Everybody knows that they should change their tyres as the weather gets colder. Snowy and rainy conditions make it harder for your tyres to perform their best on the road. Thus, it is highly important that you prepare your tyres according to the seasonal changes and weather updates. However, many people do not know why they should change their tyres in winter or summer. Now, let’s take a quick look at the differences between summer and winter tyres.
Winter tyres have a higher rubber content in them. This makes it easier to handle the cold. That is because as the tyre gets harder, it is not possible for the tyre to interlock with the road. In other terms, winter tyres have better grip and handling.
Another difference between summer tyres and winter tyres is that winter tyres have thousands of tiny sipes on the surface. These grooves prevent water from sticking and freezing on the surface of the tyre. Otherwise, it would be easier for water to stick and freeze and this would cause a frozen, slippery surface that would cause accidents. It is also important to note that winter tyres perform better in colder temperatures due to their chemical compounds. Usually, winter tyres perform their best under 7 degrees C. Below this temperature, tyres will perform their best as it gets harder for the optimal conditions.
Last important aspect of winter tyres is hidden in their tread pattern. Thanks to the pattern on the tyre, they can grip better to snow and pierce it effectively. Summer tyres do not need such a pattern as their gripping is already better in warmer conditions. Summer tyres provide good performance in warmer months, all year long. They have fewer sipes, but their specifically designed tread bars help to minimize aquaplaning effects.
Summer tyres are harder than winter tyres. If you remember, winter tyres had natural rubber which made them softer. On the other hand, summer tyres have harder rubber inside, so this prevents them from getting softer in higher temperatures. Hot weather can cause the tyre to go softer, and this is the best way to prevent this from happening. Summer tyres also have a simpler pattern, which provides a large footprint. Larger patterns help with the hot asphalt and provide better handling than the winter tyres in hotter conditions.
Despite the name, it is okay to use summer tyres during every season except winter. As the weather gets colder, it is crucially important that you switch to winter tyres to provide the best safety possible.
