Tread on Winter Tyres

What you need to know about tread design, depth, and performance.

Fast Facts: Tread and Winter Tyres – The Basics

• Winter tyres have larger, deeper grooves than summer tyres

• They improve braking, traction, and control on snow and ice

• Replace tyres when tread depth falls below the legal minimum

• Check tread regularly using a depth gauge or wear bars

• Watch for signs of damage or uneven wear

Why Winter Tyre Tread Matters

If you compare tyre tracks in snow or dirt, you’ll quickly see the difference between a winter and a summer tyre — just like comparing the soles of snow boots and summer shoes. The tread pattern on winter tyres is engineered to deliver maximum grip and safety in low temperatures, ensuring your vehicle performs reliably on wet, icy, or snow-covered roads.

Let’s explore what makes tread design so important for winter driving.

The Five Key Elements of Winter Tyre Design

Every tyre has a distinctive tread pattern composed of four main structural elements — plus a fifth that’s unique to winter performance.

1. Tread Blocks

These are the raised rubber segments that make direct contact with the road. Over time, they wear down naturally. Their size and arrangement influence braking, traction, and road noise.

2. Sipes

Tiny, zigzag slits cut into each tread block that create additional biting edges. Sipes enhance grip on snow, slush, and ice, improving traction during acceleration and braking.

3. Grooves

Continuous channels running around the tyre’s circumference. On winter tyres, these are wider and deeper, helping to displace water and slush and reduce the risk of aquaplaning.

4. Ribs

The raised bands of rubber running around the tyre improve steering precision and stability, especially on icy or wet surfaces.

5. Tyre Compound

The real secret behind winter performance lies in the rubber compound. Winter tyres use a soft, flexible rubber formula that remains pliable in cold temperatures, providing excellent grip when the thermometer drops.

When snow packs into the grooves, it creates snow-on-snow friction, which actually increases traction — an effect summer tyres cannot replicate.

In short: All five elements work together to “bite” into snow and ice, providing the traction, control, and braking power winter demands.

How Winter Tyre Tread Differs

Winter tyre patterns feature:

• Deeper, wider grooves for snow evacuation

• More sipes for extra grip and shorter braking distances

• Flexible rubber that stays soft in the cold

As snow compacts into the grooves, it enhances grip — the tyre effectively uses the snow itself for traction. This combination provides greater safety, stability, and control in winter conditions.

Tread Depth: When to Replace Your Tyres

Tread depth plays a crucial role in winter safety. As tyres wear down, their ability to maintain grip on icy or wet roads decreases dramatically.

• Always observe your country’s legal tread depth limit (often 1.6 mm minimum)

• For optimal performance in winter, experts recommend at least 4 mm of tread

Tip: Even before you reach the legal limit, braking distances and traction will already be compromised — so replace tyres early for safer winter driving.

How to Check Tread Depth

Checking your tyre tread is quick and easy. Do this every two weeks (and at least once a month).

Option 1: Use a Tread Depth Gauge

Insert the probe into the tyre’s grooves at several points across the surface. The gauge will give a precise measurement in millimetres.

Option 2: Check the Wear Bars

All tyres have small raised bars built into the grooves. When the tread wears down to the same level as these bars, the tyre has reached its limit and must be replaced.

Rotate the tyre slightly to locate the wear bars — they may not be visible at first glance.

If you don’t have a gauge, you can also use a small ruler or coin as a quick check in an emergency.

Inspect for Damage and Irregular Wear

When checking tread, always look for:

• Cracks, bulges, or cuts

• Uneven wear across the tread

• Flat spots or divots

These could indicate misalignment, improper inflation, or suspension issues. If you notice any abnormalities, visit a tyre specialist immediately for a professional inspection.

The Bottom Line

Your tyres are the only part of your vehicle that touch the road — and in winter, tread depth and design are what keep you safe. Deep grooves, sharp sipes, and a flexible rubber compound combine to deliver the grip and braking confidence you need on snow, ice, and slush.

Regularly check your tread depth, monitor tyre health, and replace worn tyres before they become unsafe. With the right winter tread, every journey — from frosty commutes to snow-covered getaways — can be smooth, stable, and secure.