Why is it dangerous to drive on winter tires during the summer months?

If you're thinking of driving with your winter tires year-round, here are a few reasons why you might want to change your mind.

It's a bad idea that comes to mind for many drivers: If I have to put snow tires on every year, why not keep them on my vehicle all the time?

It is not recommended to use snow tires year-round. In the long run, it will cost you more and compromise your vehicle's performance on the road.

Here are some specific reasons why it's not advisable to use winter tires year-round. And if it's the mounting, dismounting, and remounting of the tires that tire you, we've included an idea to simplify that process.

Winter tires are made from a special rubber compound that provides maximum grip on snowy and icy roads while remaining flexible in cold weather.

Summer heat takes its toll on winter tires, which are designed to be used in temperatures of 7°C or below. Winter tires used on hot pavement tend to wear out much faster.

At PMCtire, we like to use the analogy of running shoes. Yes, you can wear sneakers to the beach or in the snow, but wouldn't it be better to have sandals for the beach and boots for the snow? Winter tires are like snow boots for your vehicle.

Handling and safety are compromised

If you don't switch to 4-season tires or summer tires in warm weather, your vehicle won't have optimal handling. This is especially true if you have to make sharp turns.

Imagine a scenario where a driver has to make an emergency maneuver. Winter tires on the dry pavement are too soft. The handling will not be as responsive as it should be in a critical situation. In addition, the braking distance is extended.

In the long run, winter tires that have been left on throughout the spring, summer, and fall into the next winter will likely have worn treads. It's simple to understand: winter tires have a softer compound that degrades more quickly in warm weather. The following winter, the tires will no longer have enough tread depth for optimal safety.

Reduced fuel consumption

If you use winter tires in the summer, you should also be aware that you will pay more for fuel.

On hot roads, the rolling resistance of a winter tire is significantly higher than that of a summer or four-season tire. This is because the softer rubber compound changes shape more. This results in higher rolling resistance, which translates into higher fuel consumption and more frequent trips to the gas station. Given the price of gas, it is best to make as few trips to the gas station as possible.

Save money and time!

If you're considering using winter tires year-round because you're tired of changing them, here's an idea that could save you time and money. Buy wheels with the same diameter and bolt pattern as your current wheels. Mount your snow tires on them and store them in the garage until winter arrives.

Instead of having to change your tires every season, simply have a technician change the wheels. This is a quick and relatively inexpensive alternative.