In this section, we will explain why driving on winter tyres in the summer months is a bad idea. The reasons are quite compelling, and we're sure you'll agree.
There are good reasons why winter tyres are indispensable in winter. They're made from specialised, flexible rubber compounds and feature unique tread designs to deliver the best grip in snowy and icy road conditions. They function at their best in cold temperatures and winter precipitation, providing confidence and safety to drivers in potentially hazardous situations.
But while such tyres are the undisputed champion when it comes to colder climates, those same features put them at a disadvantage if used in warmer temperatures. A dry road and temperatures above 7 ºC without ice or snow eliminate the need for tyres with biting edges to provide traction.
The softer tread of a winter tyre wears out a lot quicker on warm conditions. It’s the rubber compound, which is formulated to stay soft and pliable when temperatures plummet below 7 °C.
It’s very effective for mitigating the negative impact of cold temperatures and provides traction in winter conditions.
But if you run a set of winter tyres throughout the year, that same flexible tread will wear down more quickly in warmer temperatures. There’s a strong chance you’d have to replace them earlier than if you'd regularly switch to summer tyres at the beginning of spring.
Our recommendation for hot weather is to use all-season or summer tyres. Summer tyres are manufactured with a different blend of rubber designed to withstand higher temperatures. The compounds used in summer tyres would soon turn hard and brittle if driven in winter conditions. All-season tyres, however, are designed to withstand colder temperatures as well as warm and dry conditions. For drivers living in regions with mild winter conditions (temperatures rarely drop below freezing), all-season tyres can be an alternative. But as already mentioned, it is important to remember that summer and winter tyres are specifically tailored to the relevant seasons and conditions.
If you are unsure about the right tyre choice, please contact your local retailer for personal advice.
If you use winter tyres in summer, another thing to know is that you'll end up paying more for fuel.
In warm weather conditions, the rolling resistance of a winter tyre is substantially higher compared to a summer or all-season tyre. That's because of the specialised compound and tread pattern concept.
It leads to higher rolling resistance, which results in an increase in fuel consumption – which means you'll need to visit the petrol station more often than necessary.
If you don't switch to all-season or summer tyres during warm weather, your car will not have optimal handling capabilities for safety – especially if you're forced to make sudden turns.
Let's imagine a scenario where a driver has to make an emergency maneuver. Winter tyres on dry pavement are softer. The handling will not be as responsive as it should be in a critical situation. Also, the stopping distance is extended in comparison to summer tyres.
From a long-term perspective, winter tyres which have been left on throughout the spring, summer, and autumn all the way until the next winter will probably have worn tread blocks (because of their softer compound). Winter tyres with insufficient tread depth won't provide as much grip or traction on snowy and icy surfaces, which is a decisive factor influencing driving safety.
Summer tyres: Designed for temperatures above 7 °C, they provide optimal grip, precise handling, shorter braking distances, and better fuel efficiency on dry and warm roads.
All-season tyres: They are an alternative for regions with mild winters, offering acceptable performance in warm weather conditions without the need for seasonal tyre changes.
When to switch between tyre types: Winter tyres should be replaced once temperatures consistently stay above 7 °C to reduce wear, improve safety, and maintain overall driving efficiency.
The laws vary by country, but in most places it’s not illegal. However, some regions have restrictions on speed ratings or specific winter tyre types. It’s always best to check the exact regulations for your country or region beforehand.
Because of their pronounced tread patterns, winter tyres tend to be louder on dry roads. Although this doesn’t affect safety, it can make the driving experience less comfortable.
Winter tyres use a softer rubber blend that is meant to remain flexible in low temperatures. Once the weather warms up, that rubber becomes overly soft, leading to much quicker tread wear and possibly cutting the tyre’s lifespan.
For best safety in the seasons, we recommend using winter tyres in the cold period and changing to summer tyres in the warm period of the year.
The all-season tyre is a good compromise for drivers that do not want to change tyres regularly.
Likely not. Using winter tyres during the warm months accelerates tread wear. By the time winter returns, the tread depth may be too low to maintain proper grip on snow and ice, reducing safety in harsh conditions.
Switch to summer tyres when temperatures rise above 7 °C. Winter tyres are not intended for warmer conditions, so they should be replaced once the weather stays above this threshold.
Check the condition of your winter tyres before storing them:
