According to the car maintenance rules, when a warm or cold season approaches, it is necessary to change the tires. This requirement is due to the safety of all road users. However, in June or July you can find cars that have not “changed their shoes” for the season. Is it possible to drive on winter tires in the summer, and why drivers do not comply with road safety requirements, we will talk in the next article.
To change or not?
Drivers' decision not to change tires is mainly explained by their reluctance to burden themselves with additional hassle. Some people simply don't want to spend extra money. But the question of whether it is possible to drive on winter tires in the summer also has legal aspects. A new driver might think that if the tires handle ice and snow well in December, why not do them well in the summer.
In addition, it often seems that driving with winter tires in the warm season is even safer than in the cold season. However, such a misconception is fraught with dangerous consequences. Winter tires are often used when the tread pattern is pretty worn out and can no longer cope with driving on ice and snow. It seems the only option left is to drive these tires in the summer. But such a decision is not always justified.
Differences between winter and summer tires
To answer the question whether it is possible to drive on winter tires in the summer, it is worth understanding how tires for different seasons actually differ. Those designed for use in warmer months must provide the necessary traction at various speeds. Their pattern is asymmetrical. Therefore, such tires have increased noise insulation.
Is it possible to drive on winter tires in summer? The answer to the question lies in how well they meet the requirements of driving in the warm season. The winter tread here has so-called checkers, which have a complex terrain. Thanks to him, safe driving is ensured. It includes grooves, shaped slots and branches that can maintain safety due to good grip on snow and ice. However, if you test the same tires on a summer road, the ride quality will noticeably deteriorate. The fact is that checkers, which are so helpful on a winter road, will only get in the way in the warm season. This will be especially true at high speed. There is a risk that controllability may be lost. This, in turn, will lead to a traffic accident.
Seasonal tires, in addition to the difference in pattern, have another difference. It lies in the composition of the rubber. Tires designed for winter driving are soft. They are able to cope even with the road in bad weather. Winter tires also perform well during the thaw. Is it possible to drive it in the summer? Of course not. In warm weather, summer tires are needed, which have a tougher, wear-resistant and elastic structure. The summer version will become stifling in the cold. Therefore, of course, such tires are not recommended for use in cold weather. Is it possible to drive in the summer on winter tires? As it logically follows from the above, the softness of the tires will not be a favorable factor for safe driving at this time.
Experiments have shown...
The most pronounced differences when using tires designed for different seasons in summer will be noticeable during precipitation, especially on asphalt surfaces. But even on a dry road with them, the risk of an accident increases if sudden braking is necessary.
Experiments showed that on a flooded road, the “floating” effect when driving on summer tires occurred at a speed of 80 kilometers per hour. At the same time, in the winter version this was observed already at a speed of 70 kilometers per hour. Naturally, the answer to the question of whether it is possible to drive on winter tires in the summer suggests itself: such a trip is impractical. After all, the braking distance will increase by 30%! And this already indicates very low security.
What about the law?
But, in addition to recommendations, many are interested in the question: is it legal to drive on winter tires in the summer? Initiatives to introduce a ban have already been introduced. But tire replacement, nevertheless, continued to be a recommendation. Only in 2014 were the technical regulations of the Customs Union adopted. According to the document, it is prohibited to drive on summer tires in the winter months, and on winter tires in the summer months. Some drivers believe that if their tires do not have studs, then traveling in the warm season is not prohibited. So is it possible to drive winter tires without studs in the summer? The regulations answer this clearly. Regardless of whether the tires have studs or not, driving in June, July and August with such tires is prohibited.
Amount of fine and time of occurrence of the offense
This norm came into force in 2015. That is, if previously such driving was extremely undesirable, but was not an offense, now the driver will have to pay a fine. At the same time, it is not taken into account whether he knows the answer to the question: is it possible to drive winter tires without studs in the summer or not. It was planned to introduce a fine of at least 2 thousand rubles for the offense. However, in the end the amount was only 500 rubles. If you commit a second offense, this fine remains the same.
But in the spring and autumn, drivers have the right to decide for themselves which tires to drive. The impetus for the introduction of this standard was the long Moscow traffic jams, which were aggravated precisely because of the use of non-seasonal tires.
