Best Winter Tyres for Your Car in 2023/24
Ellie Dyer-Brown, 1 year ago
5 min read
- Tyres
- Review
FixMyCar recommends the best winter car tyres for every budget.
Overview:
Best premium winter tyre - WinterContact TS870
Best mid-range winter tyre - Hankook i*Cept RS3
Best budget winter tyre - Minerva Frostrack HP
When temperatures plummet in the UK and snow blankets the roads, we’re almost always unprepared. Having a set of winter tyres can help change that, but it isn't always easy deciding which ones to buy - especially if you’ve got a modest budget.
This guide to the best winter tyres goes beyond the usual suspects - namely Continental and Bridgestone - to find excellent tyres at every price range, from premium to budget.
Click here to read about whether winter tyres are worth it, including pros and cons.
Contents:
How are winter tyres tested?
Find out more about the methods used to test the performance of tyres in numerous areas.
Wet
Wet weather testing can be done in a few different ways.
One example involves driving a vehicle in a circle at multiple speeds through a puddle, the depth of which is known. The car's speed when it becomes unstable is known as the hydroplaning speed.
Another method tests straight-line deep water ability by accelerating in a straight line with one wheel in water and the other on dry ground. The speed is measured when the wheel in water is spinning 15% more than the one in the dry.
Snow
Artificially iced tracks are often used by manufacturers to test performance on snow and ice. Brake, traction and grip are all measured at slow speeds, and tyres are ranked accordingly.
For braking, the distance taken to slow down from one speed to another is measured, while traction tests record the time taken to accelerate between those speeds.
Dry
The same braking and traction tests described above are applied on dry ground. The test vehicle may have to brake from a particular speed to a standstill with the ABS activated, and the distance between these two points is measured.
Fuel economy
You may be wondering how on earth you can measure a tyre’s fuel efficiency, and the answer is simple: rolling resistance. This term is defined as the energy a tyre uses over a specified distance - it is one of the forces that must be overcome for forward movement, along with aerodynamics, gravity, mechanical friction and inertia.
A tyre’s rolling resistance can be worked out by rotating the drum and measuring the resistance the tyre exerts on the drum’s rotation. It is measured in kilograms per tonne.
Noise
The test vehicle is driven on various road surfaces, and the average noise level is measured.
Our methodology
At FixMyCar, we don’t conduct our own tyre tests. Instead, we compare results from tests run by reputable publications like Auto Express while factoring driver reviews into the equation.
That’s the important part - when you buy a set of tyres, you don’t just want to be told they’re good based on tests; you want the reassurance that other drivers, like you, have tried and loved them.
Best premium winter tyres
Here are our top premium winter tyres. Read this guide if you're not sure whether premium tyres are worth it.
Continental WinterContact TS870
The WinterContact TS870 has generated a lot of hype - and rightly so. As you’d expect from a brand like Continental, it’s packed with innovative features that ensure every winter drive is a pleasure.
You can read our review of Continental tyres here.
Features
Triple Sipe Concept for reliable control and minimal braking distances.
Cool Chili Compound for optimised wet braking.
Hydro Grooves to reduce the risk of aquaplaning.
Performance Resins and a Flexible Polymer Matrix, delivering high mileage and low fuel consumption.
Ratings
Fuel, grip and noise ratings for this tyre. Some variations between sizes exist, but the results below are the most common.
Fuel - C
Wet grip - B
Noise - B
Performance and awards
After securing impressive scores across the board in the Auto Express 2023 Winter Tyre Test - including 99% for wet braking, 97.2% for snow traction and 97.8% for snow braking - the WinterContact TS870 took the top spot and earned the title of best winter tyre.
Auto Bild has also awarded the WinterContact TS870 an “exemplary” rating, and in their tests, the German Automobile Club deemed it the “most balanced tyre”.
At the time of writing, the regular WinterContact TS 870 hasn’t yet received driver reviews on Tyre Seeker, although it is a recommended winter tyre. Its wider sibling, the TS 870 P, has a rating of 4.8 stars out of 5 based on five reviews.
Why you should buy it
The Continental WinterContact TS 870 is one of the quietest winter tyres on the market and certainly one of the best to drive. It offers strong performance in snowy conditions, maintaining good traction and topping almost every winter tyre leaderboard.
