Best summer tires are meant to guarantee that the car is better managed under warm conditions so that it gives good traction and grip Your vehicle has the greatest handling, stability, and acceleration, and gives a far more enjoyable ride during the hottest months.
Tires that can be used in all seasons are also another alternative that fits best throughout the warmest days. But these tires are not outstanding as they aren’t specifically made for summers. They surely give you a secure and comfortable drive, but they aren’t as good as the special tires made for the summer season.
Top Pick
Goodyear Excellence
4/5
- Reliable and secure handling.
- Very good wet performance.
- Comfortable.
- Dry traction and handling.
- Great cornering performance.
- Plush ride quality and quiet ride.
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Budget Pick
Falken Azenis
5/5
- Outstanding dry grip and traction.
- Even wear and durability.
- Excellent cornering response.
- High-speed stability.
- Reduced wheel spin.
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Value to Money
Nitto NT555 G2
4.9/5
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- Outstanding Cornering.
- Affordable.
- Good dry pavement grip.
- Impressive wet pavement traction.
- Excellent steering response.
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What are Summer Tires?
Summer tires are designed with high-powered vehicles in mind for speed and quickness. Improved response, better steering, and smooth control at corners are just some of the strongest characteristics of summer tires.
Also as temperatures get hotter, summer tires retain a good grip on highways. Summer tires are also a very good solution for rainy weather as well. The summer tires remain flexible and soft to give smooth movement on hot and dry roads.
There are fewer grooves and more rubber contact with the road in the tread patterns of these tires. They are built to ensure the best possible hold. Summer tire tread formulations are engineered to stay durable such that stability and grip can be increased.
Best Summer Tires?
Keeping all of the above things in mind, there are a great many popular summer tires on the market today, so it can be a difficult challenge to choose the perfect tire for your vehicle.
We have carefully put together a list of the Top 9 Best Summer Tires. You can pick your favorite from the following list that meets all your needs and requirements.
Best Summer Tires Info-Graphic
Types of Summer Tires
Grand Touring Summer Tires:
Touring and grand touring tires are intended for drivers driving loads of miles throughout the year. Of these two grand-touring tires a summer tread compound is more commonly offered, mainly since they are fitted to more powerful cars.
The key benefit of grand-touring tires is their comfort. With grand-touring tires on, your car will have a ride consistency over every surface. If you enjoy convenience and tranquility or drive long distances, you should get yourself grand touring tires.
Although, grand touring tires are typically worse than high-performance tires when compared in terms of performance. Grand-touring summer tires work really well on dry and wet tracks, and you won’t be disappointed if you are a casual driver.
Street Summer Tires:
Street Summer Tires are similar in many respects to high-performance summer tires. The only major difference is that Street tires are designed to suit SUVs and large-sized vehicles.
These tires are the perfect option if you own a sporty or an SUV and want better handling. However, you should keep in mind that Street Summer Tires do not last very long and need to be replaced after some time.
High Performance Summer Tires:
The most powerful grip, traction, and braking are the features of high-performance tires. This is why sports sedans, sports cars and supercars also use these tires.
Your car can feel much more responsive with a variety of high-performance summer tires. In addition, the grip levels will be increased, the car will speed up better and the brakes will be more powerful. So, these all things will result in a faster drive and with a firm grip and stronger traction.
List of 9 Best Summer Tires
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | Rim Size | Section Width | Size | ||
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| MICHELIN Pilot Sport 4 S Performance Radial Tire-245/40ZR18/XL 97Y |
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| Bridgestone Potenza RE-11 225/40R19XL 93W BSW |
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| Continental ContiSportContact 5 Radial Tire – 245/40R17 91W |
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| Bridgestone Potenza RE-71R Ultra High Peformance Tire 205/50R15 86 V |
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| Falken Azenis RT-615K High Performance Tire – 195/60R14 86H |
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| Goodyear Excellence Run Flat Radial Tire – 245/40R20 99Y |
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| BFGoodrich g-Force Sport COMP-2 Radial Tire – 235/50R18 97Z SL |
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| Nitto NT555 G2 all_ Season Radial Tire-315/35ZR20 110W |
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| Continental Extreme Contact DWS06 All-Season Radial Tire – 225/40ZR18 92Y |
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1. Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S
Wet Performance
80%
Dry Performance
90%
Winter/Snow Performance
78%
Comfort Performance
89%
Treadwear Performance
90%
Rating:
5/5
Summer tires, though not me/ant for cold weather, set high expectations for dry and damp grip. They can be used by various vehicles including sports cars, sedans, etc. This Michelin Pilot Sports tire is one of the rarest options with a 30,000 miles treadwear warranty.
