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Many UK drivers are unsure when to change from winter to summer tyres. Swapping over too soon or late can compromise performance and safety on the road. Your tyres will also experience more wear and may need replacing more often.
Using the correct seasonal tyres will help with handling, braking distances, and fuel consumption. Check out our guide for the best time to switch this spring.
Why Winter Tyres are Designed for Cold Weather
Winter tyres are specifically designed for safe driving in cold weather below 7°C and on snowy or icy roads. They feature distinctive tread patterns with numerous deep notches to improve traction and are made from a supple material that allows them to stay soft and grip the road in freezing temperatures.
While the softer tread is ideal for winter, using these tyres in hotter temperatures will cause them to wear down quicker on warm tarmac. You may also experience extended stopping distances due to reduced handling and increased fuel consumption.
The Benefits of Summer Tyres in Warmer Conditions
Summer tyres are designed for warm conditions. They have a firmer rubber compound and narrow treads that help them grip hot surfaces on wet and dry roads. The tyres’ stiff tread will make your car more stable when turning corners or breaking. Summer tyres can withstand extended periods of 40°C temperatures, making them suitable for the hottest periods of the year in the UK.
When the temperatures drop towards the end of autumn and early winter, your summer tyres may struggle to grip icy roads. Your braking distance can increase two times the distance of winter tyres, and their tread compound will stiffen in freezing temperatures, leading to skidding or slipping. The stiffness can lead to cracking and chipping in the rubber due to reduced elasticity.
When and How to Switch
You should switch your winter tyres to summer tyres when temperatures consistently remain above 7°c. Typically, this occurs around the end of March or early April, but it may happen later if you reside in colder areas, such as northern Scotland.
Avoid switching during a warm spell, as temperatures could suddenly drop back down for a month or more and lead to ice on the roads. If you prefer not to switch, all-season tyres are an alternative, but many won’t offer the same level of performance as dedicated summer and winter tyres.
When tidying your winter tyres away, clean them with a mild car shampoo or soap and water to remove dirt and salt. Ensure they’re completely dry to prevent mould and mildew growth before storing them in a cool indoor environment. Keep them away from direct sunlight because UV rays can degrade rubber, and avoid ozone sources like electric motors.
It’s worth booking your switchover sooner rather than later to avoid damaging your winter tyres. Tyre fitters in Letchworth can offer models with a five-year warranty that fits your budget to avoid any DIY mistakes.
Checking Your Tyres
It’s worth inspecting your tyre pressure and tread depth throughout the year, regardless of which type of tyres your car is using. Consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual for the recommended tyre pressure and use a gauge to measure it. It’s best to check when the tyres are cold to avoid an inflated figure. Add air to underinflated tyres with a compressor to prevent increased stopping distances and blowouts.
The minimum legal tread depth across three-quarters of the tyres’ circumference is 1.6mm. Test it by inserting a 20p coininto the tread grooves. If you can spot the coin’s outer band, your tread depth is under the legal limit and will fail an MOT test, so it needs replacing.
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