Can I keep my winter tyres on in the summertime?

It may seem convenient to leave your winter tyres on throughout the year, but is it really the best choice? This article explains everything you need to know about winter tyres, including legal requirements, the comfort they provide, their safety benefits, and potential cost savings. Learn how driving with winter tyres in summer—or year-round—can affect your vehicle and your driving experience.

Why choose winter tyres?

Winter tyres, also known as snow tyres, are specifically engineered for cold-weather conditions. Their deep and wide tread patterns, combined with specially formulated rubber, provide superior grip and handling on icy or snowy roads. This ensures reliable performance and gives you confidence while driving, regardless of winter weather challenges.

When should you use winter tyres?

It’s recommended to switch to winter tyres, also called snow tyres, once temperatures drop below 7°C.

Why?

At temperatures below 7°C, winter tyres provide shorter braking distances compared to summer tyres on all road surfaces—whether dry, wet, snowy, or icy. They also deliver superior grip, ensuring safer driving in cold conditions.

Do winter tyres wear faster than summer tyres?

Contrary to common belief, most winter tyres do not wear out faster than summer tyres when used in their intended seasons. Thanks to advanced technology, LONGMARCH’s high-performance winter tyres are designed to offer durability nearly on par with summer tyres.

Is it illegal to drive with winter tyres in summer?

In the United Kingdom, there is no law prohibiting the use of winter tyres during the summer months. Similarly, winter tyres are not legally required when the season changes. It is the driver’s responsibility to choose tyres suitable for the current conditions, ensuring safety and comfort on the road.

3 reasons why keeping winter tyres on in summer is not recommended

1 – Enhanced safety
Summer tyres provide superior safety on dry and wet roads when temperatures exceed 7°C. Certified winter tyres (marked M+S and/or 3PMSF) are more effective in colder conditions below 7°C, but summer tyres generally last longer and perform better in warm weather. TÜV SÜD tests in 2013 (205/55 R16 H tyres) showed that winter tyres have longer braking distances on dry and wet surfaces at higher temperatures.

2 – Better fuel efficiency
Winter tyres have higher rolling resistance compared to summer tyres of the same size. Using winter tyres in summer can lead to increased fuel consumption and higher CO2 emissions.

3 – Greater comfort
Switching to summer tyres suited for warmer conditions improves driving comfort. Summer tyres offer better road holding in temperatures above 30°C, ensuring a safer and smoother driving experience.

How to protect your winter tyres during summer

When temperatures rise above 7°C, it’s best to replace winter tyres with summer tyres.

Before storing your winter tyres for the season, inspect them carefully. Cracks can reduce tyre performance even if the tread limit hasn’t been reached. Regularly check tyre alignment to ensure they remain in optimal condition.

Use our Dealer Locator to find a professional service near you for tyre inspection and storage.