It’s no surprise that summer tires are a popular choice among spirited drivers and sports car enthusiasts. Their ability to enhance handling precision and unleash a vehicle’s full potential makes them the go-to option for those who live for the thrill of the road.
Summer tires, also called performance tires, are engineered to excel in warmer weather conditions (above 44F°), delivering unparalleled performance on both wet and dry roads. Their tread patterns are designed for maximum grip, cornering stability, braking and rapid acceleration.
What sets summer tires apart is their unique, softer rubber compound, specifically formulated to thrive in higher temperatures. This specialized material effectively dissipates heat, which prevents the tire to overheat during scorching summer months. The occasional rain shower or even downpour does not pose a problem for summer tires either. These tires are designed to minimize hydroplaning, which means they perform excellent on wet roads too.
In this article, we’ve made a selection of the best summer tires, depending on what type of vehicle you drive and which weather conditions you encounter. This will make it easy to choose the right tire for your specific needs.
Check out our selection of Best Summer Tires:
Things to consider when buying summer tires
Summer tires provide effective grip on both dry, hot asphalt and wet roads. However, it’s important to note that summer tires do have their limitations. As temperatures dip below 44°F (7°C), their rubber compound undergoes a transition and becomes less pliable and more rigid. This decrease in flexibility significantly impairs traction and braking performance, which might pose a safety risk in colder climates.
If you live in a region where temperatures consistently stay above 44°F and no snow at all, summer tires are an excellent investment. Drivers in warm climates who experience occasional rain showers, benefit from the superior hydroplaning resistance offered by summer tires.
While summer tires deliver unmatched performance, they do tend to wear out more quickly than their all-season counterparts. The shallower grooves and specialized rubber compound contribute to this shorter lifespan.
- Climate: If temperatures in your region do not drop below 44°F, you can confidently rely on summer tires throughout the year. If you encounter freezing temperatures or snow in winter, switching from summer tires to winter tires is recommended once the thermometer dips below 44º F.
However, if you live in a region with unpredictable weather, sudden temperature drops, freezing rain or light snow suddenly might occur, you might better opt for all-season tires.
- Storage: If you switch to all-season or dedicated winter tires, your summer tires must be stored (indoors) where temperatures don’t drop below 20°F (-7°). When summer performance tires are exposed to below-freezing temperatures, tread compound cracking or tread block chipping might occur. Once a tire has been damaged in this way, the tire will need to be replaced. Replacement will not typically be covered by the manufacturer’s warranty as both types of damage only occur as the result of improper use or storage.
- Compatibility: It’s essential to choose tires that are compatible with your vehicle’s specifications, including the correct size, load index, and speed rating. If you want to know what all those numbers on your tires mean, you might want to read “What Do The Numbers On Tires Mean? Tire Size Explained” Refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual to determine the appropriate tire size for optimal performance and safety.
- Longevity: If you invest in new summer tires, you want them to last as long as possible. Much depends of course on your driving habits (leisurely, sporty or aggressive) and the terrain the tires are used on (highway, backroads, track laps). Also, well-aligned and balanced wheels will prolong the tires’ lifespan and make them wear more evenly. It should be noted that rotating your tires may not be recommended for some summer tires. Always check the tire manufacturer’s instructions, because some summer tires have asymmetrical or directional tread patterns, only to be used in one sense and direction. Regularly check tire pressure because over- or under-inflation leads to uneven tire wear.
If you’re a home mechanic, why not consider getting a second set of wheels with summer tires already mounted on them, instead of needing to have your tires swapped by a tire shop twice a year?
With one set of wheels with summer tires and another set of wheels with winter tires, when the seasons change, you can simply swap the wheels yourself.
While purchasing an extra set of wheels may seem like an investment initially, it might save time and money in the long run by avoiding the need to have your tires fitted and removed from your wheels twice a year. While swapping wheels can easily be done at home, for changing tires on a single set of wheels, professional equipment and expertise is needed.