Automakers on seasonal tires
Automakers also recommend that vehicle owners use tires only for the season for which they are intended. Regular tests that are carried out clearly answer the question: is it possible to drive in winter on winter tires with and without studs in the summer. Tires that are selected correctly and for the season provide optimal driving safety. In addition, they will last longer. After all, the wear of, for example, winter tires occurs much faster in the summer.
Choosing summer tires
So, if the article has convinced you that you still need to change your tires before the season, all that remains is to choose the right ones. It is recommended to take into account the following parameters:
- Tread direction.
- Standard size.
- Noisy.
Remember that sometimes all-season tires are the best choice.
Conclusion
Now you won’t have to rack your brains for a long time about whether it’s possible to drive winter tires without studs or with them in the summer. The security aspects here are obvious. But legal norms that were introduced by the legislator quite recently also play an important role. Therefore, if June 1 has arrived, you need to change your tires urgently in any case. Otherwise, the police will soon have the right to fine you.
Many car enthusiasts will answer this question in the affirmative, citing the fact that nothing particularly terrible will happen, because the car will not stick to the asphalt, in fact. Unfortunately, this opinion is deeply mistaken and, worst of all, such recklessness can even be dangerous, both for the driver himself and for pedestrians. Drivers who use winter tires in summer are acting recklessly, given that:
- 1. This is dangerous - if an unforeseen situation arises in the summer heat, winter tires are highly likely to let you down.
- 2. It's expensive - using winter tires in the summer will cost you significantly more than any possible fines.
- 3. This is unpleasant - even an ultra-modern foreign car in hot conditions with winter tires will be difficult to control.
And the consequences of reckless driving do not end there. Let's look at other troubles that may arise in more detail.
Accident rate
Winter tires are not at all designed for operation at temperatures exceeding +7 degrees, and manufacturers openly declare this and do not guarantee their reliability. The magazine “Behind the Wheel” has repeatedly conducted tests on this topic. As a result: already at a temperature of just over +10 degrees, the car reacts sluggishly to the steering wheel, skids during maneuvers, and, on top of everything else, accelerates poorly. The braking distance is significantly longer (by approximately two body lengths).
The traffic police statistics are disappointing - in late spring, there is a sharp increase in the number of fatal accidents for pedestrians who suddenly appear in front of a car that has not been changed to summer tires in time. In summer the situation is even more dire. In hot conditions, winter tires tend to soften, and even a small pebble on the road, completely invisible to a summer tire, leads to such an unpleasant situation as a total tire rupture. And imagine that this happened at high speed, on a busy highway?
Fuel consumption
The very principle of the design of a winter tire involves the use of additional force for maximum adhesion of the tire to the road surface. To put it figuratively, a winter tire is somewhat similar to a sea urchin with its moving spines. Where can you get this notorious “extra effort”? Naturally, from the engine, and for this it, in turn, will require additional consumption of gasoline or diesel fuel.
In summer, things are even worse: the rubber softens, which weakens the studs that grip the surface and requires even more effort to activate them. What do we end up with? Fuel consumption naturally increases by 5-10% when it comes to velcro tires, and about 3% on all-season tires. Now, using simple arithmetic and knowing the fuel consumption of your car, you can calculate how much it will cost you to have such a luxury as driving on winter tires in the summer, and at the same time compare the obtained values with the cost of work on “re-shoeing” your faithful steed.
Is it possible to drive in summer on winter tires only occasionally?
Let's say you didn't replace the tires on time, but things are urgent. If you drive carefully and not often, is it possible to avoid undesirable consequences? Well, the tires won’t go bald because of a one-time trip to the country!
The peculiarity of winter tire wear in summer heat is not limited to such a phenomenon as “baldness”. If, while driving, an area barely affected by wear is exposed to even greater impact (say, a stone on the road), the process of the so-called stress cross on the tread starts. As a result, without driving even 100 km, your tire may deform and turn into a square-shaped “something”. There is no need to talk about the level of driving comfort on such tires. The shaking will be solid. Plus a direct threat to the suspension and chassis. The result, in general, is predictable: when you make up your mind and change the tires, with a high degree of probability you will have to work closely on eliminating various defects, and at the same time paying rather large bills from the service station.
Universal tires
So-called “all-season tires” (universal tires) can be used year-round. With one caveat. Climatic conditions must correspond to Central European ones, this is the basis for the versatility of this rubber. According to statistics, the accident rate does not exceed normal values when it comes to using universal tires. However, there are also some disadvantages. Firstly, such tires are more expensive, and secondly, they wear out much faster compared to seasonal tires. In simple terms, all-terrain tires are the choice for those who don't like hardships and live in areas with a fairly mild climate.
