Do winter tires deteriorate in summer?

The history of winter tires

The first winter tires appeared on the market in the 1930s. These products were primarily aimed at drivers living in regions with harsh climates. Their design was intended to provide better traction on slippery and snow-covered roads. Over the years, winter tire manufacturing technologies have evolved, introducing modern rubber compounds and advanced tread designs, 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 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 and more aggressive tread, which provides better traction on slippery surfaces.

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

The Impact of Summer Conditions on Winter Tires

High summer temperatures can negatively impact winter tires. The main issues include:

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

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

• Higher 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. While they are acceptable, it's not economically or safely justified. Winter tires are optimized for temperatures below 7 degrees Celsius, and using them at higher temperatures can lead to reduced vehicle performance.

Costs associated with using winter tires in summer

Using winter tires in 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 replace 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 good compromise between safety and comfort.

Summary

Winter tires are not designed for summer use. Using them in high temperatures leads to faster wear, increased fuel consumption, and reduced traction. For maximum safety and savings, it's 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 depending on temperature

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

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