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The introduction of the _smart_ :a[battery charger]{href='https://products.carmagazine.co.uk/car-maintenance/car-care/car-battery-chargers/' } has been a very clever way of ensuring that car batteries not only remain topped with electricity but that the internals remain healthy so the battery lasts as long as possible.

On the face of it, :a[car batteries]{href='https://products.carmagazine.co.uk/car-maintenance/car-care/best-car-battery/' } look to have remained largely the same for decades. A heavy box with some electrons in it. But modern car batteries are far more advanced than those fitted to your dad’s Vauxhall Cavalier to keep up with the electrical requirements of modern cars. {#h-on-the-face-of-it-car-batteries-look-to-have-remained-largely-the-same-for-decades-a-heavy-box-with-some-electrons-in-it-but-in-fact-modern-car-batteries-are-far-more-advanced-than-those-fitted-to-your-dad-s-morris-marina-although-he-should-ve-bought-a-ford-cortina-a-much-better-car}

Modern cars demand a lot more power than the cars of yesteryear, thanks to safety systems, onboard computers, :a[stop-start technology]{href='https://products.carmagazine.co.uk/car-maintenance/car-care/the-best-stop-start-car-batteries/' } and all that sort of thing. Thus, batteries need to be able to hold more charge and charge faster.

## The best smart battery chargers 2025 at a glance:

Smart chargers have a multi-stage cycle when charging car batteries. This begins with something called desulphation – restoring battery capacity by removing sulphate from the battery’s lead plates. The smart charger will then test the battery to see if it is able to accept charge. It’ll then go through a series of subsequent steps, including reconditioning the battery (if you have this mode selected), and once the battery is fully charged, it will automatically switch to a pulsing trickle charge to keep the battery level topped up but without over-charging it.

## The best smart battery chargers 2025 {#h-the-best-smart-battery-chargers}

### How long does a battery charger take to charge a car battery? {#h-smart-battery-charger-tips}

It is worth remembering that while the units above all do a great job of charging and reconditioning car batteries, it can take time. Charging times vary enormously depending on the battery size and the level of discharge. Therefore, asking how long a charge cycle will take is like asking how long a piece of string is.

Read the instructions about how to connect the charger to the battery correctly. Always connect with the car turned off.

### Can you use a battery charger away from home?

Only if you can hook it up to a socket at your destination - with permission to do so, depending on where you are. Chargers like these are meant for use at home when you've got your car parked up for prolonged periods of time.

### Is a car battery charger the same as a jump starter?

No. Car battery chargers are not like jump starters. The two have very different purposes: a jump starter is designed to quickly pump some life back into a battery if it falls flat. A battery trickle charger like the product selections above are designed to maintain battery power when a car is parked up - simply to prevent it from going flat.

We've tried and :a[tested some battery jump starters]{href='https://products.carmagazine.co.uk/car-maintenance/car-care/best-jump-starters/' } to find out which one is best. So, if you are out and about and end up in the fortuitous scenario of a flat car battery, one of these devices will help you out. They are small and very handy to keep in the glovebox. Many of them also double as a regular power bank for phones and other devices, which makes them useful for camping purposes as well as their primary purposes.

If you use your car nearly or quite literally everyday, then the merit of a car battery charger won't be big. However, if you park up your car for fairly long periods of time between driving, then a battery charger is worth it. Between the time you're not using your car, you can keep the battery in good health by letting the device look after it for you.

During winter, car batteries lose charge at a slightly quicker rate than during the other seasons. It's therefore useful to invest in one (provided you can connect it), if you plan on not driving much during the cold months.

Modern smart battery chargers are perfectly safe to use and keep attached to your vehicle on trickle. That's exactly what they're designed to do, and loads of the good quality chargers have methods of automatically preventing overcharging and other potential issues.

**_:a[Aaron Hussain]{href='https://products.carmagazine.co.uk/author/aaron-hussain/' } is a commercial content writer at Bauer Media writing for Parkers and CAR. He is obsessed with classic cars and anything with a fascinating story to tell._**

### For verdicts, scoops, news and analysis from the team, delivered direct to your inbox, subscribe to the :a[CAR newsletter]{href='https://www.carmagazine.co.uk/car-newsletter/' }. {#h-for-verdicts-scoops-news-and-analysis-from-the-team-delivered-direct-to-your-inbox-subscribe-to-the-car-newsletter}

