Best Winter Tyres for Snow

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If you regularly see settled snow — highlands, alpine trips, rural winters — a dedicated winter tyre transforms braking and traction in a way no all-season quite matches. Look for the 3PMSF snowflake, and remember winter tyres commonly carry lower speed ratings (Q/R/S), which is acceptable with a reminder label in view.

1. Michelin Alpin 6

Benchmark snow-and-wet balance with Michelin's long wear life — the safe default winter choice.

UK: check Alpin 6 winter tyre prices at Tirendo US: check winter tyre prices at WheelHero

2. Continental WinterContact TS 870

Repeated test winner in the compact and family classes; superb wet and snow braking.

UK: check WinterContact TS 870 prices at Tirendo US: check Continental winter prices at WheelHero

3. Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3

Strong across snow, ice and wet with a wide size range up to larger SUV fitments.

UK: check UltraGrip Performance 3 prices at Tirendo US: check Goodyear winter prices at WheelHero

4. Hankook Winter i*cept RS3

The value pick that keeps podium company in tests — meaningfully cheaper, close on snow.

UK: check Winter i*cept prices at Tirendo US: check Hankook winter prices at WheelHero

5. Occasional-snow alternative: snow socks

If you meet snow twice a year, certified textile snow socks stowed in the boot cover the school-run emergency for a fraction of a winter set. Check they're certified for your region's rules.

winter tyre snow socks

How we ranked

Ranking reflects independent winter tyre test results (snow braking and traction weighted highest, wet braking second) and UK/EU size availability.

Reference only. Tyre choice depends on your vehicle, size and driving — always follow the vehicle manufacturer's placard or handbook, and check independent test results for your exact size.

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Last updated:

Data: computed reference values (ETRTO tyre-size arithmetic), build date 22 July 2026. Reference only — always follow your vehicle manufacturer's placard or handbook.