The Risks of Driving on Winter Tires in Summer

Switching to winter tires for the colder months of the year is optimal, but many make the mistake of driving with their winter tires for the rest of the year. Believe it or not, by the time winter rolls in a second time, the reliability of your winter tires will have dropped significantly. If winter tires are safe and reliable for the roughest of driving conditions, why can’t they be used in other seasons?

Safety Concerns

The primary risk of driving with winter tires in summer is that they may be a safety threat the next winter. Additional wear in the off-season decreases the original tread of the tires by about half, which is why it’s a rule of thumb to replace winter tires when they are about 5/32” worn. Due to this, the initial breaking capability will be compromised on wet pavements.

Decreased Lifespan

The longevity of your winter tires is greatly affected depending on if they are switched seasonally or annually. Driving on winter tires for a consecutive year decreases their overall reliability by as much as 60% by the next winter. Additionally, winter tires are not meant to run in temperatures over 7 degrees or they risk being easily bent due to their pliable nature.

More Costly 

Most people keep their winter tires on year-round with the intention to save money, but the exact opposite will occur. A significant drop in reliability and wear will require a new set of tires in the upcoming year, as opposed to switching them out in time to be ready to use for several winters. Many also may not know of the hidden costliness winter tires have on fuel. Compared to all-season tires, winter tires also increase fuel consumption.

Overall, technicians recommend switching to an appropriate set of tires for each season in order to preserve longevity and reliability of your tires. In case you’ve been driving with your winter tires all year, make sure to get them inspected prior to winter to determine if they’re safe to use or require changing.

Make sure benefit from our exceptional mobile tire change services to keep your car healthy and safe to drive at any season. Don’t forget to check our car repair services and enjoy Kambio’s outstanding customer service.

Book your appointment for a seasonal tire changeover today!

Also, Read:

Do I really need to rotate my tires?

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