Seasonal Tyre Changeover and Storage Guide

Winter tyre changeover — the quick answer

The rule of thumb across temperate Europe is ‘October to Easter’: swap to winter tyres once temperatures fall below about 7°C, and back to summers when they rise, because each type is unsafe in the other’s season. Store the off-season set clean, dry and out of sunlight, and check tread and pressures at every swap. The full changeover guide is below.

Getting the timing right, storing tyres properly, and inspecting them thoroughly before each season ensures optimal safety, performance, and tyre longevity. This guide covers every aspect of the seasonal changeover process, from the science behind the 7 degree Celsius rule to the legal changeover dates mandated by different countries.

For country-specific winter tyre requirements, check our tyre law directory.

The 7 Degree Celsius Rule

The changeover timing is governed by tyre compound chemistry. Winter and summer tyres use fundamentally different rubber compounds:

The 7 degree Celsius threshold is the point where summer tyre compound begins to stiffen noticeably and winter tyre compound operates in its ideal range. Switch to winter tyres when the average daily temperature (not just daytime highs) consistently drops below 7 degrees Celsius. Switch back to summer tyres when it consistently rises above this point.

Recommended Changeover Months by Region

Legal Changeover Dates by Country

Several countries mandate winter tyres by law during specific dates or conditions:

For the full details, visit our country-specific tyre law pages: Austria, Germany, France, Sweden.

How to Store Tyres Correctly

Improper storage degrades tyres prematurely. Follow these guidelines to preserve your tyres between seasons.

Storage Conditions

Storage Position

For tyres stored on rims: inflate to approximately 1 bar (15 psi) above the normal operating pressure. This compensates for the gradual air loss during storage (tyres lose approximately 0.1 bar per month naturally).

For tyres stored off rims: rotate each tyre a quarter turn every 4-6 weeks to prevent flat spots from developing where the tyre contacts the ground.

Before Storing

1. Clean the tyres — remove dirt, brake dust, and road grime with water and mild soap. Do not use solvent-based cleaners.
2. Inspect each tyre — mark any damage, embedded objects, or uneven wear patterns.
3. Label each tyre — mark the position (e.g., FL = front left) so you can rotate positions next season.
4. Place in tyre bags — optional but recommended to reduce oxidation and keep storage areas clean.

Post-Storage Inspection Checklist

Before mounting stored tyres for the new season, perform these checks:

Use our tyre pressure calculator to find the correct inflation pressure for your tyres before fitting.

Tyre Hotel Services

For drivers without suitable home storage, tyre hotels offer a professional alternative:

Tyre hotels are widely available in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Scandinavia, and increasingly across western Europe. Many tyre retailers (e.g., Euromaster, ATU, Kwik Fit) offer the service. Book early — spaces fill rapidly in September and March.

Advantages of Tyre Hotels

• Climate-controlled conditions that most home garages cannot match
• Professional inspection catches problems you might miss
• Convenience — no heavy lifting, no storage space needed
• Insurance — reputable tyre hotels insure stored tyres against damage or theft

The Changeover Process

Whether performed at home or by a professional, the changeover should follow this sequence:

1. Inspect stored tyres using the checklist above
2. Check tyre pressures and inflate to the correct specification
3. Remove current tyres and inspect the brakes (disc/pad condition is visible with the wheel off)
4. Clean the wheel hubs — remove rust and corrosion from the mating surface
5. Mount the new season’s tyres — follow the rotation pattern (move fronts to rear, rear to front, or as recommended)
6. Torque wheel bolts/nuts to the manufacturer’s specification (do not guess — use a torque wrench)
7. Re-torque after 50-100 km — wheel bolts can settle and need retightening
8. Clean and store the removed tyres following the storage guidelines above

Conclusion

The seasonal tyre changeover is not merely a routine task — it is a critical safety measure. Winter tyres on summer roads waste fuel and wear prematurely. Summer tyres on winter roads can be fatal. Getting the timing right, storing tyres correctly, and performing a thorough inspection at each changeover maximises both safety and tyre life.

Use the 7 degree Celsius rule as your guide, follow the storage best practices in this article, and always inspect tyres before remounting. If in doubt, a professional tyre hotel service takes the guesswork out of the process entirely.

For country-specific winter tyre requirements and legal mandates, visit our tyre law pages. For tyre condition guidance, see our tyre age guide and tyre pressure guide.

Disclaimer: Legal changeover dates and tyre requirements change. Always verify current regulations with the relevant national authority or your tyre manufacturer before each season. This guide is for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice.