Best winter tyres 205/45 R17

Use all-season tyres during winter may be fine if you live in regions that don’t get a true winter and where snow is rare. For those who see snow falling several times a year and reach cold weather, having a set of winter tyres is almost an obligation.

The winter weather brings with its roads covered in snow and mud, which easily cause you to lose control. The 205/45 R17 winter tyres have special features and designs that allow exceptional performance even on snow.

So, what are the best 205/45 R17 winter tyres for your vehicle?

This list is not based on our experience, but on authoritative reviews, opinions and tests conducted by those who have already bought and tried these tyres. All suggested models are valid choices.

Here you find our choice of the best 10 winter tyres in size 205/45 R17:

Why buy winter tyres?

Winter weather causes roads full of snow or mud. The road can become dangerous for travel and traditional tyres are unable to maintain grip and traction in the snow. This causes drivers to lose steering control.

The best winter tyres available this year are specially engineered with the latest technologies and designs, such as edges and grooves that increase traction on snowy surfaces. These features allow vehicles equipped with snow tyres to travel safely on snow-hit roads, making them ideal for the driver who often travels in a harsh climate.

Warning: when you decide to replace your summer or all-season tyres with winter tyres in size 205/45 R17, it is better to replace all four tyres at the same time. Changing only the front or rear pair often leads to uneven wear.

Get these tyres for temperatures below 7 ° C!

The issue of safety and minimization of risks for oneself and for other motorists must never be underestimated. Winter tyres are essentially designed to work in very low temperatures, even in the presence of ice and snow.

FAQs about winter tyres

When should I fit winter tyres?

You should consider fitting winter tyres when the average temperature in your area drops below 7 degrees Celsius, regardless of the month, season, or traffic law. When the temperature drops, traditional tyres begin to harden, becoming less effective in traction, and this is exactly where winter tyres give their best.

How many years do snow tyres last?

Many manufacturers claim that their tyres can last up to 6 seasons, but of course it all depends on the mileage and the road we drive. For example, if you often drive on icy roads, your tyres will wear out faster than driving on snow. Likewise, if you cover a lot of distance, regardless of ice or snow, you will cause more tread wear.

Can I drive with winter tyres all year round?

As the 205/45 R17 winter tyres are specially designed for driving in snow, ice or mud, they are not suitable for driving in the warmer months. The compound of winter tyres is more subject to wear in summer, leading to abnormal tread wear. In addition, the grip and handling of the car are limited in warmer conditions, due to their softer compound.

Which speed can I reach with 205/45 R17 winter tyres?

Your winter tyres are designed to provide optimal performance up to the speed limit indicated by the manufacturer: this information is printed on the side of each tyre. Exceeding this limit makes your vehicle prone to sliding on snow or other winter surfaces.

Are winter tyres noisier?

Winter tyres are generally noisier than summer tyres due to their composition. For example, they have wider spaces between the knobs for greater grip on snow, a softer compound composition to maintain the gripping tyre during cold temperatures, etc. combined, these features provide excellent winter traction, but also make the tyre a little louder.