What is the Difference Between Summer and Winter Tyres?

Summer tyres and winter tyres have different characteristics that make them better for use in different weather conditions. They answer to different needs, seasons and driving habits. Let's see what differentiate them.

How do summer tyres work?

Summer tyres are designed to provide better performance in warmer temperatures. Unlike winter tyres, which are made from a softer compound to grip the road better in colder temperatures, summer tyres are made from a harder compound that provides better grip when the roads are warm. Summer tyres also have a tread pattern that helps to disperse water on wet roads, reducing the risk of aquaplaning (or hydroplaning). Our Point S Summer tyres are designed to meet these requirements.

How do winter tyres work?

Winter tyres, also known as snow tyres, are specifically designed to provide your car with better grip and braking performance in cold, wet and icy conditions. They use a special compound of rubber and a tread pattern that is specifically designed to improve traction and grip in snowy and icy surfaces and conditions. Winter tyres are designed for use in cold temperatures and icy or snowy roads, thanks to their larger number of sipes, which are small grooves on the tyre tread. 

Can You Use Winter Tyres in Summer?

Winter tyres are designed to perform best in temperatures below 7°C, but can they be used in summer? Generally, it is not recommended to fit your car with winter tyres in summer as they are not designed to provide optimal performance in the higher temperatures. Winter tyres tend to wear quicker in the summer heat and this can reduce the life of the tyre. Also, driving on winter tyres in warm conditions may increase your fuel consumption.

Understanding the Disadvantages of Winter Tyres in Summer

Driving with winter tyres in the summer months can be potentially dangerous, as they are not designed to perform optimally in hot weather. Winter tyres have a different compound than summer tyres, which means they will not grip the road as well in warm temperatures, leading to reduced braking performance and increased wear and tear. This is why we do not recommend driving with winter tyres in summer in places where the weather is quite warm.

What temperature is too hot for winter tyres?

Winter tyres are designed to offer superior performance in cold temperatures and icy conditions. However, when the temperature rises above 7°C, the rubber compound in winter tyres starts to harden, leading to reduced grip.

Therefore, it is not recommended to use winter tyres when the temperature is above 7°C.

Do Winter Tyres Wear Quicker in Summer?

Winter tyres are designed to provide optimum performance in cold and icy conditions. But the question remains: do winter tyres wear quicker in summer? The simple answer is yes – when compared to summer tyres, winter tyres will wear out faster in the warmer months. This is because the rubber compound used in winter tyres is designed to stay soft and pliable in colder temperatures. As the temperature rises, the rubber compound hardens, causing the tyre to wear quicker.

Can winter tyres be used all year round?

As explained, winter tyres are designed to provide better grip and safety on roads during winter months. While they can technically be used all year round, it is not recommended to use them in the summer months, as their tread pattern and rubber compound are not designed to provide optimal performance in warm temperatures.

If you need tyres that can be used all year long without having to switch from winter tyres to summer tyres, all season tyres could be a good option. All season tyres (or 4 season tyres) combine the benefits of winter and summer tyres. They are tyres designed to work in both summer and winter conditions. They are designed to offer year-round performance, providing a good balance of grip and wear in both warm and cold weather. Check our Point S 4 Season 2 tyres for more information!

How to store winter tyres in summer?

Storing winter tyres in summer is important to ensure their longevity and performance. When the temperature is warmer, winter tyres should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, such as a garage or a storage unit. It is also important to keep them away from sources of heat like radiators or boilers. Additionally, tyres should be inflated to the recommended pressure and should be rotated to ensure even wear. Cleaning and inspecting the tyres before storing them is also recommended.

Is it illegal to mix winter and summer tyres on the same vehicle in the UK?

In the United Kingdom, it is not illegal to mix winter and summer tyres on the same vehicle. However, we strongly recommend no to do so. This is due to the fact that winter tyres are designed to perform optimally in colder temperatures and may not provide sufficient grip and stability when driving in warmer conditions. 

Are summer tyres OK in winter in the UK?

Now that we've ween why winter tyres are not suitable for summer months, let's see the opposite! Are summer tyres suitable for the colder months? 

To ensure safe and comfortable driving in the UK during the winter months, it is recommended to fit winter tyres. This is because they are designed to operate in temperatures below 7°C, providing improved grip and braking on snow and ice. Summer tyres, on the other hand, are not suitable for winter conditions, as they tend to harden and become less effective below 7°C.