Summer tyres. A guide to the right choice for your car
Summer tyres are designed to work at their best when the temperature is above 7 degrees, and the difference from winter tyres in summer shows clearly in grip, braking distance and fuel consumption. On this page we go through everything you need to know to choose the right summer tyres for your car. Enter your registration number and we will show you straight away which summer tyres fit.
When should you change to summer tyres?
According to the Swedish Transport Agency the following applies in Sweden: studded tyres are prohibited between 16 April and 30 September, except where winter road conditions exist or are expected. As a rule of thumb you should change to summer tyres when the temperature settles above 7 degrees, which is often around Easter in southern Sweden and somewhat later further north. Do not wait until the last day; change in good time.
Different types of summer tyre
Depending on your car and driving style there are several types to choose between. Standard summer tyres suit most passenger cars and smaller SUVs, with balanced performance on both wet and dry surfaces at a good-value price. AT tyres (All Terrain) are made for both open roads and light terrain such as gravel roads and light mud. MT tyres (Mud Terrain), often called "mudders", are extremely rugged off-road tyres built specifically to give maximum grip in difficult terrain such as deep mud, rocky ground, sand and dense forest. They are the obvious choice for four-wheel-drive vehicles (4x4) and off-road enthusiasts who demand uncompromising progress where ordinary roads end. RT tyres (Rough Terrain) are a hybrid that combines the toughness and aggressive looks of an MT tyre with the comfort and quiet road manners of an AT tyre. High-performance summer tyres (HP) are for sportier cars with extra demands on grip in corners and at high speed – the right choice for enthusiasts who will not compromise. Touring summer tyres are optimised for comfort and low rolling resistance, giving quieter running and lower fuel consumption on longer journeys and daily commutes.
How do you choose the right summer tyres?
Three things matter most: the right dimension, the right tread depth and the right quality for how you drive. You will find the tyre dimension in the car's handbook or on the marking on your existing tyres, for example 205/55R16. The wrong dimension affects both safety and fuel consumption. For optimal safety in wet conditions the tread depth should be at least 3 mm. Even though the legal limit is 1.6 mm you should change tyres earlier, because road grip deteriorates long before that point. Always choose known brands with documented performance. Cheap unknown brands can save money at the till but cost more in safety and wear.
Summer tyres and rims. Style meets function.
The right rims affect not only the car's appearance but also how it drives. A new set of summer tyres combined with the right rim improves road holding and braking performance, and makes the car look the way it should. At Statusfälgar we offer rims from 15 to 22 inches in several design styles – classic, sporty, matt or gloss – and we will help you match them with the right summer tyres for your car.
Looking after your summer tyres
The right care matters for getting the longest life out of your summer tyres. Check the pressure regularly, since too low a pressure increases wear and fuel consumption. Rotate the pairs at regular intervals for even wear. Store the winter tyres properly when they are not in use to avoid deformation.