Buying Winter Tyres

A smart investment for safety, control, and performance in cold weather.

Fast Facts: What to Know About Winter Tyres

• ❄️ If temperatures regularly drop below 7°C, winter tyres are essential — and legally required in some countries.

• ✅ Look for the M+S and Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) symbols — they certify true winter performance.

• 🚗 Always fit winter tyres on all four wheels for balanced traction and control.

• 🔧 Check tyre pressure every two weeks and follow your vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations.

Why invest in winter tyres?

If winter in your region means temperatures below 7°C, snow, or icy roads, buying winter tyres is one of the smartest safety decisions you can make. These tyres are designed to maintain grip, braking performance, and handling even when the weather turns harsh.

Unlike summer tyres, which harden and lose traction in the cold, winter tyres stay flexible and responsive, allowing your car to remain stable in low temperatures, rain, snow, and ice.

Important: Always fit winter tyres to all four wheel positions. Mixing summer and winter tyres can cause uneven grip, poor handling, and instability when cornering or braking.

Why winter tyres perform better in the cold

The effectiveness of a winter tyre comes down to three main features:

1. Tread Pattern

Winter tyres have wider and deeper grooves that push snow and slush out from under the tyre, maintaining contact with the road. This design dramatically improves traction and braking on slippery surfaces.

2. Sipes

Tiny, zigzag slits in the tread blocks — called sipes — allow the rubber to flex and create extra biting edges. This helps the tyre “grip” snow and ice more effectively.

3. Rubber Compound

Winter tyres contain more natural rubber, making them softer and more elastic in freezing conditions. While summer tyres harden below 7°C and lose grip, winter tyres remain supple, ensuring safer handling and shorter braking distances.

Together, these design features help winter tyres deliver maximum control and confidence — from frosty city streets to snow-covered mountain roads.

Winter tyre sidewall symbols: What they mean

You can identify a true winter tyre by its sidewall markings. Look for one or both of the following:

1. M+S (Mud and Snow) symbol

Indicates the tyre’s tread and compound are engineered for better performance on snow compared to regular tyres.
However, this symbol alone doesn’t guarantee performance — it’s based on the tyre’s design, not on actual testing.

2. Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) symbol

This icon — a snowflake inside a mountain outline — is the official international certification for winter tyres.
Tyres bearing the 3PMSF symbol have passed standardised snow-braking tests under EU, US, and Canadian regulations, proving they deliver superior grip and safety in real winter conditions.

Transition note:

• Winter tyres made before January 1, 2018 may still carry only the M+S marking.

• Until September 30, 2024, M+S-labelled tyres remain legally valid during the transition period.

• However, it’s strongly recommended to switch to 3PMSF-certified tyres, as they meet proven snow performance standards.

Choosing the right winter tyre size and pressure

Before purchasing winter tyres, always verify the correct size and pressure settings for your vehicle.

You’ll find these details:

• In your vehicle’s owner’s handbook

• On the driver’s-side door frame

• Or under the fuel filler door

It’s usually best to choose the same size as your car’s original equipment (OE) tyres, as they were engineered for optimal handling and safety.

Tyre pressure

The recommended winter tyre pressure (in PSI or bar) is the same as for summer tyres.
However, remember:

Air pressure drops by about 1 PSI for every 10°C drop in temperature.

That’s why you should check your tyre pressure every 2–4 weeks throughout winter. Driving on under-inflated tyres can:

• Increase fuel consumption

• Accelerate tread wear

• Reduce traction and braking efficiency

• Increase the risk of a puncture

Regular checks keep your tyres performing safely and efficiently all season long.

Final thoughts

Buying winter tyres isn’t just about compliance — it’s about safety, stability, and peace of mind when driving in cold, wet, or snowy conditions.

By fitting certified 3PMSF winter tyres on all four wheels, maintaining correct pressure, and replacing worn tyres before they lose tread depth, you’ll ensure:

• Better grip and control

• Shorter braking distances

• Improved comfort and efficiency

With the right winter tyres, your car is ready to take on whatever winter throws at it — safely, smoothly, and confidently.