How we did our review
Over the years we’ve tried and tested a lot of different tires for our cars (older Jeeps, daily drivers, a sporty SUV, a new high-performance sports car, our classic cars…)
For this review we dove deep in the manufacturer specifications and looked at numerous customer reviews to see what their experience was. Furthermore, we listened to what tire experts and tire centers had to say and what their opinion was. We only recommend summer tires from reliable tire manufacturers. All the summer tires in our selection do a great job at maintaining traction in different circumstances, which is crucial. We’ve selected summer tires for different vehicle types and different situations, to make it easy for you to choose the right summer tires for your car.
Check out our selection of Best Summer Tires:
Best Performance Summer Tire
Specs:
|
- Type: Summer tire
- Made for: Sports cars, performance sedans and powerful luxury vehicles
- Mileage Rating: 30.000-mile limited manufacturer’s warranty
Looking to upgrade your driving experience with top-notch performance summer tires? Look no further, the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S is your tire of choice. Renowned for its exceptional handling and grip, this tire is engineered to meet the demands of both daily commuting and spirited driving.
Michelin’s Pilot Sport 4S is the result of collaboration with leading automotive manufacturers such as Mercedes-Benz AMG and Ferrari. Developed with cutting-edge technology honed in competitions like the 24 Hours of Le Mans, it’s no wonder that this tire is trusted by performance vehicle enthusiasts and car manufacturers worldwide. The Premium Touch finish of the tire provides a dark velvet effect on the external sidewall, which makes this summer tire also a real head-turner.
While it may look like it belongs on the track, the Pilot Sport 4S offers a comfortable and quiet ride for everyday use or long road trips. Whether you’re tackling tight corners or navigating wet roads, this tire provides the grip and stability you need without compromising on comfort. Another feature loved by many drivers is the deep rim protectors that help to keep your wheels from being damaged against curbs.
The MICHELIN® Total Performance approach defies the typical compromise between wear and grip, offering exceptional traction while extending tread life. Its ultra-responsive tread patterns enhance road grip, providing an outstanding ride with precise control and roadholding. Meanwhile, MICHELIN® Dynamic Response Technology, an innovative feature that helps adapt to changing road conditions, provides precise steering and cornering, even at high speeds.
The Multi-Compound Construction used for this tire was specially designed for road and occasional track usage. A hybrid compound increases dry-road grip, while functional elastomers and silica give excellent wet grip and braking performance. It delivers unmatched levels of dry- and wet grip exactly where you need it.
By distributing pressure evenly across the tire’s surface, the Variable Contact Patch 3.0 technology minimizes hot spots and improves the tire’s lifespan during aggressive driving.
Unlike many performance tires, the Pilot Sport 4S comes with a 30,000-mile Manufacturer’s Treadwear Limited Warranty. This provides peace of mind, knowing that these tires are built to last.
These tires’ excellent tire rating chart and the many positive reviews tell it all: Customers like the way these tires perform in various conditions. Drivers state that these tires offer an excellent balance between performance, handling and noise.
If you’re looking for a summer tire that offers unmatched performance, comfort, and durability, the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S is the perfect choice. With its advanced technology and trusted reputation, This tire will surely elevate your driving experience to new heights. It is also available for SUV’s.
PROS:
- Superior grip and handling on both dry- and wet surfaces
- Excellent for performance driving
- Comfortable ride quality makes this tire suitable for daily driving
- Rim protection protects against curb damage
- Trusted by leading automotive manufacturers and performance enthusiasts
- 30,000 Miles Manufacturer’s Treadwear Limited Warranty
CONS:
- Higher price compared to standard tires
Best Ultra-High Performance Summer Tire
Specs:
|
- Type: Summer tire
- Made for: High-performance sports cars, sporty coupes and performance sedans
- Mileage Rating: No treadwear warranty
With the Firehawk INDY 500 tires you will experience the exhilaration of every twist and maneuver. Inspired by Firestone’s rich racing legacy, these tires offer an unparalleled driving experience. The Firehawk Indy 500 blends cutting-edge technology with racing-inspired design. Whether navigating wet or dry roads, you can expect exceptional performance and driving pleasure with these ultra-high-performance summer tires.
The Firestone Firehawk Indy 500 uses an innovative high-performance Long Link Carbon tread rubber compound which is infused with silica. This advanced material is crafted into a bold asymmetric tread design, enhancing both performance and aesthetics. This bold design gives these tires their iconic look.