### You can enjoy CAR in its traditional :a[print format]{href='https://www.greatmagazines.co.uk/car-magazine' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer'}, or one of the swelling number of :a[digital editions]{href='https://www.carmagazine.co.uk/car-news/magazine/digital-preview-of-the-new-issue-of-car-magazine/' }, optimised for Apple iPhones, Android devices, iPads, tablets and desktop computers. {#h-you-can-enjoy-car-in-its-traditional-print-format-or-one-of-the-swelling-number-of-digital-editions-optimised-for-apple-iphones-android-devices-ipads-tablets-and-desktop-computers}

The best smart battery charger 2025

Even the very best car batteries are almost always overlooked - that is until you start having problems with them. When the battery goes flat, you won't be able to move your car, and modern engines now put even more stress on batteries than ever before. Features like :a[stop-start technology]{href='https://products.carmagazine.co.uk/car-maintenance/car-care/the-best-stop-start-car-batteries/' } and ever-increasing computer-controlled ECU systems require a very different type of battery to that which was common a few years ago. Even if you have a classic or hobby car which doesn't demand too much power, a battery can still go flat if not used over longer periods, but you can avoid this by using something like a :a[solar trickle charger]{href='https://products.carmagazine.co.uk/car-maintenance/car-care/best-solar-battery-chargers/' } to keep things topped up.

Not all batteries are the same, though; you wouldn't fit the battery from a Volkswagen Up into a Lamborghini Aventador, for example, and expect it to work. You need to work out which battery your car needs, then select one of the best car battery options on the market.

To find out which car battery is right for you, go to your owner's manual. That's where you will be able to find the battery's group size - a good place to start when deliberating over which to get. If you no longer have access to the manual, one of the easiest and quickest ways of finding the correct battery is to visit the :a[Amazon Garage]{href='https://www.amazon.com/gp/your-garage/?tag=qcararticle54-21' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener nofollow'}. Once there, just enter your vehicle details, and you'll be automatically directed to the correct parts and spares for your vehicle.

## The best car batteries 2025 at a glance:

To help you make your decision, we've collected a few of our favourites and pointed out the pros and cons of each option. And if you're ever in the market for a device that will provide some power into your battery in the event of an emergency, we've :a[tested some jump starters]{href='https://products.carmagazine.co.uk/car-maintenance/car-care/best-jump-starters/' } and explain all you need to know about them.

## The best car batteries {#h-the-best-car-batteries}

### How do I know when my battery needs to be changed?

There are a few telltale signs that your battery needs replacing. If your car is bearing some of the following symptoms, it might be worth checking it out.

**Engine** \- if your engine performance isn't quite up to scratch, there may be an issue with your battery. If you turn the key to no ignition at all - it takes the battery to ignite your fuel/air mix - your battery might be completely dead. This could be solved using a :a[portable jump starter]{href='https://products.carmagazine.co.uk/car-maintenance/car-care/best-jump-starters/' }, jump leads or a charge-up at home. However, if the battery is just slow or struggling to recharge, it's time for a new one.

**Electrical** **components** \- as well as the engine, many other components rely on the battery to function properly, including the dashboard display. If your dashboard lights are beginning to dim or flicker - or perhaps your satnav colour screen is beginning to lack in performance, this may well be a battery related issue.

**Age** \- like the rest of the car, a battery also has a finite service life. Most batteries are able to function properly for roughly three years. Some can live far longer than this, but if you've been running yours for over five - even if it still works a treat - it may well be time to start considering a new one.

If your battery is going flat and you are having to use a :a[battery charger]{href='https://products.carmagazine.co.uk/car-maintenance/car-care/car-battery-chargers/' } to boost it every couple of days, is struggling to turn over, or there is a persistent warning light on your dashboard, it's probably a good idea to invest in a new car battery.

### How do I find the right battery for my car?

The quickest and easiest way of finding the right battery for your vehicle is to use a search filter. :a[Amazon Garage]{href='https://www.amazon.co.uk/your-garage/?tag=qcararticle54-21' } is a great example, but plenty of other retailers have them as well to help you find your next service part that's compatible for your make, model and engine of your car.

The simple answer is yes. When you buy a new car battery, they're always ready to be put straight in and fire a car up. This means therefore that when you buy one in a store or order online, you don't have to charge it up manually before using it, which is very handy if you need to get your vehicle moving quickly.

### Do car batteries recharge themselves?

In principle, yes. Car batteries are the heart of any combustion vehicle, yet they always need a supply of power in order to keep them topped up. This is achieved by the engine providing power to the **alternator**. In turn, the alternator then provides power to be sent back to the battery.

If the alternator fails on a car, no power is being sent to the battery which will eventually cause the vehicle to lose power and cut out. The key clue to such failures is a worn auxiliary belt which is in danger of snapping. The belt is what connects the engine to the alternator to ensure the supply of power is there.

