Is it necessary to change summer tires in winter?
2 Answers
Summer tires can be used in winter, but their performance is not as good as winter tires. Types of tires available domestically: Currently, there are three types of tires available domestically: summer tires, winter tires, and all-season tires. All-season tires have broader applicability and offer moderate performance. Functions of tires in different seasons: Winter tires have softer tread rubber, making them highly suitable for winter use, especially on snow-covered roads. Compared to summer tires, winter tires significantly improve traction on icy and snowy surfaces, ensuring better grip performance and shorter braking distances. Differences between summer and winter tires: Tread design varies; summer tires are primarily designed for normal temperatures and dry road conditions, while winter tires are designed for low temperatures and snowy/icy surfaces. To prevent slipping caused by icy or snowy roads and loss of grip due to hardened rubber in cold temperatures, winter tires are made from special materials that are softer than summer tires. Additionally, their tread patterns and grooves are deeper and wider to ensure better traction and grip during winter driving.
Do summer tires need to be changed in winter? I have deep feelings about this issue. I remember one winter when I drove home with summer tires, and the road was covered in snow. The car slipped, and I almost had an accident, which scared me into a cold sweat. Later, a professional told me that the rubber of summer tires hardens in low temperatures, just like a stiff eraser, providing extremely poor grip on ice and snow, and the braking distance can double, making it very unsafe. In cold regions, such as the northeast or mountainous areas, this is simply a ticking time bomb. If you don’t switch to winter tires, their tread patterns and softer rubber can better grip snowy and icy roads, improving handling. Some places even have laws requiring tire changes, or else you’ll face fines. I think, based on safety first, it’s better to obediently switch to winter tires in winter—don’t save small money and risk big trouble.
