Tyres are designed with particular road and temperature conditions in mind. During colder months, winter tyres are often fitted to improve grip in low temperatures and on wet or icy surfaces.
As temperatures begin to rise, many drivers ask whether they can continue to drive on winter tyres, or whether they should be replaced once conditions become warmer.
Can I use winter tyres in summer?
In the UK, tyre choice is ultimately left to vehicle owners to determine what tyres would be the most suitable for the climate and weather conditions they are driving in.
Winter tyres are developed to perform in lower temperatures, generally below 7°C. Their rubber compound remains more flexible in cold weather, and their tread patterns are designed to deal with slush, standing water and icy surfaces. By contrast, summer tyres are intended to operate more effectively in higher temperatures, while all-season tyres aim to provide a balance between cold and warm-weather performance.
When temperatures rise above the range winter tyres are designed for, the compound becomes softer than intended for dry, warm roads. This does not automatically make them unsafe, but it does mean they are operating outside the conditions they were primarily developed for.
What are the main types of tyre I can buy?
There are three main types of tyre available, each designed to perform in specific weather and temperature conditions.
Summer tyres
Summer tyres are designed for use in warmer conditions. Their rubber compound performs most effectively in higher temperatures, and their tread patterns are intended to provide strong grip and handling on dry and wet roads during spring, summer and early autumn.
Winter tyres
Winter tyres are developed for lower temperatures, typically below around 7°C. Their compound remains more flexible in cold weather, and their tread patterns are designed to improve traction on wet, icy or snow-covered surfaces.
All-season tyres
All-season tyres are intended to provide a balance between summer and winter performance. They are designed to operate in a wider range of temperatures, making them suitable for year-round use in moderate climates, although they may not offer the same level of performance as dedicated seasonal tyres in extreme conditions.
What happens if I drive on winter tyres in warm weather?
Driving on winter tyres in warmer weather can lead to:
Quicker rates of wear
On dry summer road surfaces, tread on winter tyres may wear more quickly, which can reduce the overall lifespan of the tyre and increase long-term running costs.
Longer braking distances
On dry roads, braking distances may be slightly longer than with summer tyres, and steering response can feel less precise at higher speeds or when cornering. Winter tyres are made with a colder-weather compound, which can change how they behave as temperatures rise.
Higher fuel consumption and rolling resistance
Fuel efficiency may be affected as well. Winter tyres often have deeper tread blocks and additional sipes to improve grip in cold conditions. On dry roads, this design can increase rolling resistance, meaning more energy is required to keep the tyre moving. Over time, this may contribute to a modest reduction in fuel efficiency compared with summer tyres.
These differences reflect how tyres are engineered to perform within specific temperature ranges and operating conditions.
Higher fuel consumption and rolling resistance
Fuel efficiency may be affected. Winter tyres often have deeper tread blocks and additional sipes to improve grip in cold conditions. On dry roads, this design can increase rolling resistance, meaning more energy is required to keep the tyre moving.
Over time, this may contribute to a modest reduction in fuel efficiency compared with summer tyres. Where fuel consumption increases, there may also be a corresponding rise in vehicle emissions, as the engine needs to work harder to maintain the same speed.
Is it legal to use winter tyres in summer in the UK?
It is not illegal, but tyre manufacturers strongly recommend that motorists do not use winter tyres in the summer, as this can present a number of risks and downsides as highlighted above.
Ultimately, any tyres that are used must be legal and in a safe condition i.e. they have a minimum tread depth requirement of 1.6 mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre and around its entire circumference. They must also be free from significant defects such as exposed cords or serious cuts.
If winter tyres remain fitted in summer, they must continue to comply with these standards. As warmer conditions may accelerate wear, regular checks of tread depth and overall condition are advisable.
If you are unsure about tread depth or overall suitability, it is good practice to have tyres inspected. The Motor Ombudsman’s Business Finder can help you locate a garage that is accredited to its Codes of Practice and committed to clear communication and high standards of work.
Can I use winter and summer tyres on my car at the same time?
Just like using winter tyres in summer, it is also not illegal to mix both kinds of tyres (i.e. winter tyres on the front, and summer tyres on the rear), but is strongly discouraged by tyre manufacturers.
This is because doing so can lead to uneven grip levels between axles. Winter and summer tyres respond differently to temperature and road surfaces. If one axle provides a different level of traction from the other, this can affect vehicle stability under braking or when changing direction.
For this reason, tyres of the same type and specification are typically fitted across an axle, and often across all four wheels, to help maintain balanced handling. Drivers should also refer to their vehicle handbook, which may include manufacturer guidance on approved tyre sizes, types and combinations.
If there is any uncertainty about what is currently fitted, or whether the tyres are appropriately matched, a professional check at a Motor Ombudsman-accredited garage or tyre fitter / specialist can help guide you in the right direction.
Best practice for changing from winter to summer tyres and vice versa
When removing tyres , it is good practice to check the tread depth and overall condition before storage.
It is recommended that tyres are kept in a cool, dry environment away from direct sunlight and sources of heat. Before refitting, they should once again be examined for any signs of cracking or degradation, and if deemed safe to use they should be inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure and balanced as required.
Professional fitting and balancing help ensure tyres are installed correctly. If you are unsure which type of tyres are currently fitted, or you are considering changing between winter and summer tyres, you can search for a reputable local garage or tyre fitted via The Motor Ombudsman’s Business Finder can help ensure the work is carried out to a high standard.