With that said however, car batteries will wear out after a while. So, if you suspect some electrical woes in your vehicle, or if it easily goes flat, one of the causes is a battery that needs replacing.

Some are lead acid based, but there are many types of car batteries out there. These include Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM), Starting Light and Ignition (SLI) batteries, and more. However, the vast majority out there are lead acid batteries and that's what you're most likely to come across under a car's bonnet.

### Are car batteries covered under warranty?

There's no right or wrong answer to this. Warranties come in all sorts of different terms and agreements, so if your vehicle has a warranty attached to it, it's worth checking over your policy and/or your vehicle handbook.

With that said, when purchasing a car battery, they'll sometimes have their own warranties included. So, it's worth looking to see what the return and/or exchange policy is, should you have an issue with it later on.

It is possible to recycle car batteries, but it's imperative that you dispose of it correctly. The easiest method is to take it to your local recycling centre where a battery section will be labelled. You can also take it to an automotive product store as they use approved waste disposal companies which can deal with old car batteries, though its worth checking if your local one can do so.

Recycling these batteries helps conserve materials such as lithium, aluminium and copper which are useful for many other industries.

_**:a[Aaron Hussain]{href='https://products.carmagazine.co.uk/author/aaron-hussain/' } is a commercial content writer at Bauer Media writing for Parkers and CAR. He is obsessed with classic cars and anything with a fascinating story to tell.**_

### For verdicts, scoops, news and analysis from the team, delivered direct to your inbox, subscribe to the :a[CAR newsletter]{href='https://www.carmagazine.co.uk/car-newsletter/' }. {#h-for-verdicts-scoops-news-and-analysis-from-the-team-delivered-direct-to-your-inbox-subscribe-to-the-nbsp-car-newsletter}

### You can enjoy CAR in its traditional :a[print format]{href='https://www.greatmagazines.co.uk/car-magazine' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow'}, or one of the swelling number of :a[digital editions]{href='https://www.carmagazine.co.uk/car-news/magazine/digital-preview-of-the-new-issue-of-car-magazine/' }, optimised for Apple iPhones, Android devices, iPads, tablets and desktop computers.[](https://products.carmagazine.co.uk/car-accessories/technology/best-nikon-cameras-car-photography/?utm_source=Bibblio-related-box5&utm_campaign=CAR-BIB-AFF) {#h-you-can-enjoy-car-in-its-traditional-nbsp-print-format-or-one-of-the-swelling-number-of-nbsp-digital-editions-optimised-for-apple-iphones-android-devices-ipads-tablets-and-desktop-computers}

The best car batteries 2025

Avoid flat batteries with the most powerful of :a[battery chargers,]{href='https://products.carmagazine.co.uk/car-maintenance/car-care/car-battery-chargers/' } the jump starter. Top-quality jump starters and portable power packs are shrinking in size and increasing in versatility. This is perfect for keeping you on the move.

But before we dive into that, familiarise yourself with the purpose of jump starters and power packs and think about what your needs are with help from our guide below.

A reliable portable jump starter should mean you're never left stranded. Obviously, if your battery is going flat regularly, then it's probably time for a replacement battery, but a jump starter is a great thing to keep in your car for when your battery needs a little persuasion. Although, getting :a[a good trickle charger]{href='https://products.carmagazine.co.uk/car-maintenance/car-care/best-trickle-chargers/' } might be a great way to keep your car's battery in check while you're not using it.

## The best jump starters tested 2025 at a glance:

We've recommended our favourite jump starters and portable power packs to you. They all differ slightly in order to cater for people's various requirements. This means there will certainly be one here for you. And if not, maybe a :a[smart battery charger]{href='https://products.carmagazine.co.uk/car-maintenance/car-care/best-smart-battery-charger/' } might be your thing.

The jump starters were tested on a few cars that had either flat batteries or had their batteries drained after leaving the lights on. The latter was done in order to recreate a situation where a consumer might accidently do the same after parking up.

Quite simply, we wanted to see how well the jump starters fired up car engines. We also tried out their extra features to see how practical they could be in other situations as well as feeding life back into dead batteries.

The cars in question consisted of three cheap second hand buys: a 2.4 litre Volvo V70, an MG TF Roadster, and an old Ford Puma. Each have different engines and slightly different batteries, which was great for our test.

Ideally, consumers will be looking for a jump starter primarily based on how well it can pump some life back into a battery. So, **power** is key in our test - our judgements are based off how effortlessly they can help fire up the cars.

