Can Winter Tires Be Used in Summer?

[DeBrantley]

Using winter tires in summer or on roads without snow and ice coverage will result in longer braking distances compared to summer tires due to the softer rubber compound of winter tire treads. Additionally, they will wear out faster and increase fuel consumption. Below are relevant details. 1. Winter Tires: Designed specifically for snowy and icy conditions, winter tires feature asymmetrical tread patterns with numerous grooves—typically over 1,000 small grooves compared to around 200 in regular tires. Higher groove ratios improve water drainage, making them suitable for temperatures below 5°F. 2. Material: Winter tires use a softer rubber compound, particularly in the tread, which incorporates a silica mixture to enhance contact with icy surfaces. This design generates greater friction than all-season tires, significantly improving vehicle control and safety on slippery ice. Even in low temperatures, winter tires remain soft, whereas regular tires harden as temperatures drop.