The Importance of Changing Over to Summer Tires

April 03, 2025, Kitchener, Ontario

Posted by: Robert Deutschmann, Personal Injury Lawyer

As the snow melts and temperatures rise across Ontario, many drivers breathe a sigh of relief, eager to store away their winter gear — including their winter tires. However, making the switch to summer tires is more than a seasonal chore; it’s a crucial step to ensure safety, improve vehicle performance, and even save money in the long run.

Why Swap Winter Tires for Summer Tires?

Winter tires are specifically designed for cold weather conditions, offering superior traction on snow and ice. They’re made from a softer rubber compound that remains flexible in low temperatures, providing better grip. However, this same softness becomes a liability as temperatures rise. Once the weather consistently hits 7°C or higher, winter tires start to wear faster, compromising performance and safety.

Summer tires, on the other hand, are engineered to handle warmer temperatures, dry pavement, and wet roads from spring through fall. They use a harder rubber compound and shallower tread patterns designed to maximize road contact. This results in improved handling, shorter braking distances, and better overall vehicle control — especially crucial when quick reactions are needed to avoid an accident.

The Safety Benefits of Summer Tires

From an accident prevention standpoint, summer tires offer several key advantages:

1. Enhanced Traction and Handling: Summer tires provide superior grip on dry and wet roads. The specialized tread patterns help channel water away, reducing the risk of hydroplaning during spring and summer rainstorms. This improved traction allows for better cornering and steering response — essential for avoiding obstacles or sudden hazards.
2. Shorter Braking Distances: Braking performance is critical when it comes to preventing collisions. On warm, dry pavement, vehicles equipped with winter tires require more distance to come to a complete stop compared to those with summer tires. A few metres can make all the difference between a close call and a serious accident.
3. Increased Stability: Summer tires are designed to provide a smoother, more stable ride on hot roads. This stability helps maintain control during high-speed maneuvers or emergency swerves — scenarios where winter tires would flex and compromise your vehicle’s responsiveness.

Economic and Longevity Considerations

In addition to safety benefits, switching to summer tires extends the lifespan of your winter set. Keeping winter tires on year-round results in faster tread wear, meaning you’ll need to replace them sooner — an unnecessary expense. By alternating between two sets of seasonal tires, you distribute wear more evenly, ensuring both sets last longer.

Moreover, summer tires contribute to better fuel efficiency. The rolling resistance of winter tires on warm pavement is higher, leading to increased fuel consumption. Summer tires, with their optimized rubber composition and tread design, reduce this resistance, saving you money at the pump.

When to Make the Change to Summer Tires

In Ontario, a good rule of thumb is to switch to summer tires when the daily temperature consistently stays above 7°C. This typically happens around mid to late April, though it varies depending on location. Many tire shops recommend booking an appointment early to avoid long wait times during peak season.

Ultimately, changing from winter to summer tires is more than a matter of convenience — it’s a critical safety measure. With improved traction, better handling, and shorter stopping distances, summer tires play a significant role in preventing accidents and keeping Ontario’s roads safer for everyone. Don’t overlook this essential seasonal switch — your safety depends on it.

About Deutschmann de Koning Law

Deutschmann de Koning Law serves South-Western Ontario with offices in Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge, Woodstock, Brantford, Stratford and Ayr. The law practice of Robert Deutschmann and Nick de Koning focuses almost exclusively in personal injury and disability insurance matters. For more information, please visit www.ddinjurylaw.com or call us at 1-519-742-7774.