What's the Best Time to Switch Into Summer Tyres?

Any driver would wish to get the most out of their car, and using appropriate tyres in different seasons is one of the easiest ways to do so. Most people in the UK use all-season tyres all year round, yet swapping to summer tyres as the weather changes can significantly affect handling and road safety. Knowing when to make the switch and when to change back can save money, increase safety, and make the driving experience more enjoyable. 

What Are Summer Tyres? 

Summer tyres are made to work in hot and dry conditions, but can also work in wet weather in hot conditions. They are constructed of a different type of rubber material than winter or all-season tyres. This substance remains firm even in hot weather, allowing the tyres to maintain better grip on the road surface. Summer tyres also have tread patterns that are aimed at pushing water away to minimise the chances of slipping on water on wet roads during summer. 

Simply, summer tyres enable a vehicle to brake harder, turn with more confidence and consume less fuel in hot seasons. Their usage is not suitable for cold or icy conditions, and that is why it is so important to know when to use them and when to remove them. 

When Should Drivers Switch to Summer Tyres? 

The 7-degree rule is the most used rule to switch to summer tyres. Summer tyres start to perform better than winter or all-season tyres when the average daily temperature exceeds 7 degrees Celsius and remains at this level on a regular basis. The rubber substance in summer tyres begins to harden below 7 degrees, and this decreases the grip and makes the car less safe to operate. 

This generally translates to the period when it is appropriate to change to summer tyres in the UK as late as March or April. One should, however, take their time before making the change. The UK weather in the spring can be unpredictable. It can get as low as -1°C in April, and there might even be some light frost, so it is wise to wait until the threat of below-zero temperatures has passed before switching. 

It is a good idea to monitor the weather forecast at least 2 weeks before making the decision. When temperatures are steadily above 7 degrees during both day and night, then it is a good indication that it is time to install summer tyres. 

The Benefits of Making the Switch 

The advantages of switching to summer tyres Havant when the warmer weather comes are many. To begin with, there is a much greater grip on dry roads. Summer tyres provide a greater area of contact to the road surface, and this implies that when the driver turns the steering wheel, brakes or accelerates, the car reacts more quickly. 

Second, there is an increased fuel efficiency. Summer tyres have lower resistance while moving as compared to all-season tyres, and this implies that the engine does not need to work as hard to ensure the car is in motion. 

Third, dedicated summer tyres and winter tyres will wear more equally and have a longer life since they are used in their corresponding seasons. This will be more cost-effective in the long run than operating one set of all-season tyres all year round. 

When Should Drivers Switch Back? 

Similarly, as the 7-degree rule is applicable during tyre replacement, when replacing summer tyres, the same rule is used. When the temperature starts to fall consistently below 7 degrees Celsius, most often during the months of October or November in the UK, then it is time to change back to winter or all-season tyres. 

One of the most common mistakes committed by drivers is to leave the summer tyres on too long into the autumn. When the temperature goes down, the rubber of summer tyres becomes hard and less flexible. This decreases the grip of the tyre on the road, which is especially hazardous on wet or cold roads. Braking distances become longer, and the vehicle becomes extremely difficult to handle in an emergency. 

An easy method to remember the changeover dates will be to follow the old European proverb: between Easter and October, use summer tyres. This is not a precise guide, but reasonably applicable to the UK. Drivers are advised to never be blindly guided by the calendar but rather by the real temperatures. 

Storing Tyres Safely Between Seasons 

When removing a set of tyres from the car, it is important to store them properly to keep them in good condition. The storage of tyres must be in a cool, dry and dark environment, free of direct sunlight and heat sources. The rubber may degrade faster due to sunlight and heat, reducing the life of the tyres Havant. 

There are cases when the tyres are attached to their wheels and can be stacked up or hung on tyre hooks. When they are stored without wheels, it is better to turn them on their side and move them a bit every few weeks to prevent flat spots. 

There are a lot of local tyre fitting centres where seasonal tyre storage is offered as a service, and this can be a good option for people who have no space at home. 

What About All-Season Tyres? 

All-season tyres are another trend that UK drivers are currently following, as they do not have to deal with changing tyres twice a year. They provide decent performance in cold and warm weather, but are not as good as dedicated summer tyres in warm weather or winter tyres in cold weather. 

All-season tyres can be a viable option for drivers who happen to live in a part of the UK with very mild winters and little snow. 

Conclusion 

Summer tyres make a difference in the performance of a car in the warmer season. Improved fuel economy, shorter stopping distances and better grip are all desirable improvements. The trick is to select the appropriate moment to change over without switching too early in spring or too late in autumn.