Best Tyre Picks

How do you rank tyres for these lists?

Each shortlist is built from independent European tyre test results (wet braking weighted highest, since it's the biggest single safety factor), 3PMSF snow certification where relevant, and current UK/US size availability — full methodology is on each individual list page.

Is the cheapest tyre in a category always the worst choice?

Not necessarily — but always check the EU label wet-grip grade (A to E) before buying on price alone. A budget tyre with a B-grade wet-grip rating can outperform a pricier tyre with a D grade in the one test that matters most for safety.

Do these rankings change by tyre size?

Yes. A tyre that leads independent tests in one popular size doesn't always carry the same result in every size it's manufactured in — always check results for your exact size where possible before buying.

Are these lists sponsored by any tyre manufacturer?

No manufacturer has editorial input into these rankings. We earn commission if you buy through a link on this site (see our affiliate disclosure), but that has no bearing on which tyre or product ranks where.

What's the real difference between all-season and winter tyres in the UK?

All-season tyres carry the 3-Peak Mountain Snow Flake (3PMSF) symbol and handle occasional UK snow/ice reasonably, while staying usable year-round. Dedicated winter tyres go further on ice and sub-7°C grip but wear faster and cost more if driven on through summer — all-season is the right call for most UK drivers who see occasional snow, not weeks of it.

How do I find the EU tyre label wet grip rating before I buy?

UK and EU tyre retailers are legally required to display the EU label (fuel efficiency, wet grip A-E, noise in dB) at the point of sale — check the retailer's product page, or the manufacturer's own site (we link directly to the manufacturer page for each pick above where a specific model's label is published).

Should I buy SUV-specific tyres, or will standard tyres fit my SUV?

Check your handbook or door-jamb placard for the exact size and load index first — many SUVs run on standard passenger-car sizes, but heavier SUVs need a higher load index (XL-rated) tyre to carry the extra weight safely, which is what our SUV shortlist is built around.

Does a dash cam actually help with an insurance claim in the UK?

Most UK insurers now accept dash cam footage as evidence, and a small but growing number offer a discount for having one fitted — check with your specific insurer, but footage of the moments before a collision is generally the single most useful piece of evidence you can provide.