ride.
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 perfect for sports car owners who want confidence in wet and cold UK weather. It offers great grip on slippery roads and helps keep your drive smooth, even when there's a bit of snow.
Key Features:
- Improved grip on icy and wet roads makes driving safer in winter.
- Shorter stopping distances help you react quickly in emergencies.
- Enhanced comfort reduces road noise for a smoother drive.
- Long-lasting performance saves you money on replacements over time.
- Better fuel efficiency helps keep your fuel costs down.
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
If you're looking for a reliable winter tyre, the Hankook Winter i*cept RS3 is a great choice. It handles the cold and wet weather really well, giving you good grip and control without breaking the bank. Perfect for our unpredictable winters!
Key Features:
- Excellent grip in icy conditions helps you stay safe on winter roads.
- Shorter stopping distances mean you can react quicker in emergencies.
- Reduced risk of aquaplaning keeps you steady during heavy rain.
- Long-lasting tread life saves you money in the long run.
- Improved fuel efficiency helps you save at the pumps during winter months.
Best For: Drivers seeking good performance at mid-range prices
Price Range: £70-120 per tyre
Where to Buy: Hankook Official · Black Circles
🆕 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 plus winter tyre is designed to provide enhanced grip and stability on icy and snowy roads, making it an ideal choice for UK drivers facing harsh winter conditions. With its advanced tread pattern and rubber compounds, this tyre ensures reliable performance and safety, helping you navigate winter weather with confidence.
Source: TyreReviews
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 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.
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
How do I know if my winter tyres are still in good condition?
Check the tread depth and look for any signs of cracking or uneven wear. If the tread is below 4mm or you notice damage, it's time to consider replacing them.
Can I mix winter tyres with all-season tyres?
It's best to avoid mixing types, as this can affect handling and safety in winter conditions. Stick with winter tyres on all four wheels for the best grip and stability.
What's the best way to store my winter tyres when not in use?
Clean them thoroughly and store them in a cool, dry place, ideally in a tyre bag to protect them from dust and sunlight. Keeping them upright or stacked flat will help maintain their shape and condition.
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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.