Tyres are the only point of contact between your vehicle and the road, making them one of the most critical components for safe driving. However, different seasons bring different challenges, and your tyre care routine should adapt accordingly.
At Regrip (@regrip.in), we know that winter and summer conditions demand distinct tyre maintenance practices. Whether you’re battling icy roads in winter or scorching asphalt in summer, understanding the right tyre care strategy can enhance safety, improve performance, and extend tyre life.
Let’s explore the key differences between winter and summer tyre care, ensuring your vehicle stays road-ready year-round.
Winter Tyre Care: Preparing for Cold and Slippery Roads
Cold temperatures, snow, and ice create hazardous driving conditions. Proper winter tyre maintenance can help prevent accidents and improve vehicle control.
- Use the Right Tyres for Winter
If you live in a region with severe winter conditions, consider switching to winter tyres. They are specifically designed for better grip on icy and snowy roads due to:
- Deeper tread patterns that channel slush and water away.
- Softer rubber compounds that remain flexible in cold weather.
- More biting edges for enhanced traction on slippery surfaces.
If your area experiences mild winters, all-season tyres may be sufficient, but performance will still be lower compared to dedicated winter tyres.
- Check Tyre Pressure More Frequently
Tyre pressure drops in cold weather—approximately 1 PSI for every 10°F decrease in temperature. Under-inflated tyres:
✔ Reduce fuel efficiency.
✔ Increase tread wear.
✔ Weaken grip on icy roads.
👉What to do? Check tyre pressure at least once a week and inflate them to the manufacturer’s recommended PSI.
- Monitor Tread Depth
Tread depth is crucial for winter driving. Tyres with low tread wear out faster and provide less traction, increasing the risk of skidding. The recommended minimum tread depth for winter tyres is 3-4mm, compared to 2mm for summer tyres.
👉What to do? Use a tread depth gauge or the coin test to check if your tyres are still safe for winter driving.
- Store Your Summer Tyres Properly
If you switch to winter tyres, store your summer tyres correctly to prevent damage:
✔ Clean them before storage.
✔ Keep them in a cool, dry place away from sunlight.
✔ Store them flat or hang them up to prevent warping.
Summer Tyre Care: Handling Heat and High Temperatures
Hot weather and dry roads present their own set of challenges. Proper tyre maintenance in summer can prevent blowouts, improve efficiency, and enhance driving performance.
- Use Summer or All-Season Tyres
Summer tyres are designed to withstand high temperatures and offer better performance due to:
- Harder rubber compounds that provide stability on hot surfaces.
- Shallower tread patterns for better contact with dry roads.
- Enhanced cornering and braking ability in warm weather.
If you’ve been using winter tyres, switch back to summer tyres once temperatures stay consistently above 7°C (45°F).
- Keep an Eye on Tyre Pressure
Unlike winter, hot weather increases tyre pressure as the air inside expands. Over-inflated tyres:
❌ Reduce traction.
❌ Increase the risk of blowouts.
❌ Wear out the center tread faster.
👉What to do? Check tyre pressure regularly, especially before long drives, and adjust to the recommended PSI.
- Watch for Overheating and Blowouts
Tyres can overheat in summer, especially when driving long distances on highways. Overheated tyres can lead to blowouts, which are dangerous at high speeds.
👉What to do?
✔ Avoid excessive speeds and aggressive braking.
✔ Take breaks during long drives to let tyres cool down.
✔ Park in shaded areas to reduce heat exposure.
- Rotate Tyres for Even Wear
Summer road trips and increased driving frequency can cause uneven tyre wear, affecting performance and longevity. Rotating your tyres ensures they wear evenly.
👉What to do? Rotate tyres every 8,000–10,000 km to maximize their lifespan.
Key Differences Between Winter and Summer Tyre Care
| Aspect | Winter Tyre Care | Summer Tyre Care |
| Tyre Type | Winter tyres for better grip on snow/ice | Summer tyres for improved dry-road performance |
| Tyre Pressure | Check weekly (pressure drops in cold weather) | Check before long trips (pressure rises in heat) |
| Tread Depth | Minimum 3-4mm for better traction | Minimum 2mm for dry-road performance |
| Blowout Risk | Low, but increased risk with worn-out treads | High, especially in extreme heat |
| Storage | Store summer tyres in a cool, dry place | Store winter tyres away from heat and moisture |
| Tyre Rotation | Rotate before winter to even out wear | Rotate before summer road trips |
All-Season Tyres: A Middle Ground?
All-season tyres are designed to handle both summer and winter conditions moderately well. They:
✔ Provide decent grip in light snow and rain.
✔ Are convenient (no need to switch tyres seasonally).
✔ Offer longer tread life than winter or summer tyres.
However, they are not optimized for extreme weather. If you experience harsh winters or scorching summers, switching to season-specific tyres is a safer and more effective choice.
Final Thoughts: Stay Road-Ready in Every Season
Winter and summer driving demand different tyre care strategies. By understanding these differences, you can:
✔ Ensure better safety for yourself and others.
✔ Improve fuel efficiency and save money.
✔ Extend tyre lifespan and reduce replacements.
At Regrip (@regrip.in), we are committed to helping drivers make the best choices for their tyres. Whether you need winter tyres, summer tyres, or expert tyre care advice, we’ve got you covered.