We also like jump starters to be as easy as possible to keep and carry around. You don't necessarily expect when you might need one, so **portability** is the next thing we look out for. We like to be able to carry a jump starter around within our cars, so they're always around whenever we need them - i.e. on road trips, should the worst happen.

On that front, having **extra features** is a huge bonus. Things like USB ports for charging your mobile devices as well as integrated torches increases their versatility.

Lastly, while these sorts of products are retailed at prices reflective of their quality and features, a jump starter that represents **value for money** is a bonus that surely any buyer can enjoy.

## The best jump starters 2025 {#h-the-best-jump-starters-2024}

## FAQs and what to consider with jump starters {#h-what-to-consider-with-jump-starters}

Your biggest concern when looking for a portable battery charger is power. Particularly whether it's powerful enough to deal with your engine, a bigger engine will require more power to run. Thankfully our choices cover every new petrol or diesel car on sale today. So, you should be fine unless you run a Dodge Viper. If you don't run a Viper and are perhaps more environmentally conscious, then :a[a solar battery charger]{href='https://products.carmagazine.co.uk/car-maintenance/car-care/best-solar-battery-chargers/' } might be your answer.

You should also note that some battery boosters don't pair well with Start-Stop systems, so check before buying, and perhaps consider one of the :a[best batteries for stop/start systems.]{href='https://products.carmagazine.co.uk/car-maintenance/car-care/the-best-stop-start-car-batteries/' } Another thing you should consider is the size of your car. While these are portable units, some are bigger than others and may eat valuable storage space if you run a car with a smaller boot.

### Do jump starters have other functions?

One of the best features that most of these chargers offer is that they'll also act as power banks for other electronics. These will usually have USB slots that'll allow you to charge up your mobile phone if you're broken down. Some offer built-in air compressors, but these tend to be more expensive and take up more room than other options. And more often than not, you'll find flashlights integrated within jump starters. This is to aid you when connecting the terminals, but we can imagine a number of different uses, including for camping trips and more.

### How to use a jump starter {#h-how-to-use-a-jump-starter-power-pack}

Before you hook up a jump starter, you should ensure the power pack is charged enough to jump-start a vehicle. And remember, the bigger the engine, the more power is needed to start it. Connect the jump starter to the battery terminals, making sure both the vehicle and the jump starter are off beforehand.

You connect the red positive terminal first followed by the black negative terminal. Then you switch the jump starter on and, subsequently, start the vehicle, following the specific instructions of the jump starter. Turn off the jump starter, disconnect the black negative clamp first followed by the red positive clamp, and you're good to go.

It's always a good idea to leave your car running for several minutes. This is simply to generate enough charge back into the battery again, so you won't have to repeat the process.

The jump starters that were tested were put through their paces by Aaron Hussain. Along with his role as a commercial content writer, he is also responsible for no less than dozen different product group tests for CAR and its sister site, Parkers. With a keen eye for product performance and whether its worthwhile, he was the ideal candidate to determine the rankings of these portable power packs.

The best jump starters tried and tested by CAR 2025

For beating icy conditions without having to dig out heavy and awkward :a[snow chains]{href='https://products.carmagazine.co.uk/car-accessories/travel/snow-chains-guide/' }, snow socks are an excellent way to give you extra grip. Made from fabric or textile and wrapped over a car wheel kind of like a shower cap, they're designed to give extra traction. The idea is the same as snow chains: to improve grip on snow and ice-covered roads.

To fit a snow sock, you simply pull it over the wheel, beginning with the side facing into the wheel arch. As is the case with snow chains, you then need to drive forward a little to rotate the wheel enough to fit the snow socks fully. Unlike many snow chains, snow socks don’t need further adjustment. Snow socks are fitted to a car's driving wheels.

While not as capable as the mega-tough snow chains often deployed to tackle thick snow, snow socks have a number of huge advantages, especially for the milder climate here in the UK. For a start, snow socks are more affordable than snow chains, take up less room when not in use, and are easier to fit. As there isn't heavy snowfall until you're in the really rural parts of Scotland, the grip offered will also be perfectly fine.

## The best snow socks {#h-the-best-snow-socks}

## Snow socks vs snow chains {#h-snow-socks-vs-snow-chains}

Ultimately, snow socks are not as effective as snow chains. Given that it is fabric against metal, this is not entirely surprising. As such, countries that require chains to be carried in winter in certain regions do not render snow socks as an approved alternative. But there are upsides.

Snow socks pack away into a more compact bundle than snow chains and they are much lighter too. When it comes to fitting snow socks, users will be pleasantly surprised at how simple the process is compared to finger-pinching snow chains.

