Many car owners in Ukraine have faced the problem of buying tires. Those who didn’t prepare them in advance, or cannot afford new summer tires (they have become significantly more expensive), or cannot find a suitable option due to the lack of many models in stock. As a result, some Ukrainians are involuntarily forced to drive during the warm season on winter tires.
Everyone understands that winter tires in summer are like hot beer on the beach or frozen juice in a 40-degree frost. But what to do if there is no other way out, and is it possible to resort to this out of desperation?
Let’s start with the fact that winter tires become too soft during the spring-summer season, causing the car not only to “float” in turns but also to consume more fuel. Let’s break it down by points, starting with the downsides of using winter tires in summer:
Drawbacks and Consequences of Driving on Winter Tires in Summer
- Increased fuel consumption (approximately by 15%)
- Worsened maneuverability (especially at high speeds)
- Increased braking distance (+15-20 percent, depending on speed and weather)
- Increased wear of the tires themselves (a new set of winter tires can be “killed” in just one summer season)
- Increased risk of hydroplaning (winter tires don’t perform as they do in sub-zero temperatures when it’s raining or puddled in high plus temperatures)
- If you have CASCO insurance, no company will compensate if the car is not equipped with seasonal-appropriate tires
Driving on Winter Tires in Summer – an Extreme Measure
The composition of the mixture, the tread pattern, and other factors do not allow for comfortable and safe driving in summer on winter tires. But! If there is absolutely no other way out (or if you must delay), then try to follow simple rules:
- Avoid sudden braking and acceleration
- Smooth, unhurried driving is key to your safety (as much as possible in this case)
- If the tires are completely new, be prepared for another problem in autumn – how and where to buy winter tires, as these will be worn out by 40-70%
- Considering the increased fuel consumption, calculate what the overconsumption will be. To help – if the car consumes 10 liters per 100 km, then at current prices, every 100 km will cost you 60-100 UAH more! Roughly speaking. So calculate…
Conclusion: to save money, if your winter tires are not the freshest, and you don’t have summer ones, buy all-season tires. Although this is not the best option in terms of driving comfort and safety, given the current situation, it might be the optimal choice.