Can I keep my winter tyres on in the summertime?

Yes. Keeping winter tyres on all year round is legal in the UK, but MICHELIN recommends changing them when temperatures stay above 7°C. Indeed, summer tyres are designed for warmer conditions, while winter tyres are designed to perform at their best when temperatures fall below 7°C. Using winter tyres in summer increases rolling resistance, which can raise energy use and CO2 emissions. 

The 7°C rule means you should use winter tyres when temperatures regularly fall below 7°C. Below this threshold, winter tyres generally offer shorter braking distances and better overall performance than summer tyres in dry, wet, snowy or icy conditions. Above 7°C, MICHELIN recommends tyres suited to summer conditions. 

Summer tyres provide better safety, lower fuel consumption, and enhanced comfort in warm conditions above 7°C. 

Running winter tyres during hot summer months reduces their overall performance. In warm conditions above 7°C, summer tyres provide better safety, lower fuel consumption, and enhanced comfort. 

Fuel consumption may increase when winter tyres are left on during summer because their design, the softer compounds used, the tread pattern (sipes, etc.) are different than the equivalent summer tyres in warm conditions. The exact increase depends on your vehicle, tyre size, load, speed, tyre pressure, tyre maintenance, and driving conditions. 

Winter tyres can generate more road noise than summer tyres because their more sculpted tread pattern and softer rubber compound are designed for winter conditions. They are optimised for grip on cold, wet, snowy or icy roads rather than warm summer roads. 

Dedicated winter tyres are worth considering in the UK if you regularly drive below 7°C or face snow, ice or cold wet roads. In milder areas, MICHELIN CrossClimate all-season tyres offer a practical solution for temperate weather with occasional cold snaps. Choose based on your routes and seasonal temperatures. 

All-season tyres like the MICHELIN CrossClimate range offer a balanced performance in both summer and winter conditions, eliminating the need for seasonal tyre changes. For severe winter use, dedicated winter tyres remain the specialist choice. 

MICHELIN recommends fitting the same type, size and specification of tyre on the same axle to help maintain balanced handling and braking performance. Mixing winter and summer tyres on the same axle is therefore not recommended. MICHELIN recommends fitting 4 winter tyres to your car! In the UK, legal minimum tread depth and roadworthiness requirements apply regardless of tyre type or season. 

No, driving on winter tyres in summer is not illegal in the UK. There is no UK law banning winter tyres in summer, and winter tyres are not mandatory in winter. MICHELIN still recommends choosing tyres suited to the season, especially when temperatures stay above 7°C. 

There is no specific UK insurance rule preventing you from using winter tyres in summer. However, your vehicle should always be fitted with tyres that are legal, roadworthy, and appropriate for the conditions. If you are unsure, check your insurance policy or speak to your insurer for advice. 

Store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and check for any damage or misalignment before storage. Before fitting them back on, always check the condition of your tyres. 

No, winter tyres do not necessarily wear out faster than summer tyres, but their performance and efficiency are compromised in warm conditions.