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Whether winter tires are destroyed in the summer ?

The History of Winter Tires

The first winter tires appeared on the market in the 1930s. They were products aimed primarily at drivers living in regions with a harsh climate. Their design was intended to provide better traction on slippery and snowy roads. Over the years, winter tire manufacturing technologies have evolved, introducing modern rubber compounds and advanced treads, making them more efficient and safer.

The difference between winter and summer tires

Winter and summer tires are designed for completely different road conditions. The main differences include:

  • Rubber compound: Winter tires are made of a softer rubber that remains flexible in low temperatures, while summer tires have a harder compound that is resistant to high temperatures.

  • Tread: Winter tires have a deeper, more aggressive tread for better traction on slippery surfaces.

  • Structure: Winter tires have additional sipes that help to drain water and snow.

The Impact of Summer Conditions on Winter Tires

High temperatures during the summer can have a negative impact on winter tires. The main problems are:

  • Accelerated wear: The soft rubber compound wears out more quickly on hot surfaces.

  • Worse grip: Winter tires do not provide adequate grip on dry and hot roads.

  • Increased fuel consumption: The higher rolling resistance of winter tires increases fuel consumption.

Is it worth using winter tires in summer?

Experts unanimously advise against using winter tires in the summer. Although they can be used, it is not economically or safely justified. Winter tires are optimized for temperatures below 7 degrees Celsius, and their use at higher temperatures can lead to reduced vehicle performance.

Costs of using winter tires in summer

Using winter tires in the summer involves additional costs, such as:

  • Shortening the life of tires: Accelerated tread wear requires faster replacement.

  • Higher fuel consumption: Winter tires generate greater rolling resistance, which translates into higher vehicle operating costs.

Alternative solutions

For drivers who don’t want to change their tires twice a year, all-season tires may be a good option. While they aren’t as effective as seasonal tires in extreme conditions, they offer a compromise between safety and comfort.

Summary

Winter tires are not designed for use in the summer. Using them at high temperatures leads to faster wear, increased fuel consumption, and reduced traction. For maximum safety and savings, it is worth changing your tires according to the season.

Table: Comparison of winter and summer tire features

Characteristics Winter tires Summer tires
Rubber compound Soft Hard
Tread Deeper Shallower
Optimal conditions Below 7°C Above 7°C
Rolling resistance Higher Lower

Graph: Tread wear vs. temperature

[Graph showing faster tread wear of winter tires at high temperatures compared to summer tires]

Remember to always adjust your tyre type to the weather conditions to ensure your safety on the road and optimise your vehicle's operating costs.

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