The latest Firestone Firehawk Indy 500® tire lets you take corners with confidence. Its wide shoulders increase the tire’s stiffness, delivering dynamic cornering capabilities.
Worried about hydroplaning? You needn’t be! The innovative Pulse Groove channel built into the tread pattern ensures superior water evacuation. This enhances wet handling and significantly reduces the risk of hydroplaning.
Thanks to an upgraded rubber compound and tread design, the new Indy 500® tire offers a remarkable 20% improvement in stopping distance on wet surfaces compared to the previous generation Firehawk.
Whether you’re navigating tight turns or cruising through rainy conditions, the Firestone Firehawk Indy 500® tire is your reliable partner for a safer and more exhilarating driving experience.
Just like most summer tires, the Firestone Firehawk Indy 500 isn’t backed by a traditional treadwear mile warranty.
Customers confirm these tires are grippy, responsive and quiet. They say these tires perform outstanding and have great dry- and wet handling. Drivers using them on track days are also very pleased with them. Most drivers say these tires hold up very well and last long, considering they are ultra-high performance tires.
The Firestone Firehawk Indy 500 tires offer a compelling blend of an exhilarating driving experience, innovation and style inspired by Firestone’s racing heritage.
PROS:
- Racing-Inspired Design is engineered for high performance
- Innovative Technology to enhance performance and safety
- Pulse Groove channel helps reduce the risk of hydroplaning and increase wet handling
- 20% shorter stopping distance on wet roads, compared to the prior generation Firehawk
- Confident and dynamic cornering capability
CONS:
- No Treadwear Mile Warranty
- Higher price compared to standard tires
Best Summer Tire for Passenger Car/Daily Driver
Specs:
|
- Type: Summer tire
- Made for: Passenger vehicles
- Mileage Rating: No treadwear warranty
The Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 is a summer tire engineered for the driver seeking both longevity and performance. It is crafted specifically for passenger vehicles and sets a new standard in durability and efficiency.
Distinguished by its remarkable mileage capabilities, the EfficientGrip Performance 2 outperforms all tested competitors in the summer tire category. With an impressive 20% more mileage than its closest rival (Michelin), it stands as the undisputed champion in cost-effective tire solutions. It can do up to 50% more miles than the previous Goodyear model.
Goodyear’s Mileage Plus Technology prioritizes longevity without compromising on performance. Thanks to its high tread elasticity and flexibility, this tire withstands the rigors of rough road conditions, minimizing fractures and ensuring extended durability.
For unpredictable wet road scenarios, Goodyear’s Wet Braking Technology steps in to provide unparalleled safety. The use of a lower compound stiffness enables block bending and efficient water dispersal. This results in shorter braking distances and enhanced grip on wet surfaces. With an increased number of gripping edges, it ensures confident handling even on wet roads.
Also, the Dry Stability Plus Technology ensures optimal performance on dry surfaces. The larger ribs positioned at the center of the tread ensure higher stiffness which provides better handling. This allows drivers to confidently navigate corners and straightaways alike.
A much appreciated feature is the Rim protection. With rim protectors built into the tire, you’ll enjoy greater protection against curb damage.
Independent performed tire tests show that this is a very well-balanced tire with excellent wet handling, great dry handling and also a good environmental record.
The Goodyear Efficient Grip Performance 2 scores with above-average mileage in the wear test and low abrasion. It also scores impressively in the efficiency test thanks to the low tire weight and low fuel consumption. While it performs very well in most aspects of wet road safety, tests show there’s room for improvement in its ability to resist aquaplaning. When it comes to noise, the Goodyear performs satisfactorily according to tests.
In essence, the Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 isn’t just a standard summer tire; it offers unrivaled mileage, superior wet and dry performance, and uncompromising stability.
PROS:
- Exceptional Mileage: 20% more mileage than its closest rival and up to 50% more miles than its predecessor
- Mileage Plus Technology reduces fractures and enhancing longevity
- Wet Braking Technology: shorter braking distances and improved grip on wet surfaces
- Dry Stability Plus Technology: Optimal performance on dry surfaces
- Rim Protection
- Efficiency: Low fuel consumption because of low tire weight
CONS:
- No treadwear warranty
Best Summer Tire for SUV
Specs:
|
- Type: Summer tire
- Made for: SUV and crossover
- Mileage Rating: 20,000 Miles manufacturer’s treadwear limited warranty
The Pilot Sport 4 SUV is engineered to deliver exceptional grip and handling in a variety of conditions. Michelin’s Dynamic Response technology optimizes steering precision for controlled steering no matter whether you’re navigating city streets or curvy highways. The tire’s asymmetrical tread pattern and improved tread stiffness ensures optimal grip. This results in outstanding braking performance on dry- and wet surfaces even as the tire wears down. A new tread compound using elastomers and thin silica delivers excellent grip and braking in wet conditions.
