7 Reasons Not to Drive Winter Tires Through Summer

Driving winter tires through summer is not advisable for several reasons. While winter tires are designed to provide optimal performance in cold and snowy conditions, they are not suitable for warmer temperatures. Here are some reasons not to drive on winter tires during summer:

1. Increased wear: Winter tires are made from a softer rubber compound that maintains flexibility and grip in cold temperatures. During summer, the heat causes these compounds to wear down faster, leading to a shorter tire lifespan and the need for more frequent replacements.
2. Decreased fuel efficiency: The increased rolling resistance of winter tires, designed to improve traction on snow and ice, can result in decreased fuel efficiency during summer months. This will not only cost you more at the gas pump, but it can also have a negative environmental impact.
3. Reduced handling and braking performance: The flexible tread blocks and siping patterns of winter tires are designed to grip slippery surfaces. However, these features can compromise handling and braking performance on dry, warm pavement, making your vehicle more difficult to control and increasing stopping distances.
4. Hydroplaning risk: Winter tires have deeper grooves and larger tread blocks to handle snow and slush, but they are less effective at evacuating water from beneath the tire. This can increase the risk of hydroplaning during heavy summer rainstorms.
5. Increased road noise: Winter tires tend to produce more road noise due to their aggressive tread patterns, which can be annoying and contribute to driver fatigue during long summer drives.
6. Impact on other components: Using winter tires in summer can put additional stress on your vehicle’s suspension, brakes, and other components, which could lead to premature wear or even failure.
7. Cost: Continuously using winter tires throughout the year means you’ll need to replace them more frequently, which can be expensive. Switching to summer or all-season tires during warmer months will extend the life of your winter tires and save you money in the long run.

For these reasons, it’s recommended to switch to summer or all-season tires when temperatures consistently rise above 45°F (7°C). This will ensure optimal performance, safety, and fuel efficiency during the warmer months.