6 Biggest Risks of Using Winter Tires in Summer Conditions

With every new season we experience each year, our behaviours have to be modified. From the clothing that we wear, to the activities that we enjoy, the climate dictates a number of things. For example, when you drive your vehicle in the winter, you have to be wary of the influence of inclement weather.

Heavy snow, and other extreme conditions, can make your driving a little bit more tense. Swapping your usual tires out for winter ones can make this much more practical. When the season eventually passes, make sure you change the snow tires before summer.

Here are six risks of using winter tires in summer conditions, which may put your vehicle in jeopardy:

1. Harder For Driving

Probably the most obvious risk of using winter tires in summer conditions is it will be harder for you to control and drive you car. First and foremost, swapping your winter tires out just makes much more sense. In the summer, the roads will generally be clearer and not impeded by severe weather conditions. This provides you with the opportunity to wind the windows down, and drive relatively stress-free!

You’ll begin to notice the effects of your usual tires as well, once you step on the gas. There will virtually be no awkward traction felt, which can occur spontaneously with winter tires on. As soon as the much desired spring weather comes around, take out your winter tires. Store them in a convenient location, until winter makes its return later in the year.

2. Heat Effect

By not taking your winter tires off after the season has finished, the warm weather can put you at risk. This largely comes down to the fact that these tires were not, by design, made for use outside of winter. Temperatures that are above seven degrees will make them wear out much quicker.

Moreover, as you drive your vehicle, there will be added pressure between the road and your tires. The extra pressure can culminate in more heat being created, which only adds on to the wearing down of your wheels. Dry pavement, coupled with hot temperatures, are a bad combination for winter tires!

3. Less Car Control

While driving on the road, having control of your vehicle at all times is of the utmost importance. Without having your eyes on the road at all times, you risk putting yourself and others in danger. The car itself may not be an immediate threat to your surroundings, but winter tires can be.

This is especially true if you keep your winter tires on when it is not winter. Recent studies have demonstrated that these tires, outside of winter, offer less maneuverability in hard turns. If you get into a bad situation on the road, you’ll have a harder time controlling your vehicle overall.

4. More Fuel Usage

The last thing any of us want to spend money on is gas for our vehicles. However, unless you drive an electric vehicle, it is a necessary resource to keep your car moving. Just be advised that having your winter tires on, when it is not cold, can actually see you spending more on fuel. It all comes down to the notion of rolling resistance.

Rolling resistance is generally defined as the energy output that is lost, once the tire is rolling. A higher rolling resistance equates to more money being spent on gas unnecessarily. Having your usual tires on mitigates this effect, so that your vehicle does not move when not needed.

5. Harder To Brake

Above all else, the brake that is installed in your car is pivotal when driving. From braking your vehicle in traffic, to stopping the car at the last second, this motion is vital to a driver’s efforts. That is why it is important to keep your summer or all-season tires on during the usual seasons.

If you happen to keep your winter tires on when it’s not winter, braking becomes much more of a task. As mentioned previously, warmer weather can make the roads wear out your winter tires faster. Not only does this affect its general status, but the rubber on the winter tires makes braking difficult. Too much heat, and you’ll be put in a very precarious situation!

6. Reduces Lifespan

In the most basic of senses, using your usual set of tires in better weather is less expensive overall. In addition, it will extend the lifespan of your winter tires, since you will not be using them as often. By keeping your winter tires on at all times, you decrease their ability to work effectively. Of course, this will only put you at further risk of danger, while driving.

It might initially seem like a hindrance to swap your tires out, especially if you don’t have the right tools. However, taking your winter tires off before the warmer weather hits is extremely important. Once you do, your driving will feel as seamless as it appears in the summer!