When is it warm enough for summer tyres?

We’re now in the midst of spring, and with warmer days ahead, it’s a great time for you to consider whether your tyres are suitable for the conditions. Running the wrong tyres impacts more than just control, it affects fuel economy as well as longevity. To help you understand when it’s time for a change, read on for our handy guide.

What’s the difference between winter and summer tyres?

You may have been driving on winter tyres over the past few months, which are not designed to give the same level of performance and longevity in warmer temperatures. This is because the compound and tread design of summer and winter tyres are built very differently to complement the conditions. So it’s important to note that no matter if you’re going back to summer from winter, or looking for a brand new set of tyres, you need to ensure you’re purchasing the right tyre at the right time.

Summer tyres are ideal for the warmer months, offering excellent handling with a great balance of performance in the wet. 

The 7-7 rule for tyres

Guidance suggests that the best time to swap over to summer tyres is once the temperature is consistently above 7 °C, but how long is ‘consistently’? We recommend using the 7-7 rule. This dictates that when average temperatures remain above 7 °C for seven consecutive days, which usually happens from early April onwards, it is a great indication that it’s time to make the switch.

So why is this important?

Tyres aren’t all created equally, and summer tyres are designed to adapt to the warm, dry and wet weather. The key features of a summer tyre include:

• Rubber rigidity – The harder compound of summer tyres are designed to provide peak performance in warmer temperatures.
• Stopping distances – When the tarmac heats up, braking remains effective on summer tyres due to their ability to stay firm in the heat.
• Fuel economy – Lower rolling resistance helps the vehicle move more efficiently and reduces fuel consumption.

How do I know if I have summer tyres?

The easiest way to check if you have summer tyres is to look on the sidewall. If you don’t see a marking for 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF), they are most likely summer tyres. If you are still unsure, take a look at the tread pattern. Summer tyres usually have a simpler pattern with more even lines, which are less intricate than winter tyres. The product name on the tyre sidewall can also sometimes be a clear indicator of the season the tyre was designed for – for example, our winter range is called Wintoura.

What other options do I have over summer tyres?

While summer tyres are always the superior option for the warm weather, you could also consider all-season tyres. These tyres are engineered to perform reliably across the year, and while they won’t beat the performance of dedicated winter and summer tyres, they can be a great choice for many who want to avoid the seasonal changeovers, but are still looking for all-year-round safety.

Davanti offers a range of all-weather solutions; from the all-terrain tyre Terratoura A/T, to passenger car tyres Alltoura 4-Seasons and Alltoura H/T, as well as our commercial van tyre, the Vantoura 4-Seasons.

For our exclusive commercial and passenger car summer options, check out the Ecoura, Protoura, and Vantoura ranges.

For more information about making the switch to summer tyres and finding the right product for you, head to your nearest Davanti dealer which you can find using our dealer locator.