How much more fuel does using snow tires in summer consume?
2 Answers
Using snow tires for driving in summer typically results in fuel consumption that is about 1.5 to 2 times higher than using regular tires. Below is some relevant information about snow tires: 1. Introduction: Snow tires (winter tires) are specifically designed for winter conditions, such as icy and snowy climates and regions with lower temperatures. They are an alternative to snow chains. 2. Enhanced Traction: The rubber compound used in snow tires is different from that of all-season tires. Winter tires contain a higher proportion of natural rubber and silica, which makes them less prone to hardening in low temperatures compared to synthetic rubber tires. This allows them to provide better traction in cold conditions.
Using winter tires in summer does consume more fuel. I've used them for several years and noticed a 10% to 15% increase in fuel consumption. Take my regular sedan for example: normally it uses about 6 liters of fuel per 100 km on the highway, but with winter tires, it might go up to around 6.9 liters. This is mainly because winter tires are designed for snow and ice—they have softer rubber and deeper treads, which create greater rolling resistance on hot summer roads, forcing the engine to work harder. Don't underestimate these numbers—if you drive 30 km daily, you could end up spending dozens more on fuel each month. Additionally, high summer temperatures cause winter tires to wear out faster and lose grip, making the car feel unstable. I recommend switching back to all-season or regular summer tires as soon as summer begins—it saves fuel, improves safety, and extends tire life. Don't wait until you've burned through extra money on fuel to regret it. In short, handling it early is a smart choice.
