Winter tires in summer: Disadvantages, risks & costs

Winter tires in summer: Why this is not a good idea

As soon as temperatures rise, many drivers ask themselves the question: Can I continue to drive on my winter tires in summer? After all, this saves changing tires and therefore time and money. But as practical as this may sound, winter tires are not designed for warm temperatures and have considerable disadvantages.

In this blog, you can find out why winter tires are not a good idea in summer, what dangers they pose and whether there are any legal consequences.

Are winter tires allowed in summer?

From a purely legal point of view, there is no obligation to use summer tires in Germany. This means that you are theoretically allowed to drive with winter tires all year round. However, there is a so-called situational winter tire obligation (§2 Para. 3a StVO), which stipulates that winter tires are mandatory in winter road conditions – but not in summer.

But beware: Even if it is not prohibited by law, driving with winter tires in summer can have considerable consequences – from poorer driving performance to higher costs and possible problems with insurance.

The biggest disadvantages of winter tires in summer

1. Longer braking distance – higher risk of accidents

Winter tires are made of a softer rubber compound that gives way in warm temperatures. This leads to a longer braking distance:

• At 100 km/h on a dry road: Winter tires have a braking distance up to 16 meters longer than summer tires.
• In wet conditions: The risk of aquaplaning increases because winter tires have to displace more water and are not optimally adapted to warm roads.

2. Higher fuel consumption

The softer rubber compound and deeper tread of winter tires result in more rolling resistance. This means:

• Your engine has to use more power to keep the car moving.
• Fuel consumption increases by up to 10 % – bad for your wallet and the environment!

3. Increased tire wear

Winter tires are optimized for cold temperatures and wear out much faster in the heat. This means that you have to buy new tires more quickly – an unnecessary additional burden on your budget.

4. Poorer driving stability

Winter tires have a softer tread, which makes the vehicle less stable on the road when cornering or during fast driving manoeuvres. This can be particularly dangerous if you lose control on a bend or during a sudden evasive maneuver.

What are the penalties for winter tires in summer?

As already mentioned, there is no direct penalty for driving with winter tires in summer. However, it can indirectly lead to problems:

1. Problems with the insurance company

• In the event of an accident, the insurance company may argue that winter tires pose a safety risk in summer.
• This can lead to partial liability or even a refusal to pay benefits if it can be proven that the tires were partly responsible for the accident.

2. Penalty for worn tread

• The legally prescribed minimum tread depth is 1.6 mm – regardless of whether winter or summer tires.
• Winter tires wear out faster in summer, and if the tread depth is not reached, you could be fined between €60 and €100 and receive a point in Flensburg.

Check the tread depth of your tires regularly – changing to summer tires will save you unnecessary trouble!

When should you change from winter to summer tires?

In Germany, a common saying is “from O to O” – meaning from October to Easter (DE: Ostern) – to remember when to use winter tires. While this mnemonic doesn’t translate well into English, the idea behind it remains useful: Winter tires are typically recommended from October through March, depending on local weather conditions. As soon as temperatures are permanently above 7°C, it's time to switch to summer tires.

Summer tires are the better choice because they:

✔ Have shorter braking distances
✔ Consume less fuel
✔ Last longer
✔ Offer better grip and more safety

Alternative: If you want to avoid changing your tires every six months, you can also opt for all-season tires. These are a mixture of summer and winter tires and are suitable for moderate climatic conditions.

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What to do if your winter tires are worn out?

If your winter tires are worn out from the summer or your car is no longer safe on the road for other reasons, it may be worth selling them. Instead of buying expensive repairs and new tires, you can easily sell your car.

Sell your car – easily & quickly with CashforCars.de!

✅ Free vehicle valuation
✅ Fair offer – regardless of condition
✅ Fast & uncomplicated processing

📞 This is how you can have your car valued:

• Online: Enter your vehicle details in the online form.
• By phone: Call us on +49 (211) 7306 1701.
• By WhatsApp: Send us a WhatsApp message – we'll take care of the rest!

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Conclusion: Winter tires in summer? Better not!

Even if it is legally permitted to drive with winter tires in summer, it has more disadvantages than advantages. The longer braking distance, increased wear and higher fuel consumption make summer tires the safer and more cost-effective choice. If your tires are worn out anyway or your car is due to be replaced soon, selling them via CashforCars.de is the easiest solution!

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Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

1. Can I drive on winter tires in summer?
Yes, there is no legal requirement for summer tires. However, it is not recommended, as driving performance deteriorates and costs increase.

2. How long do winter tires last if I drive on them in summer?
Due to the faster wear, the service life can be reduced by up to 40%.

3. ls there a penalty for winter tires in summer?
No, but worn tires with a tread depth of less than 1.6 mm will result in a fine of up to €100 and one point in Flensburg.

4. When should I change to summer tires?
As soon as temperatures are permanently above 7°C – usually between March and April.

5. Is it worth changing to all-season tires?
Yes, all-season tires can be an alternative for drivers who only drive in regions with mild winters.

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