Winter vs. summer tires
It's spring time, days are getting longer and temperatures higher. A new season brings also a new season for tire replacement. Here we will try to answer is it ok to continue using winter tires in the summer and what happens if we drive with the wrong tires.
Characteristics and differences between winter and summer tires:
- Winter tires are made of a soft rubber compound and contain more natural rubber, so the tire remains softer and does not harden even at low temperatures. Therefore, winter tires always have more contact with the road, and thus better grip.
- The rubber compound of summer tires is harder and does not become soft even at higher temperatures. This reduces rolling resistance, which, among other things, has a positive effect on fuel consumption.
- Winter tires have wider tread grooves. Snow collects in these grooves, which increases grip on snowy roads. At the same time, it is designed in such a way that it rejects accumulated snow and enables the dispersal of accumulated water.
- Summer tires hasve more longitudinal grooves through which more water can be squeezed out, which reduces the risk of aquaplaning.
- The driving surface of the winter tire has additional ribs, which open and close while driving, ensuring optimized braking, stability and reliable grip.
- The tread of a summer tire consists mainly of simple, smooth rubber blocks in the central part. They ensure contact of a large surface with the road and thus better controllability and shorter braking distance.
- With winter tires, the braking distance on snowy roads at 50 km/h is about 31 meters.
- The braking distance with summer tires under the same conditions is twice as long and is 62 meters.
- The braking distance with winter tires during summer on a dry road also significantly extends the braking distance.
All of the above affects the driving experience and safety, so the question arises, are all-season tires a viable alternative? The answer depends on many factors. These tires can be used both as summer and winter tires, if they are marked with "M+S" marking and the minimum required tread depth of 4 mm.
In winter, all-season tires are behaving almost like of winter tires in terms of grip and braking, but they still reach their limits very quickly on snow and ice. In this case, winter tires should be used or winter equipment.
In summer, summer tires are a better option than all-season tires. On hot asphalt, wet or dry, the braking distance with multi-purpose tires is longer, and their wear is faster. Therefore, all-season tires cannot compete with summer tires.
As you can see, there are good reasons for seasonal tire replacement.