Can I use winter tyres in summer?

Running winter tyres in warm weather

While not illegal, using winter tyres during summer months creates several problems that affect both safety and cost.

Why it is not recommended

• Faster tread wear — The softer compound wears much more quickly on hot, dry road surfaces
• Longer braking distances — Winter rubber is too soft for optimal grip in warm conditions and deforms more under braking
• Reduced handling precision — The tyre feels less responsive and more vague, particularly at higher temperatures
• Higher overall cost — You will get through the tyres significantly faster, negating any savings from not buying summer tyres

When to switch back

Switch to summer or all-season tyres when daytime temperatures are consistently above 7°C, which is typically from late March or April onwards in the UK.