Your privacy is as important to us as your safety on the road
To provide you with the best online experience, Kwik Fit and our partners use technologies such as cookies to store local information on your device. Consenting to our recommended technologies allows us and our partners to process data such as your browsing behaviour or individual identifiers on this website.
Click the green button below to consent with our recommended settings or you may switch the performance and targeting categories on or off individually, then save your settings. You can freely update your choices at any time and view the full list of cookies that may be placed by clicking the Cookies link in the footer of every page of our website.
Summer tyres are designed and engineered to work best during the warmer summer months.
Summer tyres are created with a specific tread pattern for optimal performance on both dry and wet roads when the air temperature is above +7°C.
Summer tyres at Kwik Fit
Kwik Fit stocks a wide range of cheap summer tyres to suit any budget from premium brands including Pirelli, Continental, and Goodyear, to budget alternatives.
Looking for summer tyres? Look
for this icon when searching for tyres.
Still unsure? Why not book a free tyre check and our technicians will inspect your tyres and let you know which tyres are suitable for your vehicle.
What are summer tyres?
What does it mean by summer tyres? Summer tyres are tyres designed specifically for use in warmer weather. They differ from all-season tyres in that they’re not formulated to work effectively below +7°C. However, they certainly will still do so — but just at the cost of fuel efficiency and braking performance. Summer tyres use a soft rubber compound that remains flexible in warm temperatures to ensure maximum contact with the road.
How do summer tyres work?
Summer tyres are made from a much softer rubber compound than winter tyres which delivers better grip and superior handling on both dry and wet roads in warmer conditions.
Summer tyres also feature a simple, yet effective, tread pattern with minimal grooves and sipes (up to ten times fewer tyre grooves than winter tyres). Why? Such tread patterns optimise contact with the road during dry summer months affording the vehicle better traction and braking ability.
This same compound and tread design makes summer tyres less suitable for wintery weather conditions where the temperature drops below +7°C.
The benefits of summer tyres
There are plenty of reasons why you should consider summer tyres — from their reduced fuel consumption to greater vehicle handling in warmer weather. Here are some of the advantages of switching to summer tyres:
Better mileage and reduced fuel consumption - Because the compound in summer tyres has less elasticity, on dry roads the rolling resistance of the tyre is reduced. As a result, drivers benefit from longer-lasting tyres and better fuel economy.
Improved control - Softer tyres provide better grip on dry surfaces so during the milder months, summer tyres provide unrivalled handling and steering stability.
Good all-rounders - In countries like the UK where the weather is generally less severe during the winter months, summer tyres can be used year-round - offering excellent performance on both wet and dry surfaces.
Why fit summer tyres?
It is highly likely that your car is already fitted with summer tyres as the majority of vehicle manufacturers fit this type of tyre as standard — especially in the UK, where the climate typically does not become extremely cold for extended periods. There may be regional differences, for example, between temperate London and chilly Edinburgh — so this will require you to keep a close eye on the seasons and average temperatures.
However, if you have switched to winter tyres during the colder months of the year, it is recommended that you switch back to summer tyres when the weather reaches average temperatures of +7°C to allow for optimum grip on warm, dry roads.
Don’t be fooled by the name: summer tyres are not just for driving on hot, sunny days. While summer tyres provide exceptional performance in dry conditions, they also provide excellent grip on wet roads. So, even when the unpredictable British summer brings cloud and rain, summer tyres will offer the best performance at this time of year.
Summer tyres certainly can be used all year, but they’re likely to wear much faster than an all-season tyre or a tyre for the appropriate season. This is specifically because of the rubber compounds used to optimise for temperature.
A winter tyre in hot weather, for example, will tend to become overly soft and stick to the road surface more than it should. A summer tyre in winter, on the other hand, will tend to over-harden and crack.
Summer tyre tread patterns are also optimised for contact with the ground, whereas winter tyre tread patterns are optimised for removing water and maintaining grip through wet and icy conditions.
Is it legal to use summer tyres in winter?
The legality of driving on summer tyres in the winter varies from region to region and country to country. In some countries where the weather can get extreme, it is mandatory to swap out your summer tyres when the warm weather starts to fade. In these areas, snow chains are sometimes also required and fines can be put into place too!
However, in areas with more mild climates like the UK and parts of Europe, there are rarely legal implications of driving with summer tyres when the weather is wintry. That being said, it certainly isn't best practice to use summer tyres in the cold, especially from a safety and vehicle handling perspective. If you are driving somewhere new with summer tyres, we strongly advise you to check the local laws and regulations.
When is it best to fit summer tyres?
In the UK, we recommend that you fit summer tyres to your vehicle between the months of April to September as the average temperature is much warmer and far less likely to drop below +7°C. If by Spring you still have winter tyres fitted to your vehicle, you will find they are less effective on warmer roads and offer poorer handling and fuel economy.
Summer tyres FAQs
Still got questions about switching to summer tyres for the warmer weather? Find a list of more specific questions below for more information. Alternatively, you can always contact our experts directly.
What does it mean by summer tyres? Summer tyres are tyres designed specifically for use in warmer weather. They differ from all-season tyres in that they’re not formulated to work effectively below +7°C. However, they certainly will still do so — but just at the cost of fuel efficiency and braking performance. Summer tyres use a soft rubber compound that remains flexible in warm temperatures to ensure maximum contact with the road.
