When do you change to summer tyres?

Summer tires are made to be used in summer road conditions. They are designed to get the best grip on asphalt and concrete roads. The rubber compound that summer tires are made of is harder than winter tires. This is so that they do not "melt" and wear out so quickly when it is hot outside. It also means that they have poorer grip in cold (lower than +5 degrees) because they "stiffen" then.

• You can change to summer tyres after 31 March.
• Summer tires are designed to dissipate water and avoid aquaplaning.
• The minimum permitted tread depth on summer tyres is 1.6 millimetres.
• Worn tyres lead to a deterioration in driving characteristics and an increased risk of aquaplaning.