But performance isn’t the only thing the Pilot Sport 4 SUV excels at. Michelin has also prioritized comfort and durability in this tire. These tires offer 12% longer tread life compared to its competitors. Thanks to the optimized tread pattern, its high-density double casing and hybrid belt made of aramid and nylon, this tire is built to withstand the challenges of SUV driving.
The Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV also looks very stylish on your vehicle. With its Premium Touch dark velvet finish and deep rim protector guards, this tire not only looks great but also helps protect your wheels from light wheel damage.
It’s no wonder that the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV is a favorite among premium SUV manufacturers like AMG, BMW, Genesis, Land Rover and Mercedes. With its winning combination of performance, comfort, and durability, it’s the perfect choice for SUV drivers who want nothing but the best for their summer adventures. Independent tire tests and an excellent tire ratings chart confirm this.
PROS:
- Outstanding grip and handling in both wet and dry conditions
- Enhanced braking performance, even as the tire wears down
- Excellent longevity, 12% longer tread life compared to competitors
- Premium sidewall design adds stylish look
- Deep rim protector guards to protect your wheels
- Favorite among premium SUV manufacturers
CONS:
- Higher price compared to standard tires
Best Summer Tire for Pickups and Light Trucks
Specs:
|
- Type: Summer tire
- Made for: Light, medium and heavy-duty pickups, vans and trucks
- Mileage Rating: 60,000 Mile manufacturer’s treadwear limited warranty
Michelin’s XPS Rib Summer tires are crafted for drivers of light, medium and heavy-duty pickups, vans and trucks seeking a perfect blend of heavy-duty load capacity, even tread wear, low noise, and reliable traction on dry- and wet roads. The tire is designed to endure the rigors of commercial use without compromising performance. Let’s take a look at why this tire is so popular:
Purpose-built: The XPS Rib is tailor-made for commercial use and demanding work environments. It’s an all-wheel position commercial grade tire, available in many popular Heavy-Duty sizes.
Long-lasting: Its tread compound is optimized for commercial applications, ensuring durability and tire longevity to maximize your business investment.
Strong construction: Enhanced by a robust steel casing, this tire offers superior strength to handle any job, big or small.
Heavy-Duty performance: This tire is ideal for heavy-duty applications because the XPS Rib guarantees reliable load capacity, consistent tread wear, minimal noise, and excellent traction on wet- and dry-road conditions.
OE choice: This tire is trusted by car manufacturers, and often selected as original equipment for Medium- and Heavy-Duty trucks, vans and pickups.
Even wear: The optimized tread pattern ensures uniform wear and long mileage. It keeps noise levels down.
Fuel-efficient: Both the low rolling resistance casing and tread design contribute to superior fuel economy.
Damage-resistant: These tires are equipped with a sidewall protector to resist damage from curb scrubbing. A big bonus to extend tire life and reduce downtime!
Warranty: The XPS Rib comes with a generous 60,000-mile warranty. This assures high quality and gives you peace of mind.
For drivers who seek light truck tires that are reliable, with longevity, and superior performance, the Michelin XPS Rib stands as the ultimate choice, ensuring you stay on the road, job after job, mile after mile.
PROS:
- Designed for Heavy-Duty use with excellent load capacity
- Great traction on both dry and wet roads
- Optimized tread pattern for even tread wear
- Strong construction with steel casing
- Superior fuel economy
- Sidewall protector protects wheel rims
- Low noise
- Trusted as OE for Medium- and Heavy-Duty trucks, vans, and pickups
- 60,000-mile warranty
CONS:
- May have a higher initial cost compared to standard summer tires
Best Summer Tire for Vintage or Classic Cars
Specs:
|
- Type: Summer tire
- Made for: Classic cars, vintage cars
- Mileage Rating: No treadwear warranty
Owners of a vintage or classic car know that it is not easy to find quality tires who look their part. The Vredestein Sprint Classic tire is made for classic car drivers seeking the perfect blend of vintage looks and modern performance. It is specially developed for enthusiasts with an eye for detail and design who want to complete the look of their classic car.
