3 Reasons Why Driving with Winter Tires During Summer Is A Bad Idea
There are more than a few reasons experts recommend using winter tires during the colder months of the year. These are made of specialized and flexible rubber compounds that have special tread designs to ensure the best grip is provided in icy and snowy road conditions. Winter tires work well in snow, ice, and during cold temperatures. They also offer security and confidence to drivers when they face potentially hazardous situations.
When looking for tires, a person may think winter tires are ideal for use throughout the year. After all, if they are good in snow and ice, they will be good in other conditions too, right? Unfortunately, this isn't always the case. Keep reading to find out why winter tires should not be used during the warmer months of the year.
1. Winter Tires Don't Work Well on Warm Roads
The softer treat that is used on winter tires will wear out much faster on the warm asphalt. This is because of the rubber compound, which was formulated to remain pliable and soft when temperatures fall under 46 degrees Fahrenheit.
It is also effective for helping to mitigate the negative impact caused by cold temperatures while providing traction during winter conditions. However, if someone wants winter tires throughout the year, the flexible tread is going to wear down much faster in the warmer temperatures, which can reduce total service life by up to 60%. There is a good chance the tires will have to be replaced earlier than if they were removed at the start of spring.
2. Reduction in Overall Fuel Economy
If a driver continues to use winter tires during the summer, they will also pay more for fuel. The warm pavement makes the rolling resistance of winter tires much higher than an all-season or summer tire. This is because the softer the rubber is, the more it will change shape. This increases overall rolling resistance, causing increased fuel consumption. The high costs of fuel can take a real toll on someone's wallet.
3. Impacts Safety and Handling
If a driver doesn't want to make the switch to summer or all-season tires during warmer weather, the car will not have superior handling capabilities for safety purposes. This is especially true if someone must make a sudden turn.
Consider this situation -; a driver must make some type of emergency maneuver. The winter tires on dry pavement will be overly soft. The handling will not be as responsive as it should in more critical situations. Also, the stopping distance is going to be extended.
If looking at things from a longer-term perspective, winter tires that are left on the car through the warmer months and used again the following winter will probably have worn-out tread blocks. If the winter tires do not have adequate tread depth, they won't provide as much grip or traction on icy or snowy surfaces.
As anyone can see, it makes sense to invest in the right type of tires for the season. Sometimes, all-season tires are adequate, but this is not always the case. When it comes to tires, there is no room to take chances. Instead, make sure to purchase the tires that suit the weather and driving conditions. Without the right tires, a driver's safety will be at risk.