Some performance cars aren’t able to be fitted with snow chains because their tyres are too wide and the gap in the wheel arch is too small. Snow socks are much thinner than snow chains and can fit performance cars if you can find the correct size.

Therefore, snow socks are, in theory at least, easy-to-fit liners that improve grip on wintery back roads when needed. The UK does not get much snow and the traits of snow socks certainly make more sense here compared to snow chains.

## Driving with snow socks {#h-driving-with-snow-socks}

The principles of driving with snow socks are similar to those of snow chains. Snow socks should only be used to icy or snow-covered roads and should be removed as soon as the road surface is clear otherwise the snow socks will wear out in a jiffy.

As with snow chains, you need to drive slowly (no more than 25mph) and smoothly when using snow socks. The car won’t respond as quickly as it would on a dry road.

_**:a[Ryan Gilmore]{href='https://products.carmagazine.co.uk/author/ryan-gilmore/' } is the Deputy Autos and Tools Editor for CAR, specialising in car cleaning and hand tools. With an MA in Automotive Journalism, when he's not testing buckets he can be found looking at old Porsches.**_

### For verdicts, scoops, news and analysis from the team , delivered direct to your inbox, subscribe to the :a[CAR newsletter]{href='https://www.carmagazine.co.uk/car-newsletter/' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer'}. {#h-for-verdicts-scoops-news-and-analysis-from-the-team-delivered-direct-to-your-inbox-subscribe-to-the-car-newsletter}

### You can enjoy CAR in its traditional :a[print format]{href='https://www.greatmagazines.co.uk/car-magazine' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer'}, or one of the swelling number of :a[digital editions]{href='https://www.carmagazine.co.uk/car-news/magazine/digital-preview-of-the-new-issue-of-car-magazine/' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer'}, optimised for Apple iPhones, Android devices, iPads, tablets and desktop computers. {#h-you-can-enjoy-car-in-its-traditional-print-format-or-one-of-the-swelling-number-of-digital-editions-optimised-for-apple-iphones-android-devices-ipads-tablets-and-desktop-computers}

Land Rover Freelander on a snowy road in Scotland

Beat the amber weather warning using the best snow socks for driving

At first glance, you may think you won't need any winter driving kits. However, such things are produced for a reason, and you should never underestimate the power of temperature. For one reason or another, it can have a profound effect on your motoring life, whether it be good or bad. Which is why :a[a winter car check]{href='https://products.carmagazine.co.uk/car-maintenance/car-care/winter-car-check-guide/' } is key at the colder times of year.

It's even worse if you break down; inflating a tyre at the side of the road is never a fun task. Imagine doing it on a winter's day when the cold makes everything sting and there's limited lighting. Nightmare. This is where a winter driving kit could be invaluable, as they offer items that will undoubtedly help make your life easier and safer during the winter months.

Of course, there are other ways to cope with winter motoring. Such things include :a[an amazing travel torch,]{href='https://products.carmagazine.co.uk/car-accessories/travel/travel-torches/' } investing in one of the best car windscreen covers. Or if you're really extreme, getting a block heater.

### The best winter driving kits at a glance:

**Editor's pick:** AA Winter Car Kit - :a[buy from Amazon.]{href='https://www.amazon.co.uk/AA-Car-Essentials-Emergency-Winter/dp/B00F88TYME?tag=qcararticle55-21' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener'}  
**Best for clearing your windscreen:** CarPlan Winter Essentials - :a[buy from Amazon.]{href='https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B002NKQ78Y?tag=qcararticle55-21' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener'}  
**Most comprehensive:** EVAQ8 Deluxe Winter Car Survival Kit - :a[buy from Amazon.]{href='https://www.amazon.co.uk/EVAQ8-Deluxe-Winter-Car-Survival/dp/B001T7WZ4C/?tag=qcararticle55-21' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener'}

:a[Dehumidifiers that sit on your dashboard]{href='https://products.carmagazine.co.uk/car-maintenance/car-care/best-car-dehumidifier/' } are a great way to deal with the cold conditions too. But nothing is quite as complete as a full-on winter driving kit. We've scoured the internet and found the best winter driving kits so you'll always be prepared, no matter what nature throws at you.

## Best winter driving kits {#h-best-winter-driving-kits}

## What you need to know about winter driving kits {#h-what-you-need-to-know-about-winter-driving-kits}

### What kit do I need to tackle winter? {#h-what-kit-do-i-need-to-tackle-winter}

Obviously, what you'll need depends on what weather you typically get; someone from Tampa probably won't need a :a[winter snow shovel.]{href='https://products.carmagazine.co.uk/car-accessories/travel/best-snow-shovels/' } But there are essentials you should look to have whenever you're driving in the winter months.

