Do I need winter tyres in the UK?

Winter tyres are not legally required in the UK, but they provide significantly better grip below 7 degrees Celsius. They reduce braking distances on cold, wet, and icy roads by up to 30%. Consider them if you drive regularly in winter, especially in rural or hilly areas.

How much do winter tyres cost?

Winter tyres typically cost £55-£70 for small cars, £70-£95 for medium cars, £90-£120 for larger cars, and £110-£150+ for SUVs. Many drivers keep them on spare wheels to save on fitting costs each season.

What antifreeze concentration do I need for winter?

A 50/50 mix of antifreeze and water protects down to around -35 degrees Celsius, which is more than adequate for UK winters. Most manufacturers recommend this ratio. Never use less than 30% antifreeze in winter.

When should I prepare my car for winter?

Start preparing in October before the first frost. Fit winter tyres when average temperatures drop below 7 degrees Celsius (usually November). Check antifreeze and screenwash concentration, battery health, lights, and wiper blades.

What screenwash concentration for winter?

Use concentrated screenwash diluted to protect against at least -10 degrees Celsius, or neat screenwash in very cold areas. Never use plain water in winter as it will freeze and can crack the washer bottle or damage the pump.

CarCalcs

Winter Driving Preparation Calculator — Cold Weather Checklist

Calculate the cost of preparing your car for winter including tyres, antifreeze, and screenwash.

Vehicle Type

Type of vehicle you drive

Number of Tyres

How many tyres to include in the calculation

Current Antifreeze Level

Current antifreeze concentration

Screenwash Capacity

Washer bottle capacity

How We Calculate This

How The Costs Are Estimated

Winter tyres: Cost per tyre (by vehicle size) x number of tyres
Antifreeze: Calculated to bring concentration from current level up to 50%
Screenwash: Based on your washer bottle capacity

Default Tyre Costs

Small car: ~£55/tyre
Medium car: ~£75/tyre
Large car: ~£95/tyre
SUV: ~£120/tyre

Frequently Asked Questions

Last updated: March 2026

All calculations are estimates. Actual figures may vary based on driving conditions, vehicle specifications, and other factors.