Introduction
The performance of winter tires is generally outstanding in severe winter conditions, slippery ice, and snow blocks. Tire manufacturers integrate a special rubber formula and a strategic architecture into them to grip the snow and ice ensuring maximum safety and performance. Many drivers wonder if their use during the summer makes sense. The answer is a definite no; in this section, we will explore the reasons and consequences of doing so.
6 Reasons Why Winter Tires Are Not Good for Summer Use
1. Different Rubber Formula
The material of winter tires differs from that of summer tires. One of the major differences is the flexibility of the 2 types of tires. While summer tires resist pretty well to high temperatures, winter tires become way too pliable in hot weather. That's a fact confirmed by most manufacturers including Bridgestone and Continental. Consequently, winter tires that are exposed to extreme temperatures bring about at least 3 adverse effects. Here they are:
In addition to the premature deterioration of winter tires, they become significantly less fuel-efficient. The too pliable rubber puts more strain on the engine during summer drive which significantly increases fuel consumption.
2. Improper Tread Design
The external architecture of the winter tires bears in mind the optimization of ice and snow performance. For example, their deep and wide grooves, aggressive tread blocks, and zigzag/V-shaped patterns have the role of efficiently gripping snow and ice. In the absence of these premises, winter tires generate at least 4 adverse effects. Here they are:
Alternatively, summer tires come with a lower void ratio, more streamlined patterns, and optimized continuous shoulder blocks. These aid summer tires in better handling summer driving conditions with minimal effect on tire wear and noise.
3. Performance Issues and Heat Buildup
The rubber of winter tires is not designed to withstand excessive summer temperatures. Using them in the summer period is highly likely to make them overheat even at small distances. With heat build-up, at least 3 adverse effects arise. Here they are:
It's worth mentioning that a Traffic Injury Research Foundation study found that the braking distance of a winter tire in summer is longer by 9.8 % compared to an all-season tire. Similarly, an all-season tire stops at 26.2% shorter than a winter tire in hot wet conditions.
4. Legal Considerations In The US
The United States does not prohibit by law the use of winter tires during the summer, unlike some European countries like Germany. However, drivers are discouraged from doing so because of several regulatory issues that might arise. Here are some examples to keep in mind:
4.1 State Regulations
California and several other states have strict regulations regarding tire integrity including tread depth. Considering that winter tires wear excessively in hot weather, the driver can be indirectly held responsible for using tires in unsuitable conditions;
4.2 Safety Responsibility
Using winter tires during the summer could be seen as an act of negligence in the context of a potential accident. While not U.S illegal, the driver could be held liable, especially if he is aware of the potential risks;
4.3 Insurance Implications in the US
In most cases, insurance policies do not provide for the seasonal use of tires as a specific clause. However, what they do mention are strict clauses regarding vehicle and tire maintenance in a safe condition. Using winter tires in summer could be categorized as negligence towards vehicle safety conditions as it indirectly can affect vehicle performance;
4.4 Potential Coverage Issues
An insurance company could deny a claim if it can prove that the winter tires during the summer contributed to a potential accident. In addition, the driver could be held accountable for violating the policy maintenance clauses.
We recommend that drivers consult the laws of the US state in which they live as well as their specific insurance policies. Even in the absence of explicit laws and clauses, drivers must assess the risks from the perspective of performance and safety when ignoring replacing their winter tires in summer.
5. Safety Risks
Winter tires perform differently from summer tires in high-temperature conditions. Considering their formula and design that are not adapted to the heat, they perform worse. ResearchGate studies have shown that friction generated by the deeper tread of the winter tire generates a release of energy in the form of heat. Grip reduction is a natural consequence of this heat build-up. Here are at least 3 adverse effects that put the driver's safety at risk:
On the other hand, summer tires have all the necessary attributes to stay performing in every way, even despite the extreme heat.
6. Economic Considerations
Drivers can expect unplanned expenses when ignoring winter tire replacement. They can be lower or higher depending on how long the driver uses the wrong tires in the wrong season. Here are at least 3 negative effects on the wallet:
- The driver is likely to change the tires more often due to premature tire wear of the winter tires;
- The vehicle is likely to require repair of the suspension system components in the long run;
- The rolling resistance is highly likely to increase, which significantly affects the fuel costs.
Alternatives and Practices To Use Winter Tires in Summer
By this time you should understand that using winter tires in summer is not only detrimental to performance but also to your safety and budget. With these in mind, we recommend that you consider the following 3 alternatives and best practices that will increase year-round safety and optimal performance. Consider the following 3 substitutes:
Use Dedicated Summer Tires
Opting for summer tires at temperatures consistently above (44.6°F) brings about higher safety, better handling, and optimal fuel consumption. Summer tires bring the advantage of high resistance to heat without compromising stability, wet performance, and tread life. However, remember to switch back to all-season or winter tires when the temperature drops as summer tires do not deliver performance and safety in cold and snowy climates.
Consider All-Season Tires For Mild Climates
All-season tires are a great alternative for areas with relatively warm winters where snow and ice are only occasional occurrences. All-seasons bring you the advantage of year-round versatility, balanced performance, decent tread life, and cost-effectiveness. Also, they put more emphasis on fuel efficiency, especially when they are used in proper climate conditions.
However, all-seasons are not as efficient in conditions of extreme snow or extreme heat, where specialized winter and summer tires perform considerably better.
Store Winter Tires Properly During Off-Seasons
We encourage you to be tire-wise and to properly store your winter tires during off seasons as this will help you to:
- keep their quality until the next season;
- cancel the damage to which they would be subjected if using them during the summer;
- extend winter tire lifespan making seasonal switching more economical in the long term.
Consider the following tips to store winter tires properly:
Remember to label your tires with their position on the vehicle for easy rotation next season.
Can You Use Winter Tires in Summer?: Conclusion
Technically, you can run on winter tires in summer. Yet, this yields a series of adverse effects that do not justify the possible advantages at all. These tires are ill-suited for summer driving conditions because their main purpose is performance on snow, ice, and low temperatures.
The risks you can expect go far beyond just higher rolling resistance, early wear, or tire failure. These also include high safety risks that no driver should assume. Even in the absence of laws that would prohibit their use in summer, we recommend prioritizing safety and performance.
Summer driving should go hand in hand with appropriate summer/all-season tires. This brings the benefit of better traction, high-speed stability, and optimal fuel efficiency. After all, tire selection must be based on specific driving conditions, vehicle specs, as well as climate environment. So, using winter tires in summer goes against these premises.
Drive safe and choose your tires wisely. In case any assistance is needed, NeoTires is just right here to provide you with qualified guidance in everything you need related to your winter, summer, or all-season tires.
Why Trust Us?
NeoTires experts aim to provide readers with impartial information and ratings. The team's evaluations are in no way influenced by any sponsors or manufacturers. NeoTires' editorial content includes data-driven methods to evaluate tire durability and performance under various conditions of various products.
All evaluations are performed equally between brands and models without subjective or partial attitudes. You can learn more about Our Story, Mission, and How We Work by accessing the links. Also, consider that the information exposed in this article is fully inspired by official and credible sources like Bridgestone and Continental as well as NHTSA. Drive safe and choose your tires wisely!
