When it comes to road safety, your tyres are one of the most important components of your vehicle. But not all tyres are created equal – and choosing the right tyre for the season can significantly improve performance, fuel economy, and safety.
Let’s break down the key differences between summer, winter, and all-season tyres, and why switching tyres for the seasons might be one of the smartest decisions you make.
SUMMER TYRES
Best for: Temperatures consistently above 7˚C
Summer tyres are engineered for warm weather and offer optimal performance in both dry and wet conditions. Their tread design and rubber compound provide:
- Superior grip in warm temperatures
- Responsive handling and cornering performance
- Shorter braking distances on dry and wet roads
However, when temperatures fall below 7˚C, the rubber begins to harden, reducing grip and braking efficiency.
WINTER TYRES
Best for: Cold weather and areas where temperatures regularly fall below 7˚C.
Winter tyres are not just for snow – they’re specially made to handle all cold weather conditions. They contain a higher percentage of natural rubber and silica, which keeps them flexible in low temperatures. That means:
- Improved grip and control in cold, wet, icy, or snowy conditions
- Shorter braking distances, especially on icy roads
- Aggressive tread patterns to clear snow and slush
- Sipes (tiny cuts in the tread) that bite into ice for added traction
Winter tyres are marked with the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) symbol, confirming they meet industry standards for severe snow performance.
Did you know?
At just 20 mph on icy roads, a winter tyre can stop up to 11 metres shorter than a summer tyre – roughly three car lengths. That’s a massive difference when it comes to avoiding an accident.
ALL-SEASON TYRES
Best for: Moderate climates with occasional cold weather.
All-season tyres are a convenient middle ground, combining features of both summer and winter tyres. They:
- Offer balanced performance in a range of weather conditions
- Work well in areas that don’t experience severe winter weather
- Eliminate the need for seasonal tyre changes
However, they may not perform as well as dedicated summer tyres in hot weather or winter tyres in snow and ice.
WHY THE RIGHT TYRE MATTERS
Using the wrong type of tyre for the season can lead to:
- Reduced grip on the road
- Longer stopping distances
- Decreased fuel efficiency
- Increased tyre wear
That’s why it’s important to match your tyres to the climate.
PRO TIP: Make Seasonal Changes Easy
If you regularly swap to winter tyres, consider buying an extra set of steel wheels to mount them on. This makes the changeover quicker and protects your alloy wheels from salt and grit damage during winter.
When to Switch:
- October: Fit winter tyres as temperatures drop
- March-April: Switch back to summer tyres as conditions warm
Need Winter Tyres?
If you’re ready to prepare for the colder months, you can buy high-quality winter tyres online through our trusted partner, TyreSavings.