A little about the legal aspects of the issue
Is it against the law to drive on winter tires in summer? No. It doesn't prohibit it yet. Although the Duma is already thinking about making such driving illegal and punishing violators with fines of up to 2,500 rubles. And there are good reasons for this, because studded winter tires in the summer heat can actually “eat up” the asphalt surface (up to 2 cm per season). Add to this the increase in fatal accidents.
Today, in order to avoid problems with the traffic police, you just need to stick a sticker in the shape of a triangle with the letter “Ш” on the windshield and rear window. Although, even if you violate this simple rule, they do not have the right to fine you, they just have to hold an explanatory conversation and warn you.
Studded tires. Driving on studded tires in the summer is not a clear violation of the law. They will not punish you for this. You will punish yourself. By the end of the season, such tires will lose all their studs and, as a result, will become neither summer nor winter, but unsuitable for further use. And the cost of repairing the road surface will directly burden you, dear taxpayers. It seems that there is no point in talking about studded tires on summer roads.
It’s spring outside, and with the onset of summer, the asphalt under the weight of trucks turns into plasticine, and you joyfully rush to your dacha or vacation. True, the shoes in your car remain, if not the same, then half as winter, that’s for sure. Let's figure out what happens if you drive on winter tires in hot weather.
Perhaps all drivers know that in winter they need to use winter tires, and in summer - summer tires: this will provide the car with acceptable road grip, handling, etc.
However, not all drivers rush to replace tires with the change of season and continue to drive on inappropriate tires. Moreover, there is a strong opinion that in the summer you can still use winter tires intended “for European winters.” What this threatens and why this happens - see below.
Tire differences
The differences in the properties of summer and winter tires are significant and are due to different operating modes. After all, their task is to ensure traffic safety in various weather conditions. This entails differences in both the manufacture and design of tires for different seasons.
All-season tires are a separate item - they are applicable in both summer and winter conditions. But, like any universal tool, in summer they are inferior in their properties to summer tires, and in winter - to winter tires.
Rubber compound composition
Winter tires
Winter tires must maintain elasticity and grip at low temperatures. Therefore, they are made from a rubber mixture with a high rubber content and contain a large amount of silicon-containing polymers. In addition, various components (active fillers, vulcanizers, softening agents, antioxidants, dyes, etc.) are designed specifically for winter use. As a result, the tire is “soft” and does not harden in the cold.
The positive properties of winter tires begin to appear already at +5-7°C, and fully manifest themselves at negative temperatures.
Summer tires
The composition of summer tires, on the contrary, is optimized for ambient temperatures above +5-7°C (and in summer the asphalt can heat up to +50-60°C). They use less rubber and silicon-containing polymers. And various additional components are selected in such a way as to ensure the best adhesion properties to the coating at temperatures above +5-7°C.
Below this threshold, the tread rubber hardens and its performance becomes worse.
Tread pattern
In addition to the composition of the rubber compound, winter and summer tires have another significant difference - the tread pattern.
Winter tires
The tread of a winter tire has a special pattern adapted for winter conditions. It is more sparse and deep, with large elements providing a large number of additional grooves.
A large number of grooves and ribs provide the tire with better handling on snowy and slippery surfaces; traction is increased due to the larger area that interacts with the road surface. The grooves on winter tires are much wider than those on summer tires, otherwise they will become clogged and the rubber will lose its grip properties in the very first meters of movement. A winter tire must ensure the removal of dirt and snow from the contact patch with the coating, while a summer tire is focused only on draining water.
Summer tires
The tread of a summer tire is designed to provide traction on hard, rough surfaces. The tread pattern has a pronounced longitudinal character.
The grooves of summer tires are much narrower than those of winter tires - they should only provide water drainage. And, given the high degree of “roughness” of summer asphalt, summer tires must be wear-resistant, have low rolling resistance, and they do not need to cling to every piece of non-slip surface.
What will happen
So, it is quite obvious that each type of tire is designed for its own individual operating conditions.
Therefore, at temperatures below +5-7°C, a summer tire will lose its elasticity. This leads to an increased likelihood of skidding even on a dry asphalt surface; if a puncture occurs, the tire may break. The tread pattern of a summer tire is not suitable for driving on snow and ice and does not allow slush to be removed from the contact area with the surface.
