Can You Use Summer Tires in Winter?
When winter arrives, many drivers wonder if their summer tires can handle the cold temperatures, snow, and icy roads. While summer tires perform exceptionally well in warm weather, they aren’t designed for winter conditions.
The GT Radial pros are here to explain why using summer tires in winter isn’t a good idea and highlight the importance of switching to winter tires, such as the ICEPRO3 STUDDABLE WINTER tires.
What Are Summer Tires?
Summer tires are engineered specifically for warm weather:
- They provide excellent performance in both dry and wet conditions thanks to a specialized rubber compound and unique tread patterns that offer optimal grip on warm asphalt
- These tires enhance handling, braking, and cornering during summer but lack the ability to perform effectively once the temperature drops
Why Summer Tires Don’t Work Well in Winter
When temperatures fall below 45°F (7°C), summer tires start to lose their effectiveness. Here’s why they don’t perform well in winter:
- Rubber Compound: The rubber in summer tires is designed to be flexible in warm weather but hardens in cold temperatures, reducing grip on the road. As the temperature drops, the tire becomes less responsive, leading to a lack of control on ice and snow.
- Tread Design: Summer tires have shallow grooves and minimal siping (the tiny slits in the tire tread), which are not suitable for snow, ice, or slush. This design is great for dry and wet summer conditions but doesn’t offer the necessary traction for winter driving.
- Stopping Distance: In cold weather, summer tires can significantly increase your stopping distance, especially on icy or snow-covered roads. The harder rubber and smoother tread pattern mean less friction, which could be the difference between a safe stop and an accident.
Safety Risks of Using Summer Tires in Winter
Using summer tires in winter can present several dangers:
- Reduced Grip: The hardened rubber and lack of traction from the tread design make it easy to slide on icy or snowy roads, leading to poor handling and dangerous driving conditions.
- Higher Risk of Accidents: Without proper traction, you’re more likely to lose control of your vehicle, especially when cornering or braking in cold or slick conditions. Winter tires provide much better grip and stability.
- Potential Tire Damage: Summer tires are not built to withstand freezing temperatures. The cold can cause the rubber to crack or become brittle, leading to costly damage or a blowout.
Why Switch to Winter Tires?
If you want to stay safe on winter roads, the GT Radial ICEPRO3 STUDDABLE WINTER tires are a great choice. These tires are made with a unique rubber that remains flexible, even in extreme cold. Their aggressive tread pattern provides excellent grip on snowy and icy surfaces, and you can add studs for even more traction on the slickest roads.
For your safety, switching to winter tires like the ICEPRO3 STUDDABLE WINTER tires is essential when temperatures consistently drop below 45°F (7°C). This helps ensure your tires have the right flexibility, traction, and performance in icy and snowy conditions.
You should also:
- Regularly check your tire pressure in winter, as cold temperatures can lower it
- Inspect your winter tires for any signs of wear before installing them
Winter is Coming – Be Prepared with GT Radial ICEPRO3 Tires
Using summer tires in winter can be dangerous, increasing your chances of accidents, tire damage, and poor performance. To drive safely in winter conditions, switching to tires specifically designed for cold weather is crucial. GT Radial’s ICEPRO3 STUDDABLE WINTER tires offer the traction, handling, and durability you need to handle even the toughest winter conditions, ensuring a safer journey.
Don’t wait for the snow to arrive—get ready for winter by upgrading to GT Radial ICEPRO3 STUDDABLE WINTER tires. Visit our website or contact your local dealer today to ensure you’re prepared for whatever winter brings!