Summer tyres are definitely worth the investment if you swap them correctly, at the right time, and follow tyre care best practices.
Summer tyres are designed to excel on dry, warm road surfaces, giving drivers enhanced grip, better handling, and shorter braking distances, too. If you prioritise enhanced performance for your vehicle during the warmer seasons, summer tyres are for you.
Summer tyres with a slightly softer compound (for better grip and handling) are likely to last slightly less time as they have more friction with the road and wear down quicker. In order to maximise your summer tyres’s lifespan, you should regularly check your tyres for signs of wear and tear.
Summer tyres are absolutely fine to drive on daily when the climate in your area is consistently warm throughout the year, or during seasons when the weather is warm and mild. However, if the climate begins to cool, you should think about making the switch back to winter tyres or all-season tyres. Always consider your local weather patterns and temperature fluctuations when deciding to use summer tyres for daily driving.
Summer tyres don’t get ‘ruined’ in winter conditions, but they do suffer as they are designed to be used in the warmer, drier months. After prolonged use in winter, summer tyres may encounter the following problems:
Decreased performance as the tyre compound hardens in the cold weather
Reduced tyre grip to the road surface
Potential tyre damage as rubber hardens and becomes brittle
Summer tyres are excellent for wet driving when it’s warm, contrary to popular belief. They come with great wet grip capabilities on account of their features — this includes specialist tread patterns aimed at channelling water out of the way to reduce the risk of aquaplaning. Thanks to their unique composition, they are flexible in warm weather and therefore able to make better contact with the road, improving braking distances and traction.
This depends on what you mean by ‘better’ — and what the criteria are. It’s hard to compare these two since they are designed to do very different things. When it comes to driving in hot, warm conditions along smooth roads in the summer months, summer tyres are better as they have been designed for these exact conditions. However, if you’re looking for a tyre to tackle both wet and dry weather, cool and hot climates, and smooth and slippery terrain, all-season tyres are your best bet.
Your tyre size can be found on the sidewall of your current tyre and is a sequence of numbers and letters. The most common tyre size in the UK is 205/55R16 but there are many variations so it’s important to check your existing tyre first before searching for tyres.
Tip: Take a photo of your existing tyre sidewall to make it easier to identify your tyre size using the guide below.
The first three digits. This displays the width of the tyre in millimetres. A tyre marked 225 will measure 225mm across the tread from sidewall to sidewall.
Aspect Ratio
The fourth and fifth digits of the tyre code that immediately follow the tyre width. The aspect ratio or profile height of the tyre sidewall is expressed as a percentage of the tyre width. So an aspect ratio of 55 for example means that the profile height of the tyre is 55% of its width.
Rim Diameter
The next two digits represent the size of the wheel rim that the tyre can be fitted to. It is also the diameter of the tyre from bead to bead. So a tyre marked 16 will fit on a 16-inch wheel rim.
Speed Rating
The speed rating of a tyre is represented by a letter of the alphabet at the end of the tyre size code and indicates the maximum speed capability of the tyre. Tyres receive a speed rating based on a series of tests which measure the tyres capability to handle a set speed for a prolonged period of time.
Select your tyre speed rating to find out the maximum speed your tyres can maintain.
If you are unsure what speed rating you need, be sure to check your vehicle handbook. Choosing a lower speed rating than that recommended by your vehicle manufacturer could potentially invalidate your insurance.
Load Rating
The load index provides information on the maximum weight capability for the tyre. The load index is a numerical code that can be located just after the tyre size marking and before the speed rating.
Select your load index to find out the maximum load capability for your tyres.
Although not illegal, it is not advisable to have tyres with a lower speed rating or load index than the manufacturer recommended tyre specification for your vehicle, or to have a combination of different tyre construction types. Consult your vehicle handbook to confirm your vehicle’s tyre speed rating and load index as well as any additional requirements.
0800 75 76 77 You can reach our customer care team 6 days a week from 9:00am to 6:00pm on Monday and Thursday, 8:30am to 6:00pm Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, 8:30am to 5:00pm Saturday, and 10:00am to 4:00pm on Bank Holidays.
{MODALTITLE}
{MODALBODY}
{MODALTITLE}
{MODALBODY}
{MODALTITLE}
{MODALBODY}
Select Tyre Size
Front Tyre Size
Rear Tyre Size
We endeavour to ensure we are displaying the correct tyres for your vehicle. However, we recommend all customers check the tyre size printed on the side wall of their tyres before proceeding with a tyre purchase as occasionally discrepancies do occur. By selecting the tyre sizes above and clicking 'Continue', you are indicating that you have checked your tyre sizes.
Please select your front and rear tyre size before clicking 'Continue'.
We have identified the tyre size(s) that may fit your {VEHICLE}. Please select your front tyre size and rear tyre size below before clicking 'Continue'.
Filter Your Results
You have selected:
To continue with your booking, please select your appointment time from the list below.
Please note: There is a slope that the vehicle must be driven up to reach the vehicle ramp at this centre. This may prevent us from being able to work on some high-performance vehicles, Tesla vehicles or vehicles that have been lowered. If your vehicle has low ground clearance, please contact the centre team on 01342 314 111 before booking.
Appointment time:
This is the only appointment time available on this day. To continue with your booking, please select "Reserve Your Appointment" below.
Please note:
Centres do not open until 10:00 on bank holidays. If choosing an earlier appointment time on a bank holiday, please bring your vehicle to centre at 10:00 rather than the time shown.