Many drivers default to all-season tires throughout the year, which is fine if you live in a temperate climate. However, areas with hot summers can quickly degrade all-season tires, causing unsafe driving conditions. Switching to summer tires during warmer months can help preserve your tire tread life while improving your driving experience!

Use our guide to compare top summer tires across multiple tire brands, learn quick maintenance tips, and answer summer tire FAQs!

On the hunt for used summer tires? Visit Hooper’s Tire Outlet to see our collection of affordable, high-quality used tires.

What Are Summer Tires and Why Do I Need Them?

Summer tires are designed to drive on hot, dry roads during warmer weather. They feature a softer rubber compound with large tread blocks, shallow grooves, and short sidewalls, allowing for more contact with the road and improved road grip under dry and wet conditions. Better tire performance can lead to better gas efficiency and safer driving conditions, too.

Summer tires are best for:

  • Sports cars

  • Luxury cars 

  • Recreational drivers and driving enthusiasts

  • Areas with hot summers 

  • Areas with hot climates year-round

While summer tires boast high performance, they can also feel stiff to ride in, and their performance drops significantly in cold weather. Most summer tires can handle temperatures above 45º F and should not be used under 40º F. Summer tires may also have a shorter tread life compared to all-season tires.

The 5 Best Summer Tires for Reliable Driving

1. Michelin Pilot Sport 4S

The Michelin Pilot Sport 4S stands out for its top-performing road grip, earning top marks for dry and wet braking. The tires perform well under wet conditions, which helps prevent hydroplaning. Strong tire traction also helps drivers tackle corners and accelerate easily. 

In terms of ride quality, reviewers applaud the Pilot Sport 4S for being comfortable to drive on. Many drivers get about 30,000 miles out of the tires, an impressive feat for summer tires.

2. Pirelli P Zero (PZ4) 

The Pirelli P Zero is a high-performance summer tire developed for sports cars and luxury sedans. It features Pirelli’s signature S-treme asymmetric design, augmenting its traction and reducing noise. The PZ4 also has a unique silica and carbon compound that helps maintain consistent performance and minimize tire deformation.

3. Continental ExtremeContact Sport

The Continental ExtremeContact Sport advertises itself as a passenger tire built by professional racecar drivers—and for good reason! It consistently ranks highly among summer tires thanks to its accessible cost, reliable grip, and responsive drive. Many reviewers note that it handles demanding drives well. 

Recently, Continental released an updated version called the Continental ExtremeContact Sport 2. While the latest version builds on their remarkable performance, the original still holds its own. Drivers are sure to enjoy either option!

4. Bridgestone Potenza RE 71RS:

Unmatched in its road grip, the Bridgestone Potenza RE 71RS excels in cornering, giving drivers complete control while on the track. Its stiff outside shoulder, low-angle grooves, and high-grip polymer compound makeup to its cornering capabilities. These summer tires perform best on a dry track, though they still handle well under wet weather.

5. Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2

Racing enthusiasts will enjoy the Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2. As a lightweight summer tire, it works well under dry conditions while driving in the city or traversing highways. The tread design incorporates Goodyear’s breaking technology, which helps reduce braking distance and improve car responsiveness.

Summer Tire Maintenance Tips

Maintaining your summer tires is essential for prolonging their lifespan and ensuring optimal performance throughout the season. Extreme summer weather is notorious for causing tire blowouts. Take the necessary precautions to protect your tires and stay safe!

  • Check Your Tire Pressure Regularly – Proper tire pressure ensures even wear and optimal traction. In the summer, check your tires every month before driving. The recommended psi is between 30 to 35 psi, but you should defer to your car manual.

  • Rotate Your Tires – Rotating your tires every 5,000 miles promotes even tread wear, extending the lifespan of your tires and improving overall performance.

  • Check Your Alignment – Proper wheel alignment prevents uneven wear and ensures stable handling. Check your wheel alignment regularly, particularly after hitting potholes or curbs.

  • Routine Inspections – Regularly inspect your tires for signs of damage, such as cuts, bulges, or uneven wear. Promptly address any issues to maintain safety and performance.

  • Store Your Tires Properly – When not in use, store summer tires indoors in a cool, temperature-stable spot away from direct sunlight. Basements are ideal for tire storage, while garages can fluctuate too much in temperature. Try placing your tires in a yard bag, removing as much air as possible with a vacuum cleaner, and taping the opening shut to reduce oil evaporation.

FAQs About Summer Tires

​​Can you use summer tires year-round?

While summer tires offer superior performance in warm weather conditions, they aren't appropriate for year-round use, especially in regions with cold temperatures or snow. Summer tires can become stiff and crack in cold weather, leading to unsafe driving conditions. Do not use your tires under 45º F.

What’s the difference between summer tires and all-season tires?

Summer tires specifically focus on warm weather performance, with rubber compounds and tread patterns optimized for enhanced traction and handling on dry and wet roads. In contrast, all-season tires are designed to provide adequate performance under a wide range of conditions, including mild winter weather, making them a more versatile option for year-round use.

Do I need to change my summer tires if I live in a warm region?

While some drivers in regions with mild winters may use summer tires year-round, it's important to consider the potential decrease in performance and safety, especially on cold or wet roads. For optimal performance and safety, many drivers opt to switch to all-season or winter tires during colder months.

How long do summer tires typically last?

On average, summer tires may last anywhere from 20,000 to 40,000 miles. However, aggressive driving, extreme high temperatures, and improper maintenance can accelerate tread wear and reduce tire lifespan. 30,000 miles is considered good for summer tires.

Are high-performance summer tires worth the investment?

High-performance summer tires offer superior traction, handling, and cornering stability, making them ideal for driving enthusiasts or those seeking maximum performance. While they may come with a higher price tag compared to standard summer tires or all-season tires, the benefits in terms of performance and driving enjoyment can justify the investment for those who prioritize performance. 

If you mostly drive to commute, regular summer tires or all-season tires may be more appropriate.

Find Used Summer Tires Near You

Choosing the right summer tires is essential for maximizing safety, performance, and driving enjoyment during warmer months. By considering factors such as brand reputation, tire size, tread pattern, and maintenance requirements, you can select the perfect tires for your vehicle's needs. 

Find used summer tires at Hooper’s Tire Outlet! We inspect all used tires to ensure drivers get high-quality products at reasonable prices.