You should aim to always have a torch in your car so that you have the gift of light when the sun sets before 5 pm. You should also look to have something warm in the car; this could be a warm jumper you throw in the boot or a foil blanket. Finally, a high-vis item of clothing will keep you safe if you do breakdown in the dark. If you live somewhere with snow and ice, add in a snow shovel and keep yourself topped up :a[with screen wash]{href='https://products.carmagazine.co.uk/car-maintenance/car-care/best-screenwash/' } to clear your car's windows of snow and ice.

### What kit do you already have? {#h-what-kit-do-you-already-have}

If you own a car, you'll probably own at least a few of the items that are included in these kits, or equipment that can do the job. You shouldn't need multiple of these things. If you own :a[an ice scraper,]{href='https://products.carmagazine.co.uk/car-maintenance/car-care/ice-scraper/' } then those included in a kit may not be needed. Likewise, if you own a good quality ice scraper then you won't need another. Look for things that you don't already own, and then look for quality.

**_:a[Ryan Gilmore]{href='https://products.carmagazine.co.uk/author/ryan-gilmore/' } is the Deputy Autos and Tools Editor for CAR, specialising in car cleaning and hand tools. With an MA in Automotive Journalism, when he's not testing buckets he can be found looking at old Porsches._**

### You can enjoy CAR in its traditional :a[print format]{href='https://www.greatmagazines.co.uk/car-magazine' }, or one of the swelling number of :a[digital editions]{href='https://www.carmagazine.co.uk/car-news/magazine/digital-preview-of-the-new-issue-of-car-magazine/' }, optimised for Apple iPhones, Android devices, iPads, tablets and desktop computers. {#h-you-can-enjoy-car-in-its-traditional-print-format-or-one-of-the-swelling-number-of-digital-editions-optimised-for-apple-iphones-android-devices-ipads-tablets-and-desktop-computers}

The best winter driving kits

When the temperature falls, most people will go searching for their grippy shoes to better tackle the ice, snow and water that winter throws at us, but having the best winter tyres can be almost as important for keen drivers. When the frost starts settling it can be tempting to change to a set of winter tyres. Question is, do you really need a set and if so, which are the best?

Thankfully our sister magazine :a[Auto Zeitung]{href='https://www.autozeitung.de/' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer'} in Germany has done thorough testing. It bought the latest crop of winter tyres anonymously from independent suppliers to see what is the best winter tyre you can buy in 2025.

## The best winter tyres 2025 at a glance

## Winter tyres: what we’re looking for {#h-winter-tyres-what-we-re-looking-for}

The official labels categorise tyres on efficiency, wet grip for braking and rolling noise - and classify each property with letters. A range of parameters were tested including deceleration, traction, steering precision and driving stability on various surfaces and under the same parallel conditions. We also rated comfort and resistance to aquaplaning (when the tyre floats on standing water, losing grip).

Designing a winter tyre that can excel in every discipline is difficult. Tyre makers juggle compound, tread design and carcass construction to find the elusive sweet spot where the rubber can cut through ice and slush, find grip in all conditions - whether slippery or dry - and serve up ride comfort, peace, and quiet for drivers. Oh, and tyres must also last a long time and not disintegrate when the temperature climbs. It’s a tough gig.

These are often conflicting goals; if you improve a tyre’s efficiency, for example, grip in wet conditions decreases - and vice versa. If you reduce the profile depth for more steering precision, the tyre will float faster. If you design more slats - or sipes - in the profile to improve grip on snow, dry grip becomes worse. In short: all-rounders are the exception.

## The best winter tyres 2025 {#h-the-best-winter-tyres-2023}

## Frequently asked questions about winter tyres

### How do I find the correct tyres for my car? {#h-find-the-correct-tyres-for-your-car-online}

Want to make sure that these winter tyres will fit your car? Amazon offers a feature called :a[Amazon Garage]{href='https://www.amazon.co.uk/your-garage?tag=qcararticle215-21' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer'} which allows you to add your car and filter parts that are designed to fit. There is also a service called Amazon Confirmed Fit which will ensure that any tyre you look at fits your car. :a[Kwikfit]{href='https://www.kwik-fit.com/' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener'} and :a[mytyres.co.uk]{href='https://www.blackcircles.com/' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer'} offer similar services.

