Is It Dangerous to Use Snow Tires in Summer?
3 Answers
Using snow tires in summer is possible, but it is not recommended. Snow tires are softer and primarily designed to enhance traction on icy and snowy roads. Since there is no ice or snow in summer, the braking distance will be longer, and the wear will be faster. Differences between snow tires and regular tires: 1. Snow tires are made of silica material, which makes them softer than regular tires even at low temperatures, thus generating greater friction; 2. They feature special tread patterns, unlike regular tires, utilizing cross-Z-shaped siping technology. This not only improves braking performance on snow and ice but also shortens braking distance and provides ideal traction.
I've been repairing cars for over a decade, and using winter tires in summer is a major hazard. Winter tire rubber is relatively soft, and when temperatures rise, it softens and becomes sticky, potentially increasing braking distance by 20-30 centimeters, making rear-end collisions more likely in city traffic jams. Handling is also poor, with a higher risk of skidding when turning. Several times, we've found that clients involved in accidents were still using winter tires. Tire wear is also significantly faster; the tread can wear out in just a few months, which is both costly and dangerous. I recommend switching back to summer or all-season tires as soon as spring arrives—don't cut corners at the expense of safety. In fact, changing tires on time is much cheaper than repairing a car, and the savings on fuel can cover the cost. When the rainy season comes, poor drainage makes it easier to lose control on waterlogged roads, leading to a shaky and unstable drive.
Last summer, my friend was too lazy to change his tires. As a result, he kept feeling the car was unstable while driving, and almost rolled into a ditch during a sharp turn on the highway. Snow tires become overly soft in hot weather, losing grip and making the car slide like on ice, with noticeably delayed braking response. I was sweating bullets sitting in his car at the time. Afterwards, the tires were worn down terribly, costing nearly a thousand to replace. Experience tells us that winter tires are designed for sub-zero temperatures—their rubber performance completely deteriorates in summer heat. Switch back to regular tires ASAP; safety comes first. The issue becomes even more pronounced on rainy days, with significantly longer braking distances, greatly increasing the risk of rear-end collisions in city traffic jams. It’s really not worth taking such risks just to save a few bucks.
