Can I use summer tyres in winter?

Using summer tyres in cold weather

You can legally drive on summer tyres in winter in the UK, but it is not recommended for safety reasons.

Why summer tyres struggle in the cold

Summer tyres are made from a harder rubber compound that is optimised for temperatures above 7°C. Below that threshold, the rubber stiffens significantly and loses its ability to grip the road effectively. This leads to:

• Longer braking distances on cold, wet and icy surfaces
• Reduced traction when pulling away or climbing hills
• Less predictable handling in corners and during emergency manoeuvres

A safer alternative

If you do not want to invest in a dedicated set of winter tyres, all-season tyres are a significantly safer year-round compromise for UK conditions. They maintain reasonable grip in both warm and cold temperatures and eliminate the need for seasonal tyre swaps.