Summer vs Winter vs All-Season Tyres: What UK Drivers Need to Know

Tyre choice matters more than most drivers realise. In the UK's variable climate, understanding your options can improve safety and save money. For Somerset drivers – especially those in the Mendip Hills or who travel regularly in winter – choosing the right tyre type is an important decision.

Summer Tyres: The Standard Choice

Best for: Temperatures above 7°C

Summer tyres are what most UK cars come fitted with as standard. They use a harder rubber compound optimised for warm conditions, providing excellent grip on dry and wet roads when temperatures are mild to warm.

Pros:

• Excellent performance in warm weather
• Good wet weather grip above 7°C
• Longer lifespan in typical UK summer conditions
• Better fuel efficiency in warm weather

Cons:

• Rubber hardens below 7°C, losing grip
• Poor performance in snow or ice
• Not suitable for UK winter conditions

Winter Tyres: For Cold Weather Specialists

Best for: Temperatures below 7°C, snow, ice, and frost

Winter tyres use a softer rubber compound that stays flexible in cold weather. The tread pattern has more sipes (small cuts) that provide additional grip on snow and ice. Crucially, they're not just for snow – they're better in any cold conditions.

Pros:

• Significantly better grip below 7°C – typically 20-30% improvement
• Designed for snow and ice performance
• Better braking in cold, wet conditions
• Essential for Mendip Hills driving in winter

Cons:

• Wear faster in warm weather
• Requires seasonal swap and storage
• Additional cost of owning two sets
• Slightly reduced performance above 7°C

All-Season Tyres: The Compromise

Best for: UK drivers who want one set year-round

All-season tyres (also called all-weather tyres) are engineered to handle a wide range of conditions. They're a compromise – not as good as summer tyres in heat, not as good as winter tyres in snow, but acceptable in both. For most UK drivers who rarely see heavy snow, they're increasingly popular.

Pros:

• No seasonal swap needed – convenience and no storage required
• Good performance across mild UK conditions
• Adequate in light snow and frost
• Cost-effective: one set instead of two
• Many carry the snowflake symbol for Alpine winter use

Cons:

• Compromise on extreme performance in any condition
• Not as good as dedicated winter tyres in heavy snow
• Not as good as summer tyres in very hot conditions (rare in Somerset!)

Our Recommendation for Somerset Drivers

For most drivers in Somerset and the surrounding areas, all-season tyres are often the best choice. Here's why:

• We rarely get prolonged heavy snow in the lowlands
• Temperatures regularly drop below 7°C from November to March
• The convenience of not swapping tyres twice a year is significant
• Modern all-seasons handle frost, light snow, and cold rain well

However, if you regularly drive in the Mendip Hills, travel to Scotland or Europe in winter, or simply want the best possible cold-weather performance, dedicated winter tyres on a second set of wheels are worth considering.

Premium All-Season Brands We Recommend

Not all all-season tyres are created equal. We recommend premium options from:

• Michelin CrossClimate – excellent wet and dry performance with winter capability
• Continental AllSeasonContact – great all-round performance
• Goodyear Vector 4Seasons – reliable and well-priced

Need Advice?

Choosing the right tyres depends on your driving patterns, where you live, and your priorities. Pop into our Cheddar workshop or give us a call – we'll discuss your needs and recommend the best option for your situation and budget.

Explore our tyre fitting services or get a personalised quote.