When the summer sun beats down on the asphalt, your tires face a whole new set of challenges. High pavement temperatures, sudden summer downpours, and long road trips all demand a tire that can handle the heat.
At Southside Tire & Automotive Repair, we’ve been helping drivers across Wisconsin and Nebraska stay safe on the road since 1965. When the seasons shift, choosing the right rubber makes all the difference in your vehicle’s handling, fuel efficiency, and braking distance.
Let’s break down the best tire options for summer driving to keep your vehicle performing at its best.
1. High-Performance Summer Tires: Best for Crisp Handling
If you drive a sports car, a performance sedan, or just love a responsive driving experience, dedicated summer tires are your best bet.
Unlike other tires, summer tires are engineered with a specialized tread compound that stays firm even when pavement temperatures skyrocket. They feature shallower grooves and massive tread blocks, putting maximum rubber in contact with the dry road.
The Benefit: Unmatched cornering grip and the shortest possible braking distances on hot asphalt.
Top Recommendations: Look at options like the Michelin® Pilot Sport series or Continental ExtremeContact. These brands consistently deliver the sharp handling that performance drivers crave.
2. Premium All-Season Tires: Best for Versatility
For the everyday commuter, a premium all-season tire is often the most practical choice. While they don’t offer the razor-sharp cornering of a dedicated summer tire, high-quality all-seasons provide a quiet, comfortable ride and incredible tread life.
Modern all-season tires are designed to handle everything from dry summer highways to sudden June thunderstorms without breaking a sweat.
The Benefit: You don’t have to swap your tires out when autumn arrives, and they typically come with excellent mileage warranties.
Top Recommendations: The Michelin® Defender line or Bridgestone Ecopia are fantastic, reliable choices that prioritize long wear-life, smooth riding, and great wet-weather traction.
3. Summer Touring Tires: Best for Road Trips
Planning to stack up the miles on a family vacation? Touring tires are built specifically for long-distance highway driving. They combine the reliable wet-and-dry grip of an all-season tire with a heavy focus on comfort, low road noise, and fuel efficiency.
The Benefit: A quieter cabin on long highway stretches and reduced rolling resistance, which helps save money at the gas pump.
Top Recommendations: Firestone Destination or Uniroyal® Tiger Paw series offer great highway stability and comfort at a budget-friendly price point.
Don’t Forget: The Danger of Summer Rain
Summer driving isn’t just about hot, dry roads. Sudden thunderstorms can create slick conditions instantly. When rain hits hot pavement, it mixes with leftover oil and dust, creating a slippery layer.
Both summer tires and premium all-season tires from top brands like Goodyear and BFGoodrich® feature specialized circumferential grooves (the deep channels running around the tire) designed to pump water away from the tread. This keeping your rubber firmly planted on the road and prevents hydroplaning (sliding uncontrollably on a wet surface).
Get Ready for Summer at Southside Tire
No matter what you drive, the “best” tire depends entirely on your vehicle, your driving habits, and your budget.
Don’t guess when it comes to your safety. Drop by any of our 9 convenient Southside Tire locations in Wisconsin or our 7 Garrett Tires & Treads locations in Nebraska. Our local experts will help you find the perfect set of wheels to keep your summer road trips safe and smooth! Schedule your appointment now: https://www.southsidetire.com/schedule-service