Drivers in Southampton are the least prepared for winter of any town or city in the country, according to a new study that highlights a worrying lack of readiness for the coldest months of the year.
The research, carried out by HiQ Tyres & Autocare, analysed tyre purchasing patterns across its network of autocare centres and found that just 0.3% of tyres fitted in Southampton—only three in every 1,000—were designed specifically for cold or icy conditions. This leaves most drivers in the city under-prepared for wintry roads.
The contrast with other towns is stark. In Haywards Heath, along the Sussex border, one in three tyres purchased were all season or winter varieties, among the highest winter readiness levels in the UK. All season and winter tyres offer enhanced grip, shorter braking distances, and greater stability on cold, wet and icy surfaces.
Craig Sprigmore, Retail Director UK and Ireland at HiQ Tyres & Autocare, said, “There are some towns that are clearly prioritising winter safety, but the figures from Southampton paint a very different picture. With winter now well under way, we encourage drivers across both towns to take simple precautions that can make a real difference on the road. This level of preparedness is crucial for the road safety of all drivers.”
The study also revealed a wider trend, with many towns and cities across the UK reporting winter tyre uptake below 1%. HiQ Tyres & Autocare is urging drivers to prepare early, offering free winter health checks at centres nationwide. The checks assess tyre condition, tread depth and overall vehicle readiness, providing motorists with expert advice on the best tyres for the season.
Sprigmore added, “Today is the start of meteorological winter, so now is the time for drivers to act to make sure they are prepared for safe driving through the cold months ahead. Our study shows drivers in Southampton are more than one hundred times less likely to fit winter ready tyres than those in Haywards Heath, Britain’s most winter prepared town.
“We strongly encourage drivers to visit their local HiQ Tyres & Autocare centre to take advantage of a free winter health check and for expert advice on the benefits of equipping all season and winter tyres.”
HiQ Tyres & Autocare operates more than 190 autocentres nationwide, offering car servicing and maintenance for a wide range of vehicles. Backed by Goodyear, the company is renowned for its professional and seamless customer experience.
*Figures from the HiQ Tyres & Autocare Winter Safety Survey 2025, based on over 170,000 tyres sold nationwide between October 2024 and September 2025.