To get this vintage look, a sophisticated, modern tread compound is molded into a symmetric tread design with a classic look. The solid rib pattern with closed shoulders delivers confident straight-line tracking on the road. The contemporary radial construction offers enhanced handling compared to traditional bias-ply tires of that time.
With safety at the forefront, the tire performs excellent on both dry and wet roads. Multiple sipes within the tread ribs enhance wet traction and deep circumferential grooves efficiently channel water away which reduces the risk of hydroplaning.
The Vredestein Sprint Classic tires are capable of reaching speeds of up to 167 miles per hour (270 km/h). These tires combine classic charm with contemporary functionality which makes it an ideal choice for classic car enthusiasts.
According to many customers, Vredestein Sprint Classic tires are the best tires available for vintage and classic cars. They confirm these tires perform very well and make their car look good. As there are not many good looking modern quality tires available for classic cars, customers love these tires.
PROS:
- Classic look combined with contemporary technology
- High safety on dry and wet roads
- Short braking distance
- Sophisticated and modern tread compound
- Suitable for speeds up to 167 miles per hour / 270 km/h
CONS:
- No treadwear warranty
Best Summer Tire for EV
Specs:
|
- Type: Summer tires
- Made for: Electric vehicles
- Mileage Rating: 20,000-mileage warranty
The Pilot Sport EV is Michelin’s summer tire designed specifically for electric vehicle drivers who seek optimized performance. It is engineered to achieve an ideal balance between traction, longevity and low rolling resistance while maintaining comfort, low noise and good handling. This tire provides a smooth, quiet ride with impressive grip in both dry and wet weather conditions.
For this special tire, Michelin uses an ElectricGrip Compound, inspired by their Formula E tire development experience. The center part of the tread pattern utilizes a high stiffness rubber compound which provides maximum grip for efficient EV torque transmission. Thanks to this feature you can confidently unleash the full potential of your high-performance Electric Vehicle.
MaxTouch Construction technology optimizes the tire’s road contact and evenly distributes the forces when accelerating, braking and cornering. This helps the tread to last longer without giving up handling or performance.
Because Michelin uses GreenPower Compound for the Pilot Sport EV, you support the environment without sacrificing driving fun. It’s a High Efficiency rubber compound, for lower rolling resistance and long-lasting mileage. Despite the heavier weight of high performance Electric Vehicles, this reduces energy helping electric cars go further on a single charge. For the internal construction of the Pilot Sport EV two Greenbelt™ steel top belts are used. These special top belts use less energy and material without losing strength, which reduces raw materials used and improves rolling resistance.
People who drive Electric Vehicles expect a silent ride. Thanks to Michelin® Acoustic Technology they can enjoy a quieter ride with the music and sounds they like instead of tire and road noise. A custom designed polyurethane foam solution is used to muffle noise resonance.
The sophisticated look of the Premium Touch sidewall design also makes sure your car will get noticed with these tires. Cutting-edge nano-technology laser engraving, a patented process by MICHELIN, is used to create a luxurious velvet-like micro texture.
The MICHELIN® Pilot® Sport EV tire is an asymmetric tire which makes it easier to rotate the tires on your car to help maximize their lifespan.
This premium tire is also chosen by premium carmakers as OE summer tire for many of their electric vehicles. Despite the fact that many car manufacturers prefer this tire, customer reviews show mixed opinions. According to tire experts and car manufacturers, these negative reviews are mainly because customers tend to forget that this is a dedicated summer tire and not an all-season tire as on many EVs. Just like all summer tires, they are designed for optimal grip and performance in temperatures above 44°F and no snow at all. Summer tires will not perform well in cold weather conditions. Also, drivers new to electric cars tend to wear their tires faster than they are used to. This is because of the high torque of an EV compared to a standard car with a combustion engine.
