Some drivers, trying to save money, decide to 'wear out' old winter tires in summer, believing that they will have to change them anyway next season. However, the rule about replacing tires is not without reason: using old winter tires during the summer can pose a danger. Experts from the magazine 'Za Rulem' have investigated the reasons behind this and the risks it carries for drivers.
What Are the Differences Between Winter and Summer Tires?
The main differences between these two types of tires lie in the rubber composition and tread design. Winter tires are designed for temperatures below zero: the rubber compound in such tires is softer, and the tread features deep and wide grooves with many sipes—narrow slots. This combination of characteristics allows the rubber to not become 'hard' in the cold, maintaining elasticity and flexibility, while the tread provides better grip on snowy or icy roads. As the publication points out, 'under heavy loads, this creates the effect of so-called “walking on asphalt” of the separated tread blocks.'
Why Shouldn't You Use Winter Tires in Summer?
Using winter tires in warm weather on hot asphalt can lead to serious problems due to changes in the properties of the rubber compound. The softening of the tread of winter tires on hot asphalt can cause loss of control, deterioration of braking performance, and instability in turns.
Experts from the publication warn that a winter tire in heat can become so soft that it starts to 'smear' on the asphalt—drivers may feel something akin to brake failure.
