Choosing summer tires for cars — TOP 10 best models

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“How to choose summer tires for a car” — every motorist asks this question, since this is a very important component for ensuring the comfort and safety of the driver and passengers. That is why it is important to choose a tire with an optimal balance of grip quality and wear resistance, and of course, do not forget about the price.

How to choose summer tires for a car?

So, spring has come, and it’s time to think about the transition from winter tires to summer tires. Which model is best for your specific car? How are tires different? We will answer these questions below.

What is the difference between summer and winter tires?

Summer tires made of a special rubber compound that allows you to withstand high temperatures and speeds. Unlike winter ones, they are more rigid and keep contact with heated asphalt well. At temperatures below zero, the summer tire instantly hardens, and contact with the road is greatly reduced. Therefore, when driving on such a tire in sub-zero temperatures, there is a high probability of skidding.

Winter tires are made from a softer rubber compound, so in the summer heat it will soften very quickly and wear out quickly. But in sub-zero temperatures, such a tire will provide perfect grip due to good elasticity. In addition to the composition of the rubber compound, the manufacturer also equips winter tires with high tread, spikes and Velcro for a more confident ride. Do not forget about all season tires. They do not need to be changed depending on the temperature outside, however, they do not provide sufficient handling and comfort levels, unlike seasonal tires.

What tire size do you need?

First, refer to your vehicle owner’s manual or driver’s door sign to find the recommended tire sizes for your vehicle. The label will look something like this: 205/55 R16 91Vwhere

  • 205 — width (mm)
  • 55 — profile height (%)
  • R16 — radial design and rim diameter (inches)
  • 91V — load index and speed index

In addition, the manufacturer of summer tires indicates the requirements for maximum load and pressure, country of manufacture, model, brand, and so on.

Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for sizing, otherwise you will not only worsen handling, but it is also likely that the new wheels will cling to the wheel arches.

Choosing a tread pattern

Modern tires are designed taking into account weather conditions, road conditions and so on. Depending on this, there are 3 main types of tread patterns:

Directional tread pattern

Due to the pattern symmetrically directed in the direction of movement and the optimal depth of the grooves, water is quickly and efficiently removed from the contact patch. A directional tread is a great option for those who live in regions with frequent rainfall.

Important! The direction of installation is indicated by an arrow on the sidewall of the tire. Be sure to follow the instructions, otherwise it will lead to rapid wear and poor grip.

Non-directional (symmetrical) tread pattern

The advantage of this type is that tires with a non-directional tread pattern can be installed in any way (from one side of the car to the other). This tire shows the best grip characteristics on asphalt and light off-road. Another plus is the budget price.

Despite the obvious advantages, this type of patterns also has its drawbacks: handling in rainy and snowy weather is much worse compared to a directional pattern; worse aquaplaning resistance.

Asymmetrical tread pattern

The most modern and versatile type of tread pattern that provides excellent handling under various road conditions. However, due to the use of modern technologies in production, the price of such a tire will be quite high.

Rating of the best summer tires

one Continental ContiPremiumContact 5 — best tire of the year

The Continental ContiPremiumContact 5 is one of the most popular summer tires on the market today. First introduced in 2012, the ContiPremiumContact 5 quickly won the trust of customers for its high performance and maximum comfort in all weathers. Compared to its predecessor (ContiPremiumContact 2), the updated model has 15% shorter braking distances, 8% less rolling resistance, 12% longer life and 5% less tire noise.

This tire has taken part in many tests from well-known magazines and online publications. So, for example, in 2015, ContiPremiumContact 5 became the winner of a comparative test according to the Russian magazine Za Rulem.

pros

  • Good stability on dry and wet pavement
  • Excellent handling
  • Short stopping distance
  • Virtually silent

Minuses

  • Weak sidewall

2 Nokian Nordman SZ – excellent value for money

The second place in our rating is occupied by the Finnish-made Nokian Nordman SZ. The features of this tire are stable grip and extended service life. The tire is designed for high speed driving. The use of the unique «Silent Groove Design» technology has made it possible to achieve a significant reduction in noise due to the slots in the shoulder area of ​​the tire. Tire size from 16 to 19 inches, load index 92-101, maximum speed index is presented in two versions: V (up to 240 km/h) and W (up to 270 km/h). Use of a unique

Buyers in this model like the good handling and low noise level. Over 71% of users recommend Nokian Nordman SZ tires for purchase.

pros

  • Holds the road well
  • Doesn’t tan too much at low temperatures
  • Excellent aquaplaning performance
  • Cute appearance

Minuses

  • Noisy
  • Poorly balanced

3 Yokohama BluEarth-A AE-50 — «orange» tires

The BluEarth tire series was created with the goal of caring for the environment. In the manufacture of the rubber compound, natural ingredients were used, among which were orange oil and rubber. The updated composition of the rubber compound improved the wear resistance index, made it possible to achieve fuel economy and, consequently, reduce carbon dioxide emissions.

