Can I use summer tyres in winter?

Driving in winter with summer tyres

While it is legal to drive with summer tyres in winter, it is ill-advised.

Consequences of driving with summer tyres in winter

The compound of summer tyres is designed for temperatures above 7°C. In cold temperatures, the rubber compound gets hard and stiff and loses its grip, resulting in longer braking distances on cold, wet, or icy roads. It also increases the tendency to skid whilst trying to pull away or drive uphill, as well as the tendency to lose control in sudden situations.

A safer alternative

All season tyres will be much safer than summer tyres in the long run. All seasons will give better performance compared to summer in the cold, and there will be no need to switch them when the temperature increases.