Summer tyres in winter

Why is it that in some countries it’s either compulsory or recommended to swap your tyres twice a year? Why can’t you keep using your summer tyres in winter? And, likewise, why can’t you use your winter tyres in summer?

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The difference between summer and winter tyres

The fact is, they’re designed for specific purposes. While they both perform optimally in certain temperatures, they underperform when used in temperatures above or below their intended roles. It therefore compromises safety to drive with summer tyres in winter and winter tyres in summer.

  • Summer tyres underperform in temperatures lower than 7 degrees C.
  • They are prone to cracking.
  • They are less efficient on snow.
  • Their braking distances are longer than winter tyres in colder weather.
Uniroyal. A brand of Continental.*