The MICHELIN PILOT SPORT 4 S are the best summer tires and are designed for sports vehicles and high-performance saloons. Due to its superior power accuracy and lateral stability, these best summer performance tires provide an unmatched driving experience. Due to its balanced tread footprint, it offers optimum efficiency and protection on all surfaces.
Michelin uses various rubber formulations on the contact surface, a lighter compound on the inner shoulder of the tire for normal temperatures. It also uses a harder compound that works when it hits proper operating temperature while giving excellent wear-resistance and durability.
Michelin has developed this series of tires as an upgrade to their previous series. Like anything in the competition, increasing development alone seems negligible but it is amazing when combined with the performance leap.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: MICHELIN
- Model: MICHELIN Pilot Sport 4 S
- Speed Rating: Yes
- Aspect Ratio: 40
- Best one for high performance vehicles
- Item Weight: 25.4 pounds
- Section Width: 245 Millimeters
- Product Dimensions: 25.7 x 9.65 x 25.7 inches
- Rim Diameter: 18 Inches
- Tread Depth: 9.5 32nds
- High performing tires
Are these all-season tires of only summer tires?
Even though they are also marketed as all-season tires, they work the best in the summer season. They aren’t suggested to be used in temperatures lower than 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
Are these tires run flat?
No, the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S tires are not run-flat tires. These are summer tires designed for extra traction and support.
Are these tires directional?
Yes, these are directional tires and you can use them on the rear and front according to your needs.
How do they handle the usual grip-wear tradeoff?
These tires overcome the usual grip-wear tradeoff to give both amazing tractions and increased tread life with enhanced cornering grip.
Pros
- Excellent dry traction.
- Precise steering.
- Breakthrough levels of wet surface performance.
- Enhanced Grip.
- Comfortable.
Cons
- Average aquaplaning.
- Not great wet circle grip.
- Expensive.
- Not quite as sharp on the front axle.
Conclusion
Pilot Sport 4S easily qualifies for high-performance summer tires. If you’re looking for a tire that complements and enhances the functionality of your sports car or sedan, then these best summer performance tires are your answer.
2. Bridgestone Potenza RE-11
Wet Performance
87%
Dry Performance
90%
Winter/Snow Performance
82%
Comfort Performance
82%
Treadwear Performance
89%
Rating:
4.2/5
Many of the drivers mention the Bridgestone Potenza RE-11 when it comes to a standard tire. It is partially because of Bridgestone’s innovations in this particular tire.
The Potenza is one of the world’s best performance summer tires to appeal to energetic and enthusiastic drivers who usually drive high-performance cars.
The asymmetric design of the tread has stealth blocks, which give the tread more rigidity and better efficiency while driving on wet surfaces.
The Potenza is a product of Bridgestone. These best rated summer tires use some of the same technology as their Formula 1 and Grand Prix 2 race tires, offering excellent dry and wet traction.
Wide outer tread blocks are linked to a circumferential rib to enhance core grip and steering response.
These best summer tires provide a comfortable and controlled drive. Its 3-D Seamless Stealth technology offers enhanced corner grip which increases driving comfort.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Bridgestone
- Model: Potenza RE-11
- Speed Rating: W
- Aspect Ratio: 30
- Item Weight: 63.1 pounds
- Section Width: 325 Millimeters
- Outstanding cornering grip
- Product Dimensions: 26.7 x 13.03 x 26.7 inches
- Rim Diameter: 19 Inches
- Tread Depth: 9 32nds
Can I use these tires on a racing track?
These tires are one of the best options for racing tracks. They are responsive, precise, and give outstanding traction levels. However, you will need to change them after some time as they don’t offer a tread life warranty.
Are these high performance tires comfortable?
Usually, performance tires have a very low profile that can result in an uncomfortable ride when heading over curves and bumps. The Bridgestone Potenza RE-11 is an exception here as it gives a smooth ride.
How is their performance on wet tracks?
The RE-11 provides improved wet surface treatment and traction with its circular grooves and continuous intermediate rim, which can be used to remove water under the tread and avoid hydroplaning.
