WHEN IS THE RIGHT TIME TO CHANGE YOUR SUMMER TIRES?

It is well known that tires are our only point of contact with the asphalt and determine, among other things, whether our braking will be safe or disastrous.

Regardless of the regulations in force, regular checks on the condition of your tires are essential to ensure road safety.

Worn or damaged tires can compromise:

Braking distance
That stretches due to poor grip on the asphalt

Cornering grip
Due to the lack of grip, which causes the curve to "widen"

Uniform wear
A change in the structure of the rubber will no longer guarantee optimal performance.

Not to mention the fines provided for by the Italian Highway Code:

-From €87 to €344
-2 points deducted from your driver's license
-Additional points deducted and vehicle impounded in case of adverse weather conditions

SUMMER TIRE CHANGE 2026

Summer tire replacement is mandatory, in Italy, from April 15, 2026 (with a grace period until May 15) to October 15, 2026 (with a grace period until November 15).

It is important to check the regulations in your area of residence.

But is it always mandatory to change winter tyres in summer?

It is mandatory, with a couple of exceptions:
-all-season tyres
-M+S (Mud and Snow) tyres with a speed rating equal to or higher than that indicated on the vehicle registration document.

In these cases, the tyres can be used all year round, but there are disadvantages to using M+S tyres in summer:

Here are the main disadvantages of winter tyres in summer:

→Increased wear
The heat will increase tread wear prematurely.

→Higher fuel consumption
They will have greater rolling resistance, thus increasing fuel consumption.

→Reduced grip and longer braking distances
Excessive softness will reduce grip and braking distances will be significantly longer than with specially designed summer tyres.

HOW TO CHECK TYRE WEAR

Tyre wear depends on many factors: your driving style, road surface, outside temperatures, tyre pressure and tyre quality.

To understand whether your tyres are still in good condition, let's take a look at the main symptoms of worn tyres.

The 1.6 millimetre rule

By law, the minimum tread depth is 1.6 mm, but below 3 mm, water drainage capacity decreases dramatically.

Tyre wear indicators, small blocks in the grooves (TWI), can provide valuable assistance in determining whether you are still safe.

Read also The Coin Trick in our USEFUL TIPS section.

DOT tyres

The DOT is essential for tyre traceability and safety. In fact, the last four digits indicate the week and year of manufacture (e.g. 2125 means the 21st week of 2025).

But how long do tyres last?
Age matters, even with a perfect tread. Five years after manufacture, it is advisable to check them more carefully; after ten years, they should be replaced.

Tyre damage

Always pay attention to your tyre tread. Bulges, cuts, cracks or splits can compromise driving performance.

You can also recognise a damaged profile when, running your hand over the tread, you feel "bumps", a sign of loss of grip when cornering.

Vibrating steering wheel

Sometimes wear and tear cannot be seen, but it can be felt. If you notice unusual vibrations or if the car pulls to one side, you should carry out a thorough check: visual inspection, pressure, tread condition, etc.

Do not compromise on your safety and that of your passengers; always ensure that your tyres are in optimal condition.

WHERE TO BUY QUALITY TYRES ONLINE

For over 40 years, we have demanded quality and the latest DOT standards for our products, supporting our customers in their purchases with expertise and professionalism.

Our experts will be happy to guide you through the wide selection available in our online store, and you can take advantage of free delivery throughout Italy.

Or take advantage of our affiliated assembly centres.

By turning to a professional for your summer tyre change, you are guaranteed:
→Optimal pressure and balancing
→Thorough inspection
→Tightening with a torque wrench

If you have any questions, we are available via WhatsApp or email.