Bridgestone Blizzak LM005
The Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 is suitable for regular cars and SUVs/4x4s. It delivers superb performance on snow and ice, with best-in-class wet grip and braking.
Read our review of Bridgestone tyres here.
Features
Zig-zag grooves for enhanced traction and wet grip.
NanoPro Tech for outstanding fuel efficiency and durability.
Distinct grooves for better snow grip.
Durable rubber compound to take on the harshest weather.
Ratings
Fuel - C
Wet grip - A
Noise - B
Performance and awards
The Blizzak LM005 came second in the Auto Express 2023 Winter Tyre Test and was noted for its strong performance regarding fuel efficiency and road noise. Its most impressive scores include 100% for snow braking and snow traction, 99% for wet handling and the same for rolling resistance.
At the time of writing, drivers have awarded it 4.7 out of 5 stars on Tyre Seeker based on 35 reviews.
Why you should buy it
Despite average performance in the dry, the Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 has all the essential qualities you’d expect in winter tyres in abundance - its performance is almost unmatched in snow and on wet roads, and it has good fuel efficiency, too.
Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
Goodyear’s UltraGrip Performance 3 was launched in 2022, and its debut has undoubtedly caused a stir, shooting to almost the top of every winter tyre recommendation list. As you’d expect from Goodyear, wet weather performance is this tyre’s strong suit.
Read our Goodyear tyres review for more information about the brand.
Features
SoundComfort Technology for minimal road noise.
Rim protection layers to prevent curb damage.
High sipe density ensures enhanced braking and handling.
Shoulder grooves improve grip on soft and thick snow.
Ratings
Fuel - D
Wet grip - C
Noise - B
Performance and awards
The UltraGrip Performance 3 took third place in the Auto Express 2023 Winter Tyre Test, earning excellent scores of 100% for straight and curved aquaplaning, 98.6% for snow traction and braking, and 99.2% for wet handling. Overall, it scored 99.4%.
It was the leader in the deep water aquaplaning tests, whereas its snow performance saw it fall to fourth place.
Auto Bild gave the tyre an “exemplary” rating, putting it in second place, and it also took second place in the Eco Master 2023 and Green Tyre 2023/4 categories.
The Ultra Grip Performance 3 hasn’t yet received enough reviews on Tyre Seeker to give it a score; on Auto Express, it is rated 4.5 stars out of 5.
Why you should buy it
The Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 has short braking distances and feels safe on snow, with stable cornering. It’s a versatile tyre capable of adapting to the challenges of winter.
Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2
The Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 is a winter touring tyre that’s most at home on snow, where it excels in tests. It has good mileage and performs well in the wet, though its dry braking could be better.
Read this Pirelli tyres review to find out more about the brand.
Features
Multiactive 4D sipes deliver improved braking safety.
Winter gear design for treads, ensuring mobility on snow and reliable traction.
Water escape accelerator reduces the risk of aquaplaning.
Ratings
Fuel - B-D
Wet grip - B/C
Noise - A
Performance and awards
Pirelli’s Cinturato Winter 2 tyre came fifth in the Auto Express 2023 Winter Tyre Test after a tyre by mid-range rival Hankook. Its performance on snow was excellent, securing a win in both tests, and it kept pace on dry ground, though it lost some stability in the downhill stop.
Overall, the Cinturato Winter 2 scored 99.1%, with 100% for dry braking, 99% for wet handling, 99.5% for snow braking and 99.8% for cabin noise. In 2022, it was named Best Winter Tyre by two prestigious publications - Auto Bild and Tyre Seeker - and was classified as “recommended” by Tyre Reviews.
At the time of writing, the Cinturato Winter 2 has only received two reviews on Tyre Seeker, resulting in an overall rating of 5 stars.
Why you should buy it
The Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 provides good mileage while maintaining a reliable grip on snow. These qualities have earned it numerous accolades and industry-wide recognition as a superb winter tyre.
Best mid range winter tyres
Here are our top mid-range winter tyres.
Hankook i*cept RS3
Despite Hankook being classed as a mid-range tyre brand, the i*cept RS3 can compete with the best of them. It has good grip and control when there’s ice on the road and is reliable in the wet, too.
Read our review of Hankook tyres to learn more about the brand.
Features
Reversed V-shaped semi-grooves improve traction on snowy roads.
Micro edge sipes increase the tyre’s contact with the road, delivering better traction.
Aqua pine compound made of high loading silica provides improved wet performance.