Can these tires be used all year long?
You can use these tires all year long. This is a solid tire that excelled in all conditions. It grips well on all surfaces and accelerates smoothly. It also gives an outstanding result on wet tracks.
Pros
- Even footprint pressure distribution.
- Outstanding wet and dry traction.
- Excellent handling and cornering.
Cons
- No snow traction.
- Noisy.
- May get greasy on a hot track when pushed too hard.
Conclusion
This model is one of the best high-performance summer tires on the market today. They offer excellent grip and stability in the corners. Treadwear is even better than you might have predicted. The compromise is, of course, that the tires are a little bit noisy and ride comfort isn’t like a touring tire.
3. Continental ContiSportContact 5
Wet Performance
84%
Dry Performance
89%
Winter/Snow Performance
84%
Comfort Performance
79%
Treadwear Performance
81%
Rating:
5/5
The ContiSportContact 5 is Continental’s solution for sports drivers who want a powerful handling wheel, high-speed drive, and high tread life quality.
Continental’s innovative Black Chilli compound has a macroblock shoulder design that allows the tire to match and adapt to each road surface. More tread blocks for a tightener pattern are given for the new iteration. This might affect the resistance to aquaplaning.
The asymmetrical design of these best summer tires gives superior traction, which responds differently in accordance with conditions and helps to improve cornering and overall consistency.
These best summer tires feel instantly ready for use, but after the usual scrub-in cycle they will really show their materials. It is available in sizes ranging from 18 to 22 inches.
The innate features of this tire help in smaller braking distances and less rolling resistance. It offers a premium summer tire, made to integrate short and compact cornering distances with fuel efficiency and long life.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Continental
- Model: ContiSportContact 5 – SSR
- Speed Rating: Yes
- Aspect Ratio: 35 Unknown modifier
- Item Weight: 25 pounds
- Section Width: 9.5 Inches
- Product Dimensions: 25.8 x 25.8 x 9.5 inches
- Rim Diameter: 19 Inches
- Tread Depth: 9 32nds
How are Continental SC-5 and SC-5 XL different?
Extra Load is abbreviated as XL. The Sport Contact 5 XL is more load-efficient than the non-XL tire and built to bear additional loads at greater tire pressure.
How many miles are these tires rated for?
ContiSportContact 5 is an excellent summer tire. It is actually not rated for a fixed mileage. Specific treadwear can vary depending on local road conditions, car maintenance, and driving habits.
Are the tires run-flat tires?
The tire is available in both run-flat, (SSR) and non-run flat models. The run-flat variant will contain the SSR letters on its sidewall and description.
Can these high performance tires be driven at 35 degrees Fahrenheit?
No, it is not advised to run these tires at any temperatures less than forty-five-degree Fahrenheit.
Pros
- Excellent responsiveness.
- Controllable at the limit.
- Responsive steering.
- Effective braking.
- Low road noise.
Cons
- No treadwear warranty.
- Treadlife could be longer.
Conclusion
The ContiSportContact 5 is really nice on the highway. The traction and braking are particularly strong even in water puddles. Comfort is also really nice, and it is not too noisy. However, there is also no tread wear guarantee available from Continental.
4. Bridgestone Potenza RE-71R
Wet Performance
80%
Dry Performance
86%
Winter/Snow Performance
80%
Comfort Performance
88%
Treadwear Performance
83%
Rating:
5/5
It is the solution to your question of enjoying your track days but not getting a second set of wheels and tires, or not needing to pay extra costs. With two prominent drainage center channels, the RE-71R has a very broad look.
It offers a high-grip compound, a large center rib to make it easy to steer and a stiff outer shoulder to allow intense cornering.
There are side channels that have been designed to look like a V-shape, but they are not interconnected with the center channels. This indicates that the outside tread mostly functions as the dry weather pattern.
This allows you to compromise even less than the traditional R-compound tire. These tires are not particularly sensitive to temperature.
It is the perfect summer tire for race lovers and is designed to provide an excellent grip on braking and maneuvering.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Bridgestone
- Model: Potenza RE-71R
- Speed Rating: V – UP TO 149 MPH – W – UP TO 168 MPH
- Aspect Ratio: 30 – 55
- Item Weight: 20 LBS – 33 LBS
- Section Width: 195 – 305
- Rim Diameter: 15 – 20 Inches
- Tread Depth: 8/32″
How is the handling of these tires?