That is, the car becomes practically uncontrollable: it “holds” its trajectory poorly, reacts poorly to turning the steering wheel, and the braking distance increases significantly. Almost the same thing happens when using winter tires in summer.
At temperatures above +5-7°C, the winter tire becomes too soft, as a result of which it quickly wears off on the asphalt.
The tread pattern of a winter tire is not intended for driving on hard surfaces: its handling will suffer (large sipes will “break”), the car will “float” when turning, will not obey the steering wheel, and the braking distance will increase significantly.
In addition, fuel consumption will increase due to high rolling resistance.
You shouldn’t make compromises and hope that “winter tires designed for Europe, in our conditions, are almost like all-season tires.” Because for many tire models this is not the case, and the rare positive experience of using rubber in this way still cannot be a reason to recommend it. And as a result, you will have to pay much more than the tires cost.
When do you need to change tires?
It is advisable to change the car’s shoes when the ambient temperature reaches +7°C. This applies to both winter and spring tire changes. Considering the instability of weather conditions, it seems difficult to accurately track this moment, so there is another recommendation: winter tires should be installed around October 15, and summer tires should be installed on dates close to April 15.
Bottom line
— Summer tires lose traction so much in winter that even the shortest trip on dry asphalt can be dangerous.
— Winter tires wear out quickly in the summer (1-2 months is enough), and the car’s handling deteriorates greatly.
— In the summer you can still drive on winter tires. But it's expensive, and you have to move slowly and very, very carefully.
— Winter “European” tires should not be used as all-season tires.
Car shops and tire centers today offer an incredibly huge selection of different wheels and tires for different seasons. Of course, maintaining a car, paying for fuel, insurance, and maintenance is far from a cheap pleasure. But is it really because of their sluggishness or cost savings that many car owners do not consider it necessary to replace winter tires with summer ones, or vice versa? Understanding at the same time that driving on summer tires in winter does not fit into any safety framework. Well, in the summer it’s possible to use winter tires? Now let's try to dispel such misconceptions.
Are there savings?
First, everything about saving. Let us immediately remind you that the cost of the simplest winter tires is higher than the cost of summer tires, so there is no saving here. In addition, winter tires are designed for use in low temperatures. The rubber from which they are made is much softer than summer rubber. Therefore, they will wear out quickly on hot asphalt. Its service life will be reduced by half. If the tires are studded, then during the warm season all the studs will definitely fall off, and in just one season. And good winter tires could be used for 4, and sometimes all 5 seasons. Experts say that “fresh” winter treads can initially perform well even on a summer road. But overheating and loads on winter tires increase significantly in summer. And how to calculate how much it will be enough? When the wear limit is reached, winter tires will behave very unpredictably. Quite suddenly, winter tires will not be able to provide the necessary safety. And one more thing: on sharp-angled stones, summer tires may not be damaged, but winter tires may simply tear.
Braking on winter tires in summer
In terms of safety, winter tires on a summer asphalt road also have a lot of disadvantages. Since the rubber is softer, it means that it will not be able to provide the necessary emergency braking, since it will have poor grip on the road surface. And if the tires are also studded, then everything can end in disaster both for the motorist himself and for those who get in his way. If he had summer tires, all this could have been avoided. Summer tires are produced with treads that have branches and grooves to drain water. They are resistant to high summer temperatures, and do not lose their technological qualities. Winter tires have completely different performance qualities because they are manufactured using different technologies. Winter tires have a ribbed tread pattern and deep grooves that allow wheels with such tires to grip the surface of an icy or snowy road. Therefore, winter tires on asphalt behave exactly the same as summer tires on ice. There is also evidence that winter tires can even explode at high summer temperatures.
Water drainage
Winter protectors do not drain water well. In rainy weather, driving through puddles at high speed, the car can become uncontrollable - the wheels slip on the resulting layer of water.
Contact of rubber with road surface
The lamellas of winter tires come into contact with the road surface. In winter, they increase the vehicle's stability when cornering, shorten braking distances, and in summer they create noise. Studded winter tires make even more noise. But if you are not very critical of noise, then you should seriously think about additional vibration loads on the suspension. A car on winter tires in the summer has poor directional stability and poor handling due to the shallow tread depth. The car reacts sluggishly when turning, and when changing lanes sharply, it can “float” across the entire lane and will not immediately respond to pressing the brake pedal. It is no coincidence that in many European countries, car owners are fined for using winter tires in the summer in the same way as for driving in winter on summer tires.
