Summer Tires: Why They Matter for Warm Weather Driving

Tire performance is something most drivers start to worry about
when winter comes.

But warm weather has its hazards too, and neglecting them can lead to changes in how well your car can brake, turn, and respond. As the thermometer rises, the difference between the right tire and the wrong one quickly becomes evident, especially during sudden stops or high-speed curves.

What Makes Summer Tires Different

These tires are designed specifically for heat. Shoppers looking at their options for summer by using a retailer like Priority Tire often notice how these tires are engineered for grip rather than compromise. A quick glance at summer tires reveals designs that are made to stay stable and under control when the heat gets turned up.

Their special rubber compounds remain flexible even in high temperatures, which means that they will make an amazing ground-to-tire connection. Also, the tread patterns consist of fewer grooves and wider contact areas, which will make them maximally dry and have even wet traction.

How Summer Tires Make Driving a Better Experience

The advantages add up quickly when you hit the road. Summer tires make it easier to steer your car, improve cornering stability, and allow you to stop more quickly, all in dry conditions. This added control can take some of the guessing out of your daily drive.

They still manage water effectively when it is wet, meaning you are less likely to hydroplane, with no loss of control.

When Drivers Should Use Them

Summer tires work best when the temperature is consistently 7 degrees Celsius or warmer. When there is less, the rubber will harden, compromising their grip and their safety. They are not recommended for snow and ice.

Most drivers who change tires twice a year see the biggest benefit, simply switching to summer tires when the weather is warm and another tire when it isn’t.

The Bottom Line