Drivers in Dukinfield are among the least prepared for winter of any town or city in the country, according to new figures
Dukinfield has been identified as one of Britain’s least ‘winter-ready’ towns, with new data revealing that local drivers are far less likely than the national average to equip their vehicles for the coldest months of the year.
A study by HiQ Tyres & Autocare, which analysed tyre purchasing patterns across a nationwide sample of its autocare centres, found that only one in every 20 tyres (5%) fitted were designed specifically for cold or icy conditions – leaving the vast majority of vehicles under‑prepared for winter conditions.*
By contrast, towns such as Haywards Heath (West Sussex), Henley-on-Thames (Oxfordshire) and Malvern (Worcestershire) recorded some of the highest winter-preparedness levels in the country, with as many as one in three tyres sold being all season or winter products.
All season and winter tyres are specifically designed to provide improved grip, shorter braking distances, and greater stability in cold, wet and icy conditions.
“There are some towns clearly prioritising winter safety, but the figures from Dukinfield paint a very different picture,” said Craig Sprigmore, Retail Director UK and Ireland, HiQ Tyres and Autocare.
“With winter now well under way, we encourage drivers across the town to take simple precautions that can make a real difference on the road. This level of preparedness is crucial for all motorists, particularly on major roads around the town such as the M60, M67 and routes into Manchester.”
The study also revealed that several other towns and cities across the UK reported similarly low figures, with winter tyre uptake below 1% in many areas. HiQ Tyres & Autocare is encouraging drivers nationwide to prepare early and make use of free winter health checks available across its network. These checks assess tyre condition, tread depth, and vehicle readiness, and provide drivers with expert guidance on the best tyres for their car or the seasonal weather conditions.
Sprigmore added: “We’ve now entered the 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. 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, each offering car-servicing and maintenance for a wide range of vehicles. Backed by Goodyear, it is renowned for its professional and seamless customer experience.
*Data from the HiQ Tyres & Autocare Winter Safety Survey 2025, based on a representative sample of more than 170,000 tyres sold between 1 October 2024 and 30 September 2025. This is a sample and does not represent the total number of tyres sold by HiQ Tyres & Autocare centres in this period.