Water pipe kerf placed in the shoulder ejects water from the main groove, leading to better grip.
Ratings
Fuel - D
Wet grip - B
Noise - B
Performance and awards
The Hankook i*cept RS3 proved its mettle in the Auto Express 2023 Winter Tyre Test, earning fourth place and beating premium rivals including Michelin and Pirelli. The results showed that it was least comfortable gripping in snow but came alive in the dry, with admirable grip. Fuel economy could have been better.
The i*cept RS3 won an iF Design Award in 2022. On Blackcircles.com, drivers have awarded it with a score of 4.2 stars out of 5 based on 31 reviews at the time of writing.
Why you should buy it
Hankook has created a well-balanced winter tyre in the i*cept RS3, capable of handling the wet British weather and maintaining a reliable grip. For a winter tyre, it isn’t too expensive, either, coming in at around the £90 mark.
Avon WV7
The Avon WV7 Snow might not feature in “best of” lists like the other tyres in this guide, but it consistently earns glowing reviews from drivers, who are impressed by its grip in snowy and icy conditions. It’s also engineered in the UK.
Our Avon tyres review covers everything you need to know about the brand.
Features
High ratio sipe density generates improved traction.
Centre rib delivers precision steering on snow, ice and slush.
Directional winter pattern provides responsive cornering stability.
Ratings
Fuel - D
Wet grip - B
Noise - B
Performance and awards
Tyre tests performed by Auto Express showed the WV7 Snow to be one of the quietest winter tyres, performing well on wet roads, where it beats tyres by Dunlop and Goodyear. However, it isn’t as strong in the snow, where it finished four per cent behind the winner, Continental.
Overall, it scored 95.5%, with its strongest performance areas being 80% for rolling resistance, 99.4% for cabin noise and 97.7% for dry handling.
On Tyre Seeker, drivers have awarded the WV7 Snow a rating of 4.6 stars out of 5 based on five reviews (at the time of writing). Its highest scores are 100% for value and buy again and 96% for comfort.
Why you should buy it
There are many things to like about the WV7 Snow, not least the price, which is cheaper than many premium winter tyres. With plenty of positive driver reviews culminating in an overall score of 4.6 stars on Auto Express, it’s clear Avon has done something right.
Best budget winter tyres
This is our pick of the best budget winter tyres. Not sure about buying budget? This guide discusses whether budget tyres are worth it.
Minerva Frostrack HP
The Minerva Frostrack HP is an affordable and well-reviewed winter touring tyre for passenger cars.
Features
Asymmetric tread pattern optimised for safety and handling in wet and dry conditions.
Efficient sipes to remove water and slush, reducing the risk of aquaplaning.
Ratings
Fuel - D
Wet grip - C
Noise - B
Performance and awards
In Tyre Reviews’ 2022 Winter Tyre Market Overview, the Frostrack HP was rated 39th out of 57, which is by no means a bad position for a budget tyre in this price range. It has strong scores on Tyre Seeker for buy again and comfort (83%) and value (86%).
Drivers often remark on how comfortable the Frostrack HP is and its value for money. At around the £50 mark, it is one of the cheapest winter tyres in this guide.
It has not received any awards.
Why you should buy it
The Minerva Frostrack HP is one of the most affordable winter tyres on the market. Its performance isn’t as impressive as its mid-range and premium rivals, but it offers great value for money.
Royal Black Royal Winter
The Royal Winter tyre by Royal Black is a solid budget choice, providing a quiet and comfortable ride. It is priced similarly to the Frostrack HP, appealing to money-conscious drivers.
Features
Enhanced silica compound for better traction on snow and ice.
Micro-bumps on tread blocks to improve grip.
Central rib design with empty pitches for enhanced traction.
Specialised tread sipes to maintain maximum contact with the road.
Ratings
Fuel - D
Wet grip - C/D
Noise - B
Performance and awards
On Tyre Seeker, drivers have given the Royal Winter 4.2 stars out of 5 based on 32 reviews (at the time of writing). Its highest scores are 77% for value, 74% for buy again and 73% for comfort. Like the Avon WV7, its performance in snowy and icy conditions isn’t as strong, which is usual for budget tyres.
The Royal Winter has not won any awards.
Buy a set of winter tyres
Ready to buy a set of winter tyres? FixMyCar is here to help, providing the best brands and a network of mobile and garage fitters at your fingertips.
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