Is it safe to drive on winter tires in summer?

Winter tires in summer: Risks and realities

Driving with this type of equipment in summer increases:

• Braking distance: On hot, wet pavement, a winter tire can require up to 26% more stopping distance than a summer tire.
• Winter tire blowout risk: Heat can weaken the specialized rubber compounds and cause a loss of vehicle control.
• Hydroplaning risk, since the tread does not evacuate water as efficiently as summer tires.

Emergency avoidance maneuvers also become more difficult. The softened rubber compound and tread designed for cold temperatures reduce vehicle stability and responsiveness. The vehicle may fishtail if you attempt a sudden maneuver.

Changing your tires before summer is therefore strongly recommended for your safety and that of other road users.

Winter tires in summer: Does it cost more?

Keeping them on during summer may seem economical, but the real cost is often higher.

• Fuel consumption: Winter tires have higher rolling resistance, which increases fuel consumption.
• Rapid wear: Rubber designed to stay flexible in cold weather wears much faster in summer heat.
• Noise and comfort: They are noisier on dry pavement, especially if the tires degrade due to heat.

By keeping winter tires year-round, wear indicators can appear after less than 10,000km. Premature replacement will quickly cancel out any savings made by avoiding the purchase of summer tires.

Changing your tires at the start of the warm season therefore remains safer and more cost-effective over the long term.

Is it legal to drive on winter tires in summer?

Yes. In Quebec, no law requires you to switch to summer tires when warm weather arrives. However, the Regulation respecting safety standards for road vehicles requires the removal of studded tires in Quebec by May 2 and mandates a minimum tread depth of 1.6mm (2/32 of an inch). The coin test can help estimate wear, but a graduated or digital tread depth gauge (available at the CAA-Quebec Boutique) provides a more accurate reading.

Because winter tires are mandatory in Quebec until March 15 to drive in winter weather, it may seem more economical to keep them on year-round. In reality, this apparent savings can quickly turn into unexpected expenses.

Which tires are best for safe summer driving?

Below is a simple comparison table of the main options available to equip your vehicle and help you make the right summer tire choice.

Plan your tire change

For your safety and comfort, plan your tire change in spring around mid-April or as soon as temperatures rise to 7°C. Book an appointment with your mechanic.