The differences between summer tyres and winter tyres bridge design and performance, as well as compatibility with different driving conditions. Summer tyres have much shallower tread blocks than winter tyres, and they have added sipes to dispel surface water. They are also made using a much stiffer and more rigid rubber compound, which becomes more pliable as the temperature increases while still supporting the weight of the vehicle.
Summer tyres are recommended as soon as the temperature starts to consistently climb above 7°c.
They can be fitted to all manner of vehicle types, including off-road vehicles and commercial vans, passenger cars, trucks, and performance / sports cars.
The markings for different tyre types vary, depending on the tyre brand and how they denote different specifications. ‘M+S’ stands for ‘Mud and Snow’ while a snowflake can quickly indicate a winter tyre.
Summer tyres are not usually as well marked as other types, though you can often tell from the tyre model name – if it has an ‘S’ in it then it’s often a dedicated summer tyre. Finally, summer tyres have different tread designs, which are often recognisable with the added sipes and shallower grooves.
Premium tyre brands are often ranked highest in terms of tyre quality, durability, and performance. Brands like Michelin and Pirelli are among the most popular, with top summer tyre models including the Pirelli P Zero for performance, Michelin Pilot Sport 5, Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 tyres, and Bridgestone Turanza T005 tyres.
Because of the UK’s moderate climate and the lack of extreme weather conditions, summer tyres are legal for use all-year round. However most tyre manufacturers recommend that summer tyres are switched for winter tyres when the temperature drops below 7°c.
This switch not only ensures excellent grip all year round but also reduces fuel consumption, by ensuring the rubber compound of each tyre type is well suited to the climate.
It is neither safe nor advised to mix summer and winter tyres on a single vehicle, largely because of the difference in rubber compound structure and the tread pattern / depth. It is not illegal to mix tyres, but drivers will find their vehicles are much more balanced, enjoy better stability, and offer better driving performance if they match.
While summer tyres are built for warm temperatures and a combination of dry and wet roads, all-season tyres are designed to navigate both warm and cold conditions.
All-season tyres combine the core features of both summer tyres and winter tyres, to create a balanced solution for year-round use - whereas summer tyres support optimal performance in specific conditions.
There are two ways to answer this. In terms of purchase price, summer tyres tend to be a little cheaper than all-season tyres. However, because they are usually switched over for winter tyres when the temperature drops, drivers need to invest in two sets of tyres – ultimately making this a more expensive option compared to a single set of all-season tyres.
If you want to take your summer tyres off-road, then you need to invest in all-terrain or mud terrain / off-road specific summer tyres. These tend to have a wider surface area, chunkier tread blocks and added shoulders for support and stability, as well as added traction to support rolling resistance.
Once you’ve removed your summer tyres when the weather starts to cool, you need to store your summer tyres somewhere cool and dry where they won’t be damaged.
A shelf in a dark garage or shed is best, so that they are protected from damage and moisture, as well as direct sunlight. Tyre bags are a good option for those with more versatile storage spaces, to keep the tyre contained and clean.
If you switch summer tyres and winter tyres at different times of the year, then you will probably find that they last longer than they might if they were being used all-year round.
The best way to optimise the lifespan of summer tyres is to use them in the right conditions and keep on top of tyre maintenance – checking the tread depth meets the legal minimum of 1.6mm and that the tyre sidewall is free from damage. You should also make sure the tyres you choose are the right tyre size for your car, and that they are maintained to the right tyre pressure to balance tyre wear and better grip.
Finding the right tyres for your car and for the climate you are driving in promotes better handling and a more enjoyable driving experience. Choosing new tyres from premium summer collections supports driving in warm weather, with our dedicated tyre brand pages offering more insight into the range of tyres available.
