'Tis the Season (Tires)
August 8, 2021
We all know about winter tires. But did you know there is such a thing as summer tires?
Most people have all-season tires on their vehicles. They work pretty well in a variety of weather conditions. But if you want better handling and performance, you might consider switching to summer tires. Here are a few things you should know about them.
Summer tires are good for high-performance vehicles like sports cars and luxury SUVs, but they don't have to be limited to those. They have a different tread pattern than all-season tires, with generally shallower grooves and more rubber that contacts the road. The rubber is made of a stickier compound good for taking corners at higher speeds. Plus it is engineered so it stays firmer the hotter the temperature gets.
Here's a bonus. That design also works well in warm, wet weather. It makes sense, since more the more rubber that's touching the concrete or asphalt when it's slippery out, the better the traction.
There are some things to be aware of with summer tires. They often have asymmetrical or unidirectional tread patterns. That sometimes limits the way these tires can be rotated on a vehicle. Another thing to remember is it is NOT a good idea to use summer tires in any wintery conditions. They lose traction as the temperature heads toward the freezing range and below since that rubber that's designed to stay firm at warm temperatures gets hard as a rock when they freeze.
But in warmer weather, summer tires can increase your braking and cornering capabilities. Plus you'll notice more grip at faster speeds and higher temperatures than all-season tires. So think about discussing summer tires with your service advisor to see if they'd be a good fit for the type of driving you do. He or she will offer you some choices that are designed to meet your vehicle's specs.
Gary Knurek GoodYear
1973 Livernois
Troy, Michigan 48083
248-362-0350
Need Service?
More articles from Gary Knurek, Authorized GoodYear Dealer
In the Red (Why a Vehicle Overheats)
November 9, 2025
Heat is one thing that can damage a vehicle, especially if a problem isnt taken care of soon. Be on the lookout for signs that its getting too hot in some parts of your vehicle, starting with the most obvious one: the heat gauge/warning light on your instrument panel. When you see that heat gaug... More
(Ball Joint Replacement)
November 2, 2025
Every day that goes by, our bodies get a little more wear and tear on them. Our vehicles have the same issue. The older we get and the farther we travel, certain parts start showing some wear. Think of your hips. There are parts of our vehicles that are similar to them; just like hips allow y... More
What?s That Yellow Squiggly Line Anyway? (What Warning Lights Mean)
October 27, 2025
You may have noticed when you start your vehicle, youll see several symbols light up on the dash. Theyre different colors and shapes, and sometimes its hard to figure out what each of those symbols mean. They are warning lights and symbolize something in your vehicle is sending you a message. I... More