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Live forecasts update automatically; written guidance last reviewed 16 June 2026 by the Trade Wire UK weather desk. Data from national met services via Open-Meteo.
All season tyres are a middle-ground option designed to handle both dry and wet roads, plus light snow, without needing a seasonal swap. For many UK drivers, they offer genuine year-round convenience, though their performance in extreme conditions won’t match dedicated summer or winter tyres.
How do all season tyres compare to summer and winter tyres?
The core difference lies in the rubber compound and tread pattern. Summer tyres are optimised for warm, dry roads; winter tyres stay flexible below 7°C and grip snow. All season tyres sit between the two, using a silica-rich compound that works across a wider temperature range. In a typical UK winter (wet, slushy, occasional frost), they outperform summer tyres and come close to winter tyres. On hot summer days, they wear slightly faster and offer less outright grip than a dedicated summer tyre. The trade-off is convenience: no bi-annual swap, and lower overall cost if you drive moderate annual mileage.
Are all season tyres worth it in the UK?
It depends on your driving patterns. If you live in a city or southern England with mild winters and rarely see snow, all season tyres can be a practical choice. For drivers in northern Scotland, the Highlands, or hilly rural areas where ice and snow are common, a proper winter tyre set remains safer. The best all season tyres, such as the Michelin CrossClimate 2, earn strong all season tyres review scores for wet braking and snow traction. Models in the popular 205/55 R16 size (all season tyres 205/55 r16) are widely available and fit many family hatchbacks.
Can I use all season tyres all year round in the UK?
Yes, legally and practically. They meet the minimum 1.6mm tread depth and are designed for year-round use. However, on very hot days or in deep snow, performance drops noticeably compared to seasonal alternatives.
Are all season tyres Michelin the best option?
Michelin’s CrossClimate 2 consistently tops all season tyres michelin rankings for longevity and wet grip. Other strong contenders include Goodyear Vector 4Seasons and Continental AllSeasonContact. Your choice should match your vehicle and typical routes.
Do all season tyres affect fuel economy?
Slightly. Their tread design and compound create marginally higher rolling resistance than summer tyres, adding perhaps 1–2% to fuel consumption. In practice, the convenience of avoiding a seasonal swap often offsets that small cost.
Sources
For a broader look at current conditions, visit our UK weather hub. If you’re planning travel across the Midlands, check the Birmingham Weather page for local forecasts. And for a longer view, our 10 Day Weather Forecast UK page can help you decide whether this week’s temperatures suit all-season rubber.