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Summer tyres can be used during the winter months. However, due to their construction and they way they are designed, they will not provide the best performance in freezing or snowy conditions.
Specifically built with warmer conditions in mind, summer tyres feature a harder rubber compound. This compound is made with more natural rubber than a winter tyre. This means that in freezing conditions the compound can harden further. This causes a loss of grip as the tyre is not able to conform to the road, as it needs to for the optimal levels of traction.
Is it safe to use summer tyres in winter?
Using summer tyres in winter can lead to a poorer performance. As they are not designed to perform well in cold and wet conditions you will notice the car less responsive when turning and also longer braking distances.
Summer tyres are made with a harder rubber compound that can become brittle in colder temperatures, reducing the tyre's ability to grip the road.
Is it illegal to use summer tyres in the winter UK?
No, there is no legislation in the UK which makes it illegal to use summer tyres in the winter. But safety reasons it is recommended that you fit all season or winter tyres during hash winter conditions.
Is it illegal to mix summer tyres with winter?
It is not illegal to mix summer tyres with winter tyres. However, make sure that the tyres are the same across the axles of your vehicle.
What is the difference between summer tyres and winter tyres?
Summer tyres are designed for use in warmer temperatures and are constructed with a harder rubber compound. This provides better performance on warm and dry roads.
Winter tyres, on the other hand, are made with a softer rubber compound - that contains greater levels of silica. This means winter tyres remain pliable in colder temperatures. Providing better grip on snow and ice.
When to switch from winter tyres back to summer?
It's recommended to switch from winter tyres to summer tyres when the weather starts to warm up. If the temperature is regularly above 7°C, then a summer tyre will perform much better than a winter tyre.