Buyers don’t like low tire noise levels. More than 55% of users recommend this tire for purchase.

pros

  • Relatively low price
  • Good grip
  • Silent
  • Perfectly balanced

Minuses

  • Harsh
  • Wears out relatively quickly

four Michelin Energy XM2 — off-road panacea

This model of summer tires is made using modern technologies, thanks to which it was possible to significantly increase the efficiency of braking, grip and fuel economy.

The MICHELIN Energy XM2 uses the unique IronflexTM technology (special sidewall construction + carcass strands of a stronger material) that protects the sidewall from full resolution or herniation. Engineers have also equipped the Energy XM2 with a system of wide drainage channels, which improves traction and reduces the likelihood of aquaplaning. In addition, MICHELIN tires are distinguished from the competition by their extended service life and low rolling resistance.

pros

  • Excellent handling in all weather conditions
  • Soft and silent
  • Loyal to bad roads
  • Modest fuel consumption

Minuses

  • Poor braking performance on dry and wet pavement

5 Bridgestone Turanza T001 — the best of the Japanese

Bridgestone has long been one of the leaders in the automotive wheel market. Their products are popular in countries all over the world. It is not surprising, because their tires are synonymous with durability and excellent quality.

The Bridgestone Turanza T001 is a premium comfort tire that fully reveals its performance during long journeys or high-speed trips. Due to the unique shape of the grooves and their large number, the developers of Turanza T001 managed to achieve a significant reduction in extraneous noise and vibration. The long service life of this model is associated with the use of polymers in the composition of the rubber compound. The special tread pattern has improved grip on dry and wet surfaces.

pros

  • High wear resistance
  • Ideal for any type of coating
  • well balanced
  • Moderately tough

6 Nokian Hakka Green 2 — for family cars

Nokian Hakka Green 2 is an affordable and high performance tire ideal for class B and C class family cars. Compared to its predecessor, this tire is 15% more wear resistant, has improved grip and reduced fuel consumption.

The main changes affected the sidewall, which was equipped with a special rubber compound using Silent Sidewall Technology. This has greatly increased comfort by reducing vibration levels. There is also an improved design on the tread blocks, which improves the outflow of water from the contact patch and prevents hydroplaning. Rapeseed and pine oil, soot particles, which increase mileage, were added to the rubber compound.

pros

  • Good handling
  • Saves fuel
  • Not noisy
  • Reasonable price

Minuses

  • Rapid wear

7 Michelin Primacy 3 — uncompromising grip

According to the manufacturer, this model provides uncompromising grip on dry and wet pavement on the roads of our country. This was achieved due to the smoothed edges of the tread blocks and special self-locking sipes. Due to this, the braking distance is also reduced (on wet asphalt by 1.5 m, and on dry asphalt by 2 m).

Also improved grip was achieved through an improved rubber compound. The addition of three elastomers not only markedly improved road holding, but also increased wear resistance and fuel efficiency.

pros

  • Excellent road holding
  • Increased wear resistance
  • Quiet and comfortable

Minuses

  • Poor feedback on the steering wheel, there is a slight delay during sharp maneuvers

eight Goodyear Efficient Grip Performance — great for wet roads

Another very good option that you can change your car into is the Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance. These tires perform particularly well on wet pavement, although they also perform well on dry pavement. The features of this model are a high level of adhesion to the road category A, reduced fuel consumption by reducing the level of tire energy dissipation, and the presence of an ActiveBraking active braking system.

Buyers rate this model as follows: noise — 3.8, wear resistance — 3.7, handling — 4.1, durability — 3.4. You can read reviews from real users below.

pros

  • well managed
  • Short stopping distance
  • economical
  • Quiet and soft

Minuses

  • Wear out fairly quickly
  • Flimsy sidewall

9 Nokian Hakka Blue SUV — wet road champion

Our rating already included the Green model from the “colored” line of tires for crossovers from Nokian. And if the «green» tire is focused on fuel economy, then the Nokian Hakka Blue SUV shows improved performance on wet pavement.

Of the features, it is worth noting the addition of aramid fiber to the rubber compound, which significantly increases the strength and wear resistance of the tire, as well as the unique Dry Touch 2 lamellas, which effectively remove water from the contact patch.

pros

  • Soft
  • Good handling
  • Excellent braking qualities
  • low noise

Minuses

  • Rapid wear
  • Becomes noisy and stiff after wearing 2mm of tread

ten Pirelli Cinturato P7 — for a wide range of vehicles

Pirelli Cinturato P7 is a universal tire for comfort class cars and station wagons. To improve braking and traction, handling and economy, the manufacturer has made a number of cardinal changes. First, the optimized pattern with the right block pitch ensures a more comfortable driving experience. Secondly, a modern hybrid material is used, thanks to which the tire wears out evenly in all places.

pros

  • Good traction
  • Excellent handling
  • High strength
  • Soft move

Minuses

  • Quite noisy
  • Rigid

What summer tires are better to choose?

Many motorists do not attach due importance to the choice of summer tires. But it will depend on them how comfortable and safe your car will be to drive. In this article, we described in detail why you should not neglect tire replacement, and also ranked the top 10 models according to customer reviews. We hope our article helped you make the right choice. Enjoy the shopping!

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