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Is it bad to drive on winter tires in summer?

I forgot to swap out my winter tires this year, and it’s already the middle of spring! Will it damage my winter tires if I just leave them on?

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Amber Reed · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Although it can be tempting to avoid an extra trip to the mechanic, using winter tires during the warmer months can be dangerous, and may cause the tires to wear out faster. Here’s why:
  • Winter tires are soft and flexible—which is why they work so well on icy roads! But if you drive them regularly on hot, dry concrete they’ll wear out much faster than standard tires will.
  • Winter tires are made from a special rubber compound that makes them squishy enough to handle ice and snow, but causes poor performance on warm ground. You may have trouble steering and braking.
  • Winter tires have higher rolling resistance to help prevent sliding on icy roads. If you use them in the summer, your engine will need to work harder to keep the car moving forward and you’ll need to fill your gas tank more often. If you want to use the same tires all year, look into all-season tires instead. These tires can handle most types of weather, and they perform well in both wet and dry conditions. They’re also designed to last a long time, so they’re a great no-fuss option if you don’t want the hassle of changing your tires every year. Whether you’re driving in the winter or summer, a good
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