If you are driving in different weather conditions, you must choose the right tyres for your car. They offer a good grip, better fuel efficiency and a quiet ride. Even if you are driving in dry or slightly wet areas. But have you ever wondered what happens when moving in different weather conditions? What happens if you use summer tyres and a cold snap or snowfall happens? Many drivers wonder if summer tyres can handle such a scenario. Let's look at whether summer tyres can handle sudden cold snaps or snowfall through this blog.
Summer tyres are made with a special rubber compound designed for the summer. This rubber stays rigid and offers good traction when the temperature is above 7 degrees Celsius. The tread patterns are smooth enough to grip on dry or slightly wet roads. They are perfect for warm climates and summer months. They are not designed for snow, ice or freezing temperatures.
When the temperatures drop, the rubber in the summer tyres starts getting hard. Hard rubber means less grip on the road, making it hard to stop, turn, or control the car. Even if there is no snowfall on the road, the cold air can affect the working of the Car Tyres Birmingham. If the temperature drops below 7 degrees Celsius, the summer tyres' performance is affected. Summer tyres are not suitable for handling snow, slush, or ice. They have shallow tread patterns that can’t move well in snow. This makes it easy for your tyres to slide, especially when you take a turn or apply the brakes. If there is a thin layer of snow, this can make the road slick. Driving on summer tyres can worsen the condition and be dangerous. This might cause you to lose control even if you drive at a low speed.
In some countries and states, summer tyres are not allowed during winter. Places with regular snow or ice need winter or all-season tyres. If caught driving on summer tyres during a snowstorm or cold weather, you might be fined or receive penalty points on your license. In some cases, the insurance companies may be unable to cover damages if the wrong tyre type is used.
Do Summer Tyres Wear Out Faster in Cold Weather?
If someone asks about the wearing out of summer tyres in cold weather, the answer is yes. Using summer tyres in cold weather leads to more wear and tear. The cold weather stiffens the rubber, causing it to crack or chip after some time. The tread may also wear down unevenly. This decreases the tyre’s life and increases tyre expense. You may even have to face expensive replacements earlier than expected. The damaged tyres won’t perform well even if used in warm weather.
You must be cautious if you have to drive in cold weather with summer tyres. Drive with care, avoid hard braking, and maintain a gap while driving with a vehicle ahead. If possible, try to avoid hills and sharp turns. But if you are continuously driving in cold weather or snow, then it's time to switch to the right tyres.
If you live where the weather changes more often, you should switch to all-season tyres. They are made to handle both mild and moderate temperatures. They are not well-suited to extreme summers or extreme winters. Winter tyres are the best option for driving on snowy or icy roads. The rubber in the winter tyres stays soft in the cold, and the tread grips the snow better. It eliminates excess snow and water from the tyres and provides better grip. Some drivers can even keep an extra set of tyres with them to manage such situations. It is important to switch those tyres according to the season.
Final Thoughts
Summer tyres are the best choice when driving in warm weather and on dry roads. These tyres are made to offer better handling and fuel economy in such conditions. These tyres become unsafe when they come into contact with cold temperatures. The rubber in these tyres becomes rigid and can cause you to lose grip. If you have to drive in cold weather for a day, it's okay, but if it's for the whole season, it's a problem. If driving in regular cold weather, you should switch to such tyres to avoid issues and enjoy peaceful driving.
It is important to choose tyres according to the season. This keeps you and your loved ones safe, helps you perform well, and saves a lot of money in the long run. If you are unsure what type of tyre suits your car and how to deal with such conditions, you can seek professional advice. They can better guide you about the tyres and keep you safe. So what are you waiting for? Go and take a professional look at suitable tyres.