Fuel consumption
The fuel consumption of a car with winter tires on summer roads increases by up to 15%. So you can buy summer tires with the expectation that they will pay for themselves over the entire summer season only due to savings on fuel.
Is there a fine for driving on winter tires in the summer?
Finally, about the possibility of punishment for driving in the summer on winter tires. Since the beginning of 2015, Russia has introduced a fine for using non-seasonal tires. The punishment is provided for by the Technical Regulations of the Customs Union. The regulations provide for a ban on driving from December to February on summer tires, and from June to August – on winter tires. In autumn and spring, you can use any tires. This will not be considered a violation. But the rules for using seasonal tires may be adjusted for individual regions.
The fine for violation provided for by the technical regulations is 500 rubles.
Summarize
Obviously, winter tires have so many disadvantages when used in summer that the car owner will not want to lose money or risk his own life and, of course, his vehicle. Well, it’s also important that with such thoughtless use of a car with out-of-season tires, you can lose your freedom. Behind bars, you can only dream about a car and trips with your family.
Many drivers are interested in the law on winter tires, the size of fines in force in Russia for using summer tires in winter. Car enthusiasts on social networks, various forums, and blogs ask: “What is the main innovation?”
Winter tire markings
The Winter Tire Act regulates vehicle operating permits. The main innovation concerns the depth of tire treads, if there is no wear indicator on the surface of the specified product. If there is a factory wear indicator, the degree of suitability of the products is established according to the indicator. The decree specifies the marking of winter tires and introduces a pictogram with a snowflake in the center. From these documents the following general conclusions can be drawn:
- In summer it is unacceptable to drive on studded tires. Winter studded products marked “M+S” can be used from the onset of autumn until the end of spring. Those. in June, July and August you can only ride on summer, all-season or Velcro without studs.
- In winter, you are only allowed to drive on winter tires. It is allowed to install studded or non-studded tires that have the appropriate pictogram, marked “M+S”, “M&S” or “M S”. Disclaimer: non-studded products can be used all year round. The remaining tread depth must be at least 4mm.
- All-season tires are usually used all year round if they have the following markings on their surface: “M+S”, “M&S” or “M S”. Without these designations, products cannot be used in winter.
- The ability of local authorities to extend the service life of a certain type of tire is indicated. At the same time, regional authorities cannot reduce the period established by law.
See Table 1 for the period when you need to change tires.
Table 1. Seasonality of various types of tires.
From the table data you can see when you need to switch to a new type of tire, depending on the seasonality of the product.
Will there be fines for using tires incorrectly?
PictogramAccording to the winter tire law, there is no penalty for using tires that are not suitable for the season. But there is a bill that provides for a certain penalty for driving on summer tires in winter.
There is a fine that is imposed when using tires with worn tread; it amounts to half a thousand rubles. This penalty applies to a driver who uses tires with a tread height of less than 0.4 cm in winter. Please note: a fine is imposed if the car is operated on snowy or icy road surfaces.
Please note that there are no fines in 2017 for using tires that are not suitable for the season. But if a violation of the law on winter tires is proven on the part of the driver who caused an accident with a fatal outcome or causing serious harm, criminal liability will be aggravated, and penalties will be toughened. Thus, the law provides for liability for using unsuitable tires in winter, so it is worth changing the tires on your car in a timely manner for your own safety.
Conclusion
The law on winter tires is designed to increase the safe use of vehicles, with its help the authorities are trying to restore order on the roads. According to statistics, the majority of accidents occur not due to traffic violations, but due to the use of worn-out or out-of-season tires.
Without measuring the tread depth with appropriate equipment, a traffic police inspector cannot impose a fine for using worn tires. You can check tire wear at a diagnostic station that has the right to conduct this type of check. The tread height can be practically measured during scheduled maintenance. In general, this is the conclusion: there is a law, but there is no punishment for violation. But do not forget about your own safety, which is affected by the installation of a certain type of tire depending on the season. In everyday life, the driver must independently make the transition from one type of tire to another.
Keep in mind: laws are developed for a reason; in the event of an accident, it will be difficult for the driver to prove his innocence if he used summer tires in winter or the tread was too worn.
