When it comes to driving, the right tires are essential. It is even more important as the seasons change. Tires play a vital role in our driving experience and safety, regardless of whether we are dealing with winter roads or spring roads. Wheels on the South, a leader in online tire and aftermarket wheels, is the place to go. We get asked a lot, “Can winter tire be used in summer?” We’ll explore this topic and clear up some misconceptions.
What makes winter tires so special?
Winter tires are much more than an accessory. Winter tires are designed as a winter survival tool, with rubber compounds that provide better grip and are flexible in low temperatures. The tread pattern has been designed to remove snow and slush to improve grip and reduce ice buildup. This design has been optimized for safety and handling in winter conditions. What are the winter champions’ performance on summer asphalt when the temperature increases and the seasons shift?
Winter tires in Summer: The Downsides
It is not recommended to use winter tires during the summer. You may not know that winter tires have several disadvantages. On hot pavement, the softer rubber compound which is so useful in cold weather will wear out much quicker. Tires’ lifespan can be shortened, and they might need to replace them prematurely. They can also decrease fuel efficiency because they increase rolling resistance. And, when driving on summer roads that are wet or dried, these tires can cause longer braking distances. The handling of your vehicle can be affected. This can reduce stability and increase the risk of an accident, particularly during emergency maneuvers.
Hidden dangers of using winter tires in summer
Accidents are more likely to occur
Winter tires are not suitable for summer driving. This poses serious safety concerns. Winter tires are designed for icy, cold conditions. They have a rubber compound with a lower temperature that is softer. In the summer heat, however, this same suppleness can be a problem.
- Reduced Handling and Grip: Winter tires are made of softer rubber compounds that are more prone to excessive flexing when they touch hot pavements, resulting in reduced grip. It means that stopping distances are longer and the handling is less precise, which increases the risk of an accident.
- Reduced Stability: Winter tires have deep aggressive treads designed to grip snow and ice. These treads may cause instability on warm, dry roads. Tires can squirm or slide when cornering and make it difficult to control the vehicle.
- Heat build-up: Summer temperatures may cause winter tires overheat. Heat can cause tire degradation, blowouts and even tread separation. It not only compromises your safety, but it also leads to unexpected repair costs.
Compromised Performance
Winter tires are not suitable for summer driving conditions and can compromise performance in many areas.
- Braking distance: In tests, vehicles fitted with winter tires took longer to stop when driving on dry and warm roads than those equipped with all-season or summer tires. This delay can be crucial in preventing accidents.
- Fuel Economy: Winter tires are more resistant to rolling due to the softer rubber compound and aggressive tread pattern. This resistance leads to increased fuel consumption and more frequent trips at the gas station.
- Wear & Tear: Winter tires used in the summer will accelerate their wear. Tires wear out faster on hot asphalt because the rubber compound is softer.
Winter tires are necessary for driving safely in snowy, cold conditions. However, using them in the summer can increase the risk of an accident and reduce vehicle performance. When the weather warms up, you should switch to all-season or summer tires for optimal safety and performance. This simple switch can ensure you and your passengers are safe on the roads all year long.
Best Practices for Seasonal Tire Selection
It is important to choose the correct tires for every season in order to maintain safety and achieve optimal vehicle performance. Here are a few best practices that will help you make an informed decision about your seasonal tire selection.
Winter Tires
When To Use: Winter Tires are necessary from late autumn to early spring, when temperatures drop consistently below 45degF/7degC.
Features:
- Rubber Compound A rubber compound that is softer and more flexible at low temperatures. This provides better grip on ice and snow.
- Tread pattern: Deeper treads and sipes to improve traction when on slippery surfaces.
Benefits:
- Improved braking and handling on snowy and icy surfaces.
- Improved vehicle control and reduced risk of skidding.
Best Practices
- Install winter tires prior to the first snowfall. Remove them once temperatures rise consistently above 45degF/7degC.
- To maintain traction and balance, make sure all four tires have winter tires.
Summer Tires
When To Use: Summer Tires are best used in late spring or early fall, when temperatures are consistently higher than 45degF (7degC).
Features:
- Rubber Compound Harder, harder rubber that softens at warm temperatures. This compound provides excellent grip in both dry and wet conditions.
- Tread pattern: Shallower, more aggressive treads that maximize road contact and improve cornering.
Benefits:
- Stability and superior handling in warm weather.
- On both wet and dry surfaces, shorter braking distances.
Best Practices
- When temperatures are consistently above 45degF/7degC, switch to summer tires.
- Check tire pressure and tread depth regularly to ensure optimal performance.
All Season Tires
Use of All-Season Tires: All season tires are best suited for areas with mild climate conditions and minimal snowfall.
Features:
- Rubber Compound A rubber compound with a balanced composition that performs well in both cold and warm temperatures.
- Tread Design: A tread pattern with a moderate depth that provides good traction under various conditions.
Benefits:
- Use all year round in mild climates.
- The convenience of not having to change tires between seasons.
Best Practices
- All-season tires are a good option if your area has mild winters with moderate summer temperatures.
- To maximize tire performance, ensure regular maintenance including rotation, balancing and alignment.
Tips on Seasonal Tire Selection
- Assess your Climate: Take into account the weather conditions that are typical in your area. You can then decide whether you require tires that are specific to different seasons, or if you only need all-season tires.
- Check Tire Performance: On winter tires, look for the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake symbol. This indicates that they meet snow traction requirements. Review the performance ratings of summer and all-season tire in both wet and dried conditions.
- Regular maintenance: No matter what type of tire you select, regular maintenance is essential. Rotate your tires at least every 5,000-8,000 miles, check the tire pressure and look for wear and damage.
- Professional Advice: Consult a tire expert or the manufacturer’s guidelines for selecting the correct tires for your vehicle.
Following these tips for selecting seasonal tires will improve your vehicle’s performance and safety. You can also enjoy a more comfortable and reliable driving experience throughout the year.
Understanding Costs
At first glance, it might seem cost-effective to skip tire replacement. Winter tires will wear out faster than summer tires. Tires wear faster and need to be changed more often. Savings made at first are quickly wiped out. Winter tires are also more expensive than anticipated due to increased fuel consumption, and the safety concerns associated with compromised handling.
Wrapping up
Tires are vital for maintaining your vehicle’s performance and safety during all seasons. Winter tires are necessary for winter weather and snow, but they’re not recommended during summer. Safety and rapid wear are more important than perceived convenience.
Choose the right tires to avoid compromising safety and efficiency. Wheels on the South will guide you through the tire-selection process to ensure you have the best tires for every season. We are happy to provide expert advice about the best products, whether you’re preparing for a change in the weather or searching for the right tires that suit your driving needs. We can help you to drive safely and smartly with the best tires for every season. The right choice is Wheels on the South.
