“Can I use winter tires in the summer?” you’ll be curious as you watch the temperature readings on the dashboard climb day by day. While the inconvenience of changing tires with the seasons may seem painful, the consequences of using winter tires all year round are not worth it. Learn more about the effects of using winter tires year-round and why replacing them is a good idea.
Should You Use Winter Tires in the Summer?
If you live in an area where the winter is particularly cold, you’re probably well familiar with the necessity (and inconvenience) of changing your tires to winter tires when the temperature drops.
In states like Colorado, motorists can benefit from using winter tires to drive on snow- or ice-covered highways. In fact, in some areas and road conditions, the Colorado Department of Transportation requires drivers to ensure that their cars are freeze-proof, and winter tires are one of the many ways drivers can meet the state’s requirements.
You may be tempted to use winter tires year-round to save the time and hassle of replacing all-season or summer tires. However, winter tires have unique features and technology that are not recommended for year-round use.
Why Can’t I Use Winter Tires All Year Round?
Winter tires are designed to maintain traction and grip in snow, ice, and wet conditions. They use unique features to help them perform as intended.
Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 tires, for example, are made of special rubber that is engineered to remain flexible in freezing temperatures. Some winter tire models also have metal studs embedded in the tread to help bite and grip icy roads or deeper tread to help them cope with snow or muddy conditions.
All of these extra features and techniques are great when you’re running in the snow, but they’re not necessary and can even be harmful when you’re cruising in the summer. In fact, when you use winter tires all year round, here are a few things that can happen:
- They will dress faster. The deep tread, flexible rubber, and studs that provide traction to winter tires during the colder months can cause them to wear out more quickly when temperatures rise.
- They won’t do what you want them to. Using winter tires in summer conditions is like playing soccer in ski boots – it simply won’t work! In warm weather, the unique features of winter tires can affect your vehicle’s handling, maneuverability, and ultimately your road safety!
- Winter tires are designed to travel at lower speeds that are suitable for winter conditions. When you’re driving at 66 mph on a Route 66 summer road trip, they won’t give you the responsiveness and smooth driving experience you need.
- You’ll end up spending more money. When used year-round, winter tires may wear out faster and last less. Ultimately, the cost of replacing your winter tires may outweigh the benefits of keeping them for a few months.
When Should I Change My Winter Tires?
If you’re not sure when to switch from winter tires to all-season or summer tires, refer to your owner’s manual or tire manufacturer for guidance! In general, conventional wisdom is that you can store your winter tires once the weather consistently reaches above 45°F.
If the temperature in your area fluctuates a lot, or if you spend most of your time driving outdoors when it’s the coldest time, you might consider postponing it for a few more weeks. Conversely, drivers may be advised to switch to winter tires when temperatures begin to drop below 45°F.