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If your car does not have all-season tires, you should carefully monitor the air temperature. Winter tires are only effective at temperatures up to +7 °C. If the average daily temperature consistently exceeds +5 °C, you should consider replacing your tires.
Minimum tread depth according to traffic regulations
According to paragraph 31.4.5 of the Road Traffic Rules, the minimum permissible residual tire tread depth is:
- 1,6 mm – for passenger cars;
- 2,0 mm – for trucks and buses.
Also, Appendix 7 to the Traffic Regulations states that winter tires are recommended to be used from November 1 to March 31. From April 1, they can be officially changed to summer tires.
Why shouldn't you drive on winter tires in the summer?
Using winter tires in the warm season is not only uneconomical, but also dangerous. The main risks are:
- Extended braking distance – due to soft rubber, which has poorer grip on hot asphalt.
- Deteriorated handling – the car becomes less stable when cornering.
- Accelerated wear – the soft compound of winter tires wears out faster in the summer.
- Increased fuel consumption – due to higher rolling resistance.
Is there a fine for driving on winter tires in the summer?
In Ukraine, there is no penalty for using winter tires in the summer. However, if the tread does not meet the established standards, the driver may receive a fine of 20 to 40 tax-free minimums. In case of repeated violation, the driver's license may be revoked for a period of 3 to 6 months.
