All-season tyres have come a long way, and for a British winter they're often the smartest choice. Here's how to pick a good one - and the one symbol that separates the real deal from the rest.
Our winters are mostly cold and wet rather than deep snow, which plays to an all-season tyre's strengths: dependable grip all year with no seasonal changeover and nothing to store. We cover the full case in are all-season tyres worth it?
This is the big one. The 3PMSF symbol - a snowflake inside three mountain peaks - is only awarded after a tyre passes standardised snow-traction testing. The older M+S (mud and snow) marking is just a manufacturer claim and isn't tested, so for genuine cold-weather capability, look for the snowflake.
As with any tyre, the EU label rates fuel efficiency, wet grip and noise. Prioritise wet grip - it's where all-season tyres have improved most, and where the safety difference is biggest on a wet British road.
Auto Express and TyreReviews run dedicated all-season tests each year, ranking real models across wet, dry and snow. They're the most reliable guide to which tyres actually deliver the year-round balance they promise.
“For most of our customers a good all-season tyre is the one-set answer to a British winter. Look for the snowflake symbol and a solid wet-grip rating and you won't go far wrong - and we'll fit a set that suits your car and how you drive.”
It depends on your car, but look for the 3PMSF snowflake symbol, a strong EU-label wet-grip rating, and good independent test scores.
The 3PMSF (three-peak mountain snowflake) symbol, which certifies genuine snow performance. M+S alone is only a manufacturer claim.
For most drivers in milder, low-lying areas, yes. If you regularly face snow and ice, dedicated winter tyres are still better.
All-season for year-round convenience in a mild climate; winter for the best grip in real snow and ice.
Call now for a fast, no-obligation quote - or drop your details in and we'll come back to you.
07772 078 648We'll call you back as soon as we can. For anything urgent, call 07772 078 648.
Your tyre size is printed on the sidewall of the tyre - a string like 205/55 R16 91V. Here's what each number and letter means.
Please take the size from the exact tyre(s) you want replacing - front and rear sizes can differ.