### What are winter tyres or cold weather tyres? {#h-what-are-winter-tyres-or-cold-weather-tyres}

Firstly: ‘winter tyres’ or 'snow tyres' as we’re accustomed to calling them, is actually a misleading title. These aren’t massive chunky mud-plugging boots with knobbly, noisy treadblocks and spiked studs. They're cold-weather tyres, designed to work in lower temperatures, on wet and dry roads, as well as giving better performance on snow and ice – which, given the inconsistent gritting on our nation’s road network, is just as well. We need a do-it-all tyre.

### How do winter tyres work? {#h-how-do-winter-tyres-work}

Winter/cold-weather tyres contain more natural rubber than regular tyres, and are constructed from a softer compound. This allows them to stay supple as temperatures drop below 7 degrees C in conditions where a normal tyre becomes hard and less keyed-in to the asphalt. The result? Higher grip levels on the road, even when the tarmac isn't covered in white.

It’s not just all chemistry, though: look at a winter tyre up close, and you'll see the tread is different to a more conventional tyre. The contact patch of a winter tyre is more rugged: it's covered in thousands of ‘sipes’ – tiny channels or grooves cut into the rubber which help warm them up – while also displacing water and slush at a faster rate. Winter tyres can have up to 10 times more ‘sipes' than your average tyres.

On snow, these little crevices work together with a larger tread. If you were to use a regular tyre, its channels would quickly become clogged with compacted snow – making for less-than-confident handling. On the downside, wobbly treadblocks mean cold-weather tyred cars are less responsive in milder conditions.

### Should I buy winter tyres? {#h-should-i-buy-winter-tyres}

In the snow, winter tyres are an obvious option. They make for safer, more confident driving, and they improve grip significantly – but they’re also a gamble. Sure, we often have a cold snap in a typical British winter – but you can't bank on it. It takes just one mild winter (like 2020's) for you to question the extra expense of buying an additional set of rubber.

Cars can become notoriously unruly on winter boots, with vehicles closer to the performance end of things – like a DB11 AMR, for example – spinning the wheels in fourth.

In snow and cold weather, a seasonal rubber compound, chunkier tread and sipes work well – but they don't behave as they should if it's really mild and above the optimum operating range. We've driven numerous cars shod with winter tyres that have a chunkier ride quality, woollier steering and slippier handling in certain conditions.

It’s a complicated argument and one that comes down to your budget, and the predicted weather for the next few months. In colder countries, getting winter tyres is an easy decision, but in our more temperate British climate, we can’t even rely on a cold snap.

That said, if you can afford a set of winter tyres, they'll do far more to keep you mobile than picking an all-wheel drive car. If you want added peace of mind, have somewhere to store an extra set of rims (some garages will do this for you, at a price...) and need to keep mobile this winter, just do it.

Auto Zeitung always runs the tyre test with incredibly stringent rules to ensure reliable results:

• All tyres were purchased from independent retailers.  
• Tests are independent with no manufacturer help. Each tyre is examined using reproducible driving manoeuvres at the limit on snow, wet and dry surfaces - with and without ESP stability control engaged. This is the only way we can say whether a tyre offers security during a spontaneous evasive manoeuvre. We also subjectively evaluate the comfort properties  
• Each tyre has its rolling resistance tested on two different test stands.

### For verdicts, scoops, news and analysis from the team, delivered direct to your inbox, subscribe to the :a[CAR newsletter]{href='https://www.carmagazine.co.uk/car-newsletter/' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer'}. {#h-for-verdicts-scoops-news-and-analysis-from-the-team-delivered-direct-to-your-inbox-subscribe-to-the-car-newsletter}

### You can enjoy CAR in its traditional :a[print format]{href='https://go.skimresources.com/?id=31715X1588124&amp;isjs=1&amp;jv=15.2.0-stackpath&amp;sref=https%3A%2F%2Fproducts.carmagazine.co.uk%2Fcar-maintenance%2Fcar-care%2Fheadlight-restoration-kit%2F&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.greatmagazines.co.uk%2Fcar-magazine&amp;xguid=&amp;xs=1&amp;xtz=-60&amp;xuuid=91c5180d1ae317d9c2d1882354e3f2d4&amp;xjsf=other_click__auxclick%20%5B2%5D' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer'}, or one of the swelling number of :a[digital editions]{href='https://www.carmagazine.co.uk/car-news/magazine/digital-preview-of-the-new-issue-of-car-magazine/' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer'}, optimised for Apple iPhones, Android devices, iPads, tablets and desktop computers. {#h-you-can-enjoy-car-in-its-traditional-print-format-or-one-of-the-swelling-number-of-digital-editions-optimised-for-apple-iphones-android-devices-ipads-tablets-and-desktop-computers}

The best winter tyres 2025: snow tyres tested

Sometimes, the car boot just won’t do, especially if you’re going on a long-haul family holiday, which is the kind of situation that calls for a roof box. After you’ve loaded everything from the suitcases to the snacks, you might find you need even more space than the luggage compartment, and that’s before you remember to load up :a[the bike rack]{href='https://products.carmagazine.co.uk/car-accessories/travel/best-roof-bike-rack/' }.

