Winter Tyres in Summer: Safe or Costly Mistake?

Thinking of leaving your winter tyres on through summer? While it might seem convenient, doing so can affect your car’s grip, fuel economy, and safety. This guide explains whether it’s safe or legal to use winter tyres in summer — plus expert advice on when to switch and how to choose the right tyres for every season.

If your car or vehicle is fitted with winter tyres, you might be wondering if it’s okay to leave those tyres on all year round. After all, once fitted, it can be easy to assume that tyres work in much the same way and have very little tangible impact on driving style. 

You might even think that winter tyres are safer to use all year round. After all, if they’re designed to provide adequate control on slippery and wet winter roads, surely it can’t hurt to drive them on summer roads too.

Unfortunately, you’d be wrong.

There are several reasons why it is not safe or advisable to leave winter tyres on your vehicle in summer. In this article, we’re highlighting some of the most important reasons why you should always switch your tyres out in the summer, and how to ensure your vehicle is road safe all year round. 

But first, what are the identifying features of winter tyres?

Hallmarks of Winter Tyres

Winter tyres boast wider and deeper grooves across the rubber surface, which gives them better grip in the face of icy surfaces and wet roads. They have a much lower braking distance compared with summer tyres on icy and snowy roads, and are therefore considered safer in areas of adverse weather.

They also have markings around the outer edge of the tyre to indicate that they are winter tyres – something to familiarise yourself with so you remember to change them. 

Using Winter Tyres in Summer: is it Illegal?

While it is not illegal to use winter tyres in summer, it is not advised to do so.

This is for several reasons.

1. Winter tyres offer a great deal more friction on the road surface, and so have a much greater rolling resistance. This means that it requires more power to keep the vehicle moving, using more fuel and having a greater impact on the environment
2. Summer tyres facilitate a smoother and more comfortable ride in the warmer months
3. Summer tyres last longer in summer conditions compared with winter tyres, which are not designed to be used on hot road surfaces and left standing in warm climates

Because of this, it is advised that vehicle owners look to change their tyres from winter to summer tyres as soon as the weather is consistently reaching seven degrees Celsius or higher.

Which Tyres Should I Invest In?

Choosing the right tyres for your vehicle isn’t just a matter of personal preference and enhancing the driving experience – it’s also about safety on the road and ensuring that you have maximum control over the vehicle in all conditions.

Most drivers who do not want to have to change their tyres in the different seasons opt for all-season tyres. These tyres are safe throughout the year and the different seasons, exhibiting sufficient grip come rain or shine. They are particularly popular in the UK where we do not experience extreme weather but need to be prepared for warm days and cold snaps in equal measure.

The most important thing to take from this article is that in the UK, there is no legal requirement to change your tyres with the dawn of any new season – just like there is no legal reason to switch winter tyres out in the summer months. However, from a comfort and efficiency point of view, changing your tyres is sensible and more cost effective. 

At Tyres.co.uk, we have a range of winter and summer tyres available at great prices, as well as a selection of all-season tyres to suit your vehicle. Our team can help you to determine which tyres are based given your location and surrounding road surfaces and will work with you to get the best deal possible.