Swapping out Winter Tires: How it can Save You and your Money
In Ontario, we all know winter too well. With summer coming right around the corner, most of us question why we would swap out winter tires just for a few months. While it might seem like a convenient option, driving on winter tires in the summer can have significant drawbacks for both your safety and finances. Here’s why it’s crucial to avoid using winter tires in the summer and what you should opt for instead:
- Safety: Winter tires are engineered with a unique rubber compound that enhances flexibility in freezing temperatures, which helps improve traction on snow and ice-covered roads. However, this specialized compound wears out much faster in warmer weather, compromising the tire’s ability to grip the road sufficiently. Consequently, using winter tires in the summer can lead to reduced vehicle control, particularly during cornering and acceleration on hot roads.
- Accelerated Wear and Tear: Winter tires aren’t designed to endure the heat buildup typical of warmer temperatures. The tread intended for colder conditions deteriorates when exposed to summer heat, resulting in decreased tread life, and you having to spend more to get them replaced.
- Negative Impact on Fuel Efficiency: Winter tires, with their deep tread and wide grooves, increase rolling resistance, significantly reducing fuel efficiency. Driving on winter tires in the summer can lead to higher fuel consumption due to decreased fuel economy. This additional expense accumulates over time and offsets any potential savings from avoiding the purchase of new tires.
- Handling and Traction Complications: All-season tires are engineered to deliver optimal performance in spring, summer, and fall driving conditions. Conversely, winter tires are only suitable for use in colder months. Employing winter tires in the summer can result in diminished cornering and braking performance, as well as traction and handling issues. Additionally, the tread wear incurred when driving on winter tires in warm weather can further diminish their ability to maintain grip on the road.
As winter transitions into spring and temperatures rise, swapping your winter tires for all-season or summer tires is imperative. All-season tires are designed to perform well in various weather conditions, including spring and summer driving. By making the swap, you can ensure optimal safety, performance, and longevity for your tires throughout the changing seasons.
With Civic Motors Honda, you can access winter tire storage and purchase summer, all-weather, or all-season tires. Going to a Honda dealer ensures your service provider knows which tires work best with your specific model. You can book a tire swap here.
While it might be tempting to use winter tires year-round, the risks far outweigh the benefits. Don’t compromise your safety and savings by driving on winter tires in the summer – make the swap to all-season or summer tires and enjoy a safer, more efficient driving experience all year long.
Sources: