Snow Tires in the Summer

"DrScientist" (DrScientist) 06/02/2015 at 11:00 • Filed to: None

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Does anyone else happen to use a winter tire year-round?

I don’t live in a cold-climate region. I don’t frequently need mud traction. I don’t have a tall SUV/CUV/truck.

But a couple of winters ago, i changed my stock 15 inch wheels for a set of 18 inch wheels from a different model, same manufacturer. i did this change, right before a one-time road trip across the northern parts of washington state, idaho, and montana—in early march. So i needed winter/snows for this little trip, and decided on a set of Michelin x-ice-3’s.

they performed terrific in the snow, but then at >$200/corner, i really expected them to.

fast forward to the following summer. i was hesitant to just throw these tires in the bin, as i would probably rarely drive in the snow or winter again, so i just kept them on through the summer. now as we’re well into the summer of 2015, i’m still riding on these winters, and they’re behaving quite admirably. there is lots and lots of tread, and the little sipes (i think thats what they’re called) for snow/ice traction are present and seem quite healthy.

So... any of you other guys out there run winter/snow tires year round?

bob and john > DrScientist 06/02/2015 at 11:01

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my parents used to. it wont out handle a sports tire, but its do able.

OPPOsaurus WRX > DrScientist 06/02/2015 at 11:04

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i think with the rubber compound, they will wear faster in the summer.

Needmoargarage > DrScientist 06/02/2015 at 11:07

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They will work fine until you have to panic brake, or swerve. Winter tires are designed with a compound that remains soft at low temperatures, like below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. At (relatively) high temperatures, they are super soft and will wear real fast.

I imagine you will burn thru just as much money in wearing out your winter tires prematurely as you would by just buying another set of wheels with mid-range summer and/or all-season tires mounted. It’s safer and your car will handle so much better. Just my .02¢

DrScientist > bob and john 06/02/2015 at 11:08

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its a big lazy jaguar. i’m not too worried about pulling away from a boxster in the twisties. :) and handles the wet, even heavy downpours quite well.

Rainbow > DrScientist 06/02/2015 at 11:09

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I have never owned a winter tire in my life...

I hate how people were saying that ATLiens just can’t drive in the snow. I mean, sure, that’s true for at least half of the people down here, but the rest of them only got stuck because we can’t find snow tires even if we wanted them.

DrScientist > OPPOsaurus WRX 06/02/2015 at 11:09

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you know, that’s what i thought too, but i’ve got about 12,000 miles on them, mixed winter and summer, and i cant see any noticeable wearing. i check every month or so.

they are seriously outlasting the summer pilot sport 2s, on my other car.

spanfucker retire bitch > DrScientist 06/02/2015 at 11:09

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It’s probably doable, but I know for a fact I wouldn’t want to. There were a couple of 60 degree days before I got the winter wheels switched for the OEM all-seasons and the mushiness when stopping or turning was palpable.

That rubber just isn’t designed to work well in warm temps.

MarquetteLa > DrScientist 06/02/2015 at 11:10

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Hell, I’ve seen plenty of cars and trucks still using studded winter tires here in Denver and we have a high of 90 degrees today.

The snow tires will absolutely be worn down faster while using them in the summer versus the winter, but they’ll definitely still get you from Point A to Point B.

HammerheadFistpunch > DrScientist 06/02/2015 at 11:12

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You can...In the same way you can wear shorts all winter.

DrScientist > Needmoargarage 06/02/2015 at 11:15

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but in a panic brake or swerve, wont the additional “softness” of a winter tire in summer heat add to the grip? thereby shortening braking distance, and improving response in a turn scenario?

as far as money is concerned. i live in the northeast. the car is old and british and rust-prone. so i will likely never drive it in the winter here. i bought these tires for that one northwest winter trip, where they are kinder to us pre-galvanized enthusiasts and the environment, by eschewing the use of salt on the roads.

so... i will likely never buy another set of winter or snow tires for this car, probably just a set of all seasons. that’s why i kept these on.

DrScientist > HammerheadFistpunch 06/02/2015 at 11:18

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i know i can, as i have the tires on the car for the last 16 months.

i was asking if any of you have any what your experiences might be.

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > DrScientist 06/02/2015 at 11:22

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Go for it. I just hate the way they feel when it is hot outside. They get really squirmy. I have my snows mounted on a second set of rims so the swap out is easy. I know lots of people who run their snows 12 months a year because they can’t afford a second set of summers and need snows in the winter. I find the snows are really good in the rain with the deep blocks and tons of sipping.

DrScientist > spanfucker retire bitch 06/02/2015 at 11:24

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you want to talk about mushiness?

i went from a 15 inch wheel with all season tires to these winters on 18 inch wheels.

smaller sidewalls by about an inch and a half. car felt completely transformed.

DrScientist > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 06/02/2015 at 11:27

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when its real hot out... i have plenty of other things on my mind other than the squirmy grip of the tires... is the car going to overheat, is the AC compressor clutch going to stay engaged, is the electric fan going to kick in at the right time, is the dash hvac unit going to send air to the right vents, and on and on :)

HammerheadFistpunch > DrScientist 06/02/2015 at 11:31

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That was my reply. You can do either thing but it comes with drawbacks. You will wear your tires out much faster and you wont have near the grip for stopping or turning. Even on hot shoulder season days the winter tires on the wifes car are totally spongy and spin with ease

Mustafaluigi > DrScientist 06/02/2015 at 11:33

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Your first mistake was using the 18’s for your winter tires and not the 15’s. Winter tires become few and far between and expensive in the upper size range. You had two sets of wheels, why not summer set on the 18’s and winter on the 15’s.

Needmoargarage > DrScientist 06/02/2015 at 11:33

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That sort of logic works for comparing performance tires with lower treadwear ratings and such, but not in comparing snow tires to a proper summer tire. There are a lot of differences at play; tire structure is completely different in addition to the compound change.

Essentially, the more flexible tread of winter tires (compound design, increased no. of tread blocks, etc.) will give a decreased turn response and decreased grip. Without going into it too far, a lot of this is a result of overheating your tires, which is easy to do with a winter tire in warm conditions.

Here’s a pretty straightforward response that doesn’t go into the science behind it.

Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh > DrScientist 06/02/2015 at 11:44

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Let’s just say that driving with winter tyres in the summer is DUMB.. Don’t do it.. they can’t cope with warmer temperatures, they can’t cope with rain anywhere near as well as a proper summer tyre and they will not do you any good in an evasive maneuver. There’s a reason we change tyres from season to season :)

DrScientist > HammerheadFistpunch 06/02/2015 at 11:44

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wearing the tires out is not a concern.

i understand the sponginess, but i’m not logically following the spins experienced. shouldn’t they have more grip?

(also, with a 2.88 rear diff and old turbo400 3 speed, if i spin the wheels ever, i’ll crack a bottle of champagne for this car.)

HammerheadFistpunch > DrScientist 06/02/2015 at 11:49

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Think about it this way, when a race tire overheats it looses grip, that’s why there are different compounds for different temperatures. When your rubber exceeds its operating zone you wont get sufficient block stiffness nor will you get good road adhesion from the compound. I’m not sure what you are after here; you aren’t asking for advice cause you are doing it regardless...if you are looking for validation for your decision I can’t give you any. Running winter tires in summer is not recommended but you are welcome to do it if you like burning through tires needlessly and enjoy a reduced level of dry grip and road feel.

DrScientist > HammerheadFistpunch 06/02/2015 at 12:45

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as i mentioned in the original posting, i’m looking for experience.

and thanks for providing your and your wife’s. i think youre the only one who actually has done so.

bryan40oop > DrScientist 06/02/2015 at 17:34

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I am currently because 1. Broke. 2. Still broke.

they behave well enough, growl when pushed, light steering at highway speeds. Won’t be doing any track days in them. But they won’t get me killed

pip bip - choose Corrour > DrScientist 06/03/2015 at 04:48

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winter tyres not sold here , so i’m curious to know.

brianbrannon > DrScientist 06/03/2015 at 13:42

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I and a buddy both ran firestone winterforce tires year round with no issues or abnormal wear.

One of the magazines track tested all seasons vs winter tires with comparable results and wear

Wacko > DrScientist 06/15/2015 at 15:27

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the quick way to say it is , they will work in summer, but they will be finished after one summer. If you do use them for one summer, forget about using them the next winter. Winter tires are made for cold temperatures. They stay soft when it’s cold. Unlike summer tires that are harder, and become hard as a rock in cold temps.

I keep both sets for about 4 years. Don’t cheap out on tires, It’s the only thing between you and the road.