The Continental WinterContact TS 870 is the best winter tyre for UK drivers, winning Auto Express’s 2026 test for the third time running. Other strong picks include the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3, the Bridgestone Blizzak 6, and the Michelin Alpin 7. Each grips well in the cold, wet conditions that define a typical British winter.
Choosing winter tyres can feel confusing. There are dozens of brands, prices range widely, and the UK rarely gets the deep snow these tyres are built for. So how do you know what’s worth your money?
We’ve pulled together the latest independent test data and the key facts you need. Below, you’ll find the top-rated winter tyres for 2025/26, how they perform, and how to decide if they’re right for you.
What makes a good winter tyre for UK roads?
Winter tyres are built for cold weather, not just snow. They use a softer rubber compound that stays flexible below 7°C. Summer tyres harden in the cold, so they lose grip.
Winter tyres also have deeper grooves and tiny cuts in the tread called sipes. These channels clear water and snow, which improves braking and traction.
You can spot a genuine winter tyre by two markings on the sidewall:
- M+S symbol – stands for Mud and Snow.
- 3PMSF symbol – the three-peak mountain snowflake, the industry standard for true winter performance.
The numbers back this up. According to TyreSafe, at 5°C a car on summer tyres stops in 70.5 metres. On winter tyres, that drops to 65.7 metres. That gap matters on a cold, wet road.
The best winter tyres for UK drivers in 2025/26
These rankings come from the Auto Express 2026 winter tyre test, published in September 2025. The test scored each tyre on wet, snow, and dry performance, with wet grip weighted highest since that’s what UK drivers face most.
1. Continental WinterContact TS 870 – best overall
The Continental WinterContact TS 870 took first place for the third test in a row. It led across nearly every category, including wet braking, wet handling, and snow traction. It costs around £154. If you want proven, all-round performance, this is the safest choice.
2. Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 – best for value and economy
The Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 finished a close second at around £145. It delivers consistent results in every condition and posted the lowest rolling resistance in the 2024 test, so it’s the most fuel-efficient option here. Hence it’s a smart pick if you want savings at the pump.
3. Bridgestone Blizzak 6 – ideal for typical UK winters
The Bridgestone Blizzak 6 placed third at around £150. Auto Express called it particularly good in the cold, wet, and dry, which makes it well suited to British roads. Since most UK winters bring rain rather than heavy snow, this balance works in your favour.
4. Michelin Alpin 7 – best for snowfall areas
The Michelin Alpin 7 came fourth at around £170. It has a slight snow bias, so it’s a strong fit if you live somewhere that sees regular snow, such as the Scottish Highlands or higher ground. It also drives well in the wet.
A budget option, the LingLong Sport Master Winter, finished fifth at just £90. It performed well for the price. However, the cheapest tyre in the test, the Triangle WinterX TW401 at £77, was rated worryingly poor in the wet. We’d avoid it.
Winter tyres or all-season tyres: which should you choose?
This is the question most UK drivers ask, so let’s be clear about it.
Winter tyres are the right choice if you regularly drive in snow or live in a colder, more remote region. They grip best below 7°C and outperform every alternative on snow and ice.
All-season tyres are the better choice for most UK drivers. The reason is simple: Britain gets far more cold, wet weather than snow. In the 2024 Auto Express test, the all-season Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen-3 actually stopped 1.5 metres sooner than the best winter tyre in the wet at around 7°C.
Plus, all-season tyres stay on your car year-round. So you skip the cost and hassle of swapping and storing a second set.
When should you fit winter tyres in the UK?
Fit winter tyres when temperatures consistently drop below 7°C. In most of the UK, that means from around October through to March or April.
The 7°C rule matters because it’s the point where summer tyres start to lose grip and winter compounds take over. Also remember to switch back in spring, since winter tyres wear faster in warm weather.
One thing to note: winter tyres are not a legal requirement in the UK, unlike in some European countries. Only a small share of UK drivers fit them, and most live in colder, remote areas.
How much do winter tyres cost?
Based on the 2026 test, premium winter tyres cost roughly £90 to £170 each. So a full set of four runs from around £360 to £680, plus fitting.
The upfront cost is significant, but the longer-term cost is lower than it looks. Here’s why:
- Your summer tyres last longer, since they sit unused for several months each year.
- Winter tyres spread their wear, so you replace tyres less often overall.
- You may pay for storage if you lack a garage, often around £7.50 per tyre per season.
Fitting winter tyres should not affect your car insurance, but we’d recommend checking with your provider to be sure.
Your next steps before the cold sets in
Winter tyres give you real, measurable grip when temperatures fall below 7°C. The Continental WinterContact TS 870 leads the pack, but the Goodyear, Bridgestone, and Michelin options are all excellent.
Before you buy, think about how you drive. If you face regular snow, fit dedicated winter tyres. If you mainly deal with cold, wet British roads, a quality all-season tyre may serve you better. Either way, check your tyre size and book fitting before the first cold snap.
Frequently asked questions
Are winter tyres a legal requirement in the UK?
No. Winter tyres are not mandatory in the UK, unlike in countries such as Germany or Austria. They remain a personal choice, though they improve safety in cold conditions.
What temperature should I switch to winter tyres?
Switch when temperatures consistently fall below 7°C. Below this point, summer tyres harden and lose grip, while winter compounds perform at their best.
Are winter tyres worth it if it rarely snows where I live?
Often, an all-season tyre is the better fit for most UK drivers. All-season tyres handle cold, wet conditions well and stay on your car all year, saving you swapping and storage costs.
How much does a set of four winter tyres cost?
Premium winter tyres cost around £90 to £170 each, so a set of four runs roughly £360 to £680, plus fitting. Budget options cost less but often perform poorly in the wet.
How do I know if a tyre is a true winter tyre?
Look for two markings on the sidewall: the M+S symbol and the three-peak mountain snowflake (3PMSF) symbol. The 3PMSF mark is the industry standard for genuine winter performance.