It’s even worse for seven-seat vehicles since they’re designed to carry seven passengers (including the driver) but not seven passengers worth of luggage. You might think the solution is to place your bags on the passenger seats, but there are more comfortable solutions that ensure you don’t forget anything important. Roof bags are an option, but if you’re looking for something a little more solid, the roof box is the way to go.

A roof box is a simple but effective way of adding more storage to your car. It can unlock as much as 580 litres of storage (nearly double the boot space offered by the recently demised Ford Fiesta). For the really practical and adventurous, you can even opt for :a[car roof tents]{href='https://products.carmagazine.co.uk/car-accessories/travel/best-car-rooftop-tent/' } for your travels.

### The best roof boxes tested 2024 at a glance: {#h-the-best-roof-boxes-at-a-glance}

**The best car roof box:** Thule Motion 3 Large - :a[buy from Amazon.]{href='https://www.amazon.co.uk/Thule-Motion-Roof-Black-Glossy/dp/B0CRRYCLHT/?tag=qcararticle92-21' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener nofollow'}  
**Editor's pick:** Thule Vector Large - :a[buy from eBay]{href='https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/144944886996?' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener nofollow'}  
**Best budget roof box:** OMAC Roof Box 400 - :a[buy from eBay]{href='https://www.ebay.com/itm/204081328877' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener nofollow'}

If you’re in the market for a roof box, then there are a few things to consider, like dimensions, capacity, aerodynamics, and, of course, budget. We’ve rounded up some of the best roof boxes on sale for every budget. To up the ante, we've also teamed up with Auto Zeitung to share findings of :a[its roof box mega test,]{href='https://www.autozeitung.de/dachbox-195124.html' } which grouped together eight of such items.

Our friends at Auto Zeitung had realistic criteria to base their findings on. They attached each roof box to a Volkswagen Tiguan 1.5 eTSI with the roof rails and support rods from Volkswagen accessories range.

The basic curb weight of the car is 1,637kg with a full tank, which doesn't account for the driver and 140kg of luggage in the car. The maximum roof load on the Tiguan is 75kg, which was taken into account when our testers loaded up the different roof boxes. They used sleeping bags, pillows, skis, and even weights to up the ante.

**Functionality**, which simultaneously ties in with practicality, is our main factor. We're always curious to see how much stuff a roof box can swallow up, ready for your next holiday.

Secondly, **build quality** is high on our priority list - if straps are fiddly or certain components feel low-rent, points will be deducted. This, in turn, ties in with **security** since keeping your possessions safe is important.

It should be noted that while Auto Zeitung tested a total of eight roof boxes, not all of them are readily available in the UK market. We have, therefore, carried as much information across as we can on products that are available, and this page will be updated if/when there are any changes. We have therefore labelled if a roof box was tested by our German colleagues.

We have also included a selection of roof boxes that were chosen by CAR, but not put through a thorough test. We have labelled these as so, and these units are choices based off our best research and knowledge.

## The best roof boxes tested 2024 {#h-the-best-roof-boxes}

## How to find the correct roof racks for your vehicle {#h-how-to-find-the-correct-roof-racks-for-your-vehicle}

## FAQs and things to remember with roof boxes {#h-things-to-remember-with-roof-boxes}

Fuel economy can be affected by having a bulky roof box affecting the aerodynamics of your car. And with a :a[good bike rack attached,]{href='https://products.carmagazine.co.uk/car-accessories/travel/car-bike-rack-comparison/' } those aerodynamics can be affected further. At the end of the day, you can't beat the laws of physics and because your car will be experiencing more drag, you'll use more fuel.

### How much MPG do I lose by carrying a roof box?

Depending on the weight and size, you could lose anywhere between 5 and 10% of your usual MPG figures. Thule can dial that back because the Alpine versions of their roof boxes are designed with aerodynamics in mind. The case being a skiing holiday for example, which involves a lot of French motorway miles.

Yes, they are generally very watertight. Our friends at Auto Zeitung even tested the waterproofness of the tested roof boxes using a jet hose aimed right at the items.

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