What are winter tyres?

Winter tyres are car tyres with a specific tread pattern and rubber compound to give you substantially more grip when the temperature drops. You should fit them when the temperature drops below 7C, when their softer rubber gives you better contact with wet and cold road surfaces, and more grip when accelerating, turning and braking. Don't wait for it to snow or get icy before fitting winter tyres (often called winters) – you'll feel the benefits even if it's just cold or very wet – they have extra grooves (called sipes) to reduce the risk of aquaplaning (skidding) on wet roads.