PROS:
- Exceptional Handling
- Low Rolling Resistance for improved range
- Great look
- Chosen by Premium Carmakers
- 20,000-mileage warranty
CONS:
- More expensive than standard summer tires
Best Summer Tire for Rain or Wet Roads
Specs:
|
- Type: Summer tire
- Made for: Passenger vehicles, sports cars, performance sedans and powerful luxury vehicles
- Mileage Rating: 30,000-mile limited warranty
Continental’s ExtremeContact Sport summer tire was developed by professional racecar drivers. The use of SportPlus™ Technology provides responsive handling, better grip on wet and dry roads and an extended tread life. Continental succeeded in blending high-performance capabilities with refined ride comfort and noise reduction.
This tire excels in offering superb grip on wet and dry roads. It is engineered with Continental’s innovative +Silane tread compound which enhances traction and stability on wet surfaces, even at higher speeds. Deep, circumferential grooves efficiently channel water away from the tire’s contact patch, reducing the risk of hydroplaning.
The outside shoulder of the tire has wide tread blocks for enhanced lateral grip and high-speed handling. The continuous center rib ensures consistent rubber-to-road contact which delivers a stable on-center feel. Furthermore, an optimized footprint evenly distributes pressure across the tire’s surface which extends tread life. The tire’s reinforced internal structure also enhances its high speed performance capability.
The optimized five-rib, asymmetric tread design prevents irregular wear and extends the tire’s life. Unlike many other high performance summer tires, the Continental Extreme Contact Sport comes with a 30,000-mile limited warranty.
Customers confirm these tires excel in wet conditions. They are also thrilled about their capabilities both for daily driving and track driving. They recommend these tires for spirited drivers too.
When you equip your performance car with the Continental ExtremeContact Sport tires, you can confidently enjoy the thrill of the open road without worrying about sudden rain showers and damp road conditions.
PROS:
- Superior dry and wet handling
- Developed by professional racecar drivers
- Easy handling and performance at high speeds
- Excellent dry and wet braking
- Longer lasting tread life
- Great value
CONS:
- Awesome tire for warm wet road conditions, but marginally less traction in dry conditions, compared to “dry weather summer tires”
Comparison Table of the Best Summer Tires
Brand | Name | |
---|---|---|
Best Performance Summer Tire | MICHELIN | PILOT SPORT 4S |
Best Ultra-High Performance Summer Tire | FIRESTONE | FIREHAWK INDY 500 |
Best Summer Tire for Passenger Car/Daily Driver | GOODYEAR | EFFICIENT GRIP PERFORMANCE 2 |
Best Summer Tire for SUV | MICHELIN | PILOT SPORT 4 SUV |
Best Summer Tire for Pickups and Light Trucks | MICHELIN | XPS RIB |
Best Summer Tire for Vintage or Classic Cars | VREDESTEIN | SPRINT CLASSIC |
Best Summer Tire for EV | MICHELIN | PILOT SPORT EV |
Best Summer Tire for Rain or Wet Roads | CONTINENTAL | EXTREMECONTACT SPORT |
Final Thoughts
If you’re seeking High Performance and ultimate control in warm weather conditions, summer tires are your best choice. With their superior grip, cornering stability, and resistance to hydroplaning, these tires will elevate your driving experience to new heights. To avoid disappointment however, you want to factor in the shorter lifespan and temperature limitations (above 44°F) of summer tires when making your decision.
If our recommended summer tires don’t fit your vehicle or driving habits, why not use a selection tool to find the perfect tire for your specific needs?
Be safe!
Happy cruisin’!
FAQ’s
How do I know what size summer tires to purchase?
The correct tire size for your vehicle can typically be found in your vehicle’s owner’s manual or on a sticker located inside the driver’s side door.
If you want to know what all those numbers on your tires mean, you might want to check “What Do The Numbers On Tires Mean? Tire Size Explained”.
Why You Should Trust Our Reviews And Content
All our website content and reviews are 100% unique, protected and based on our own thorough research.
They are the result of our hands-on testing, data analytics, expert consultation and customer review analysis, enhanced by our own extensive expertise.
We do not compromise: our focal point is always on you, our valued visitor.
Our website content and reviews are your unbiased, unsponsored tools to get the job done better and quicker, with less expense.
CCM is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.