Can you drive on winter tires in summer

Anna Tkach

AutoPortal editorial team

2,256 views 2 min read

Many motorists in Ukraine have faced the problem of buying tires. Those who did not manage to prepare them in advance either cannot afford new summer tires (they have significantly increased in price), or cannot choose the right option due to the absence of many models in warehouses. And here, involuntarily, some Ukrainians are forced to drive on winter wheels during the warm season.

Any driver understands that driving on winter tires in warm weather is nonsense, like drinking a hot drink in the heat or eating ice cream in a February frost. However, sometimes circumstances force it, and then it is worth knowing what it threatens.

First, let us note: in warm weather, rubber for the cold season softens, causing the car to hold its trajectory worse in turns and noticeably consume more fuel. Let us consider the main problems in more detail.

Disadvantages and possible consequences

Fuel consumption increases by about 15%.
Handling deteriorates, especially at high speed.
The braking distance becomes 15–20% longer — the exact figure depends on speed and weather conditions.
The tread wears out much faster: in one summer season, you can completely wear out a new set.
The likelihood of aquaplaning increases — in rain and on wet roads at above-zero temperatures, winter tires perform worse than in frost.
If the car is insured under CASCO, the insurance company will refuse to pay when it turns out that the wheels do not match the season.

When you cannot do without winter tires

The composition of the rubber compound, tread pattern, and other characteristics make winter tires unsuitable for safe summer use. But if there is truly no alternative and you just need to wait a little, it is worth following a few tips:

Avoid sharp accelerations and emergency braking.
Drive smoothly and moderately — this is the only way to protect yourself at least somehow.
If the tires are almost new, be prepared for them to wear out by 40–70% by autumn, and then the question of purchasing a new set will arise.
Calculate additional costs: for a car that consumes 10 liters per 100 km, every hundred kilometers will cost 60–80 UAH more at current prices.

The conclusion is simple: if winter tires are no longer new and there are no summer ones, the smartest way out would be to buy all-season ones. They, of course, will not provide ideal comfort or maximum safety, but in current conditions, this is perhaps the most practical option.

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