You probably won’t learn anything new when I tell you that there is no law in Canada that requires summer tires to be installed. Therefore, since winter tires are mandatory from December 1 to March 15, keeping them on year-round may seem like a sensible and economical choice, but think again! For rubber designed for winter driving, temperatures that are too hot can cause serious damage and ultimately cost you even more. Still not convinced? Here are three potential consequences of skipping your spring service appointment.
Faster deterioration
If winter tires are mandatory by law, there are good reasons. Their material is designed to be more flexible so that they can retain better elasticity, even when the mercury falls. That’s what makes them stick to the road better during the winter season, but it’s also what makes them particularly fragile when it’s hot outside. Their softer texture causes the tread to thin more quickly and greatly increases the chances of a flat tire. End result: new winter tires to buy in 
addition to their installation by your mechanical expert!
Reduced performance
It is also because of their more elastic rubber that winter tires can cause performance problems during summer. Not only will you see your vehicle’s traction greatly reduced, your steering and acceleration will also be much less efficient, especially when it comes to starting again after a short stop. A quick manoeuvre on soft tires could cost you a lot of money!
Increased fuel consumption
Reduced traction and softer rubber also mean more resistance, and it’s this underhanded effect that could cost you the most overall. Your vehicle’s fuel consumption could increase dramatically, without you even knowing it. Replacing your tires yearly in the spring will allow you to reduce the resistance put onto your wheels as much as possible, saving you money and using less fuel.
In the end, although it is quite common to think so, it is not more economical to keep your tires on year-round. You may save a few dozen dollars in the spring, but the cost and damage it could cause to your tires, wheels and car, in my opinion, is not worth it. What I recommend is that you stay alert to weather conditions and change your tires regularly as well as do it at the right time. At the end of the year, your wallet will surely thank you!