These tires have excellent handling owing to their outstanding responsiveness. The tires respond to your inputs very well and give you great handling experience.
How does it perform over wet surfaces?
This tire shows outstanding wet traction as long as there is no deep water. The cornering limits in wet conditions are considerably lower, but in the dry, it hits better than the usual street tires.
How are these tires on track?
They have outstanding front end grip on track owing to their wideness.
Does it come with a treadwear warranty?
Unfortunately, Bridgestone Potenza RE-71R does not come with a treadwear warranty.
Pros
- Excellent grip.
- They don’t wear quickly.
- Amazing High-speed stability
- Great tread life.
Cons
- Quick overheating.
- Fast wearing on heavy cars.
- Noisy for daily driving.
Conclusion
Considered as one of the best summer tires, these best max performance summer tires are completely usable on the road, unlike the most extreme high-performance summer tires. The broad circumferential grooves with the surface of hydro-evacuations on the internal walls and the multi-angle lateral grooves boost wet traction and braking.
5. Falken Azenis RT615K+
Wet Performance
87%
Dry Performance
90%
Winter/Snow Performance
79%
Comfort Performance
80%
Treadwear Performance
89%
Rating:
5/5
The Azenis RT615K+ is another fantastic high-performance tire for racing lovers who do not want to spend a lot on tires but want a reliable product to meet their requirements.
The tread compound on this summer tire is extremely good, with very steep sideways. It provides excellent responsiveness, precise steering input, and control. The level of grip and traction are also just excellent, particularly in warmer weather.
In addition to the notched tread block, the inner circling grooves speed up the evacuation of water from the contact surface, thereby improving the water grip and aquaplaning resistance.
This is one of the most affordable and lowest-cost summer tires on the market and these best budget summer tires come in around $100 according to the size.
Sticky tires typically have a stiff sidewall that helps to keep up the lateral forces that tires have to cope with ripping through a corner. These best cheap summer tires use extremely soft rubber compounds that essentially allow the rolling on the asphalt more noise.
This is the optimum choice for compact performance, sport sedans and muscle cars with 13 sizes ranging from 14 to 18 inches of rim diameters and a 200 A-A UTQG rating.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Falken
- Model: Azenis Rt-615K
- Speed Rating: H
- Aspect Ratio: 60
- Item Weight: 18.5 pounds
- Section Width: 195 Millimeters
- Product Dimensions: 23.2 x 23.2 x 7.7 inches
- Rim Diameter: 14 Inches
- Tread Depth: 7.94 Inches
Which are some of the vehicles that fit these tires?
Following are the vehicles that fit these tires, please note that the list does not contain all names:
Acura Integra
Mitsubishi Lancer EVO
BMW Z4
Chevy Camaro
Subaru BRZ
Porsche 911
Ford Mustang
Honda S2000
Scion FR-S
Are these tires good for the winter season?
These tires are specially made for summers and are not advised to be used in winters. They are not made for snow so they will only disappoint you in the winter season.
Are these tires noisy?
These tires are similar to an off-road tire in terms of noise but somewhat quieter. If you have a loud vehicle then you won’t hear the tires as it would add to the overall driving noise. However, if you want a totally quiet experience, then these tires aren’t the best choice as they are somewhat noisy.
What are its distinctive features?
It offers outstanding traction throughout all racing conditions, and delivers perfect grip and excellent cornering response. The solid center rib helps by reducing the contact patch ratio resulting in a reduced wheel spin.
Pros
- Outstanding dry grip and traction.
- Even wear and durability.
- Excellent cornering response.
- High-speed stability.
- Reduced wheel spin.
Cons
- Not very comfortable.
- Noisy.
Conclusion
These tires are ideal for driving on dry roads, particularly during the hot seasons, because of their features such as solid shoulder blocks, solid center rib, nanoTech compound, etc. The grooves paired with notched tread blocks can have greater water dispersion from the sole of the tire, which results in improved friction and resistance to hydroplaning on wet roads.
6. Goodyear Excellence ROF Run Flat Tire
Wet Performance
87%
Dry Performance
90%
Winter/Snow Performance
84%
Comfort Performance
89%
Treadwear Performance
89%
Rating
4/5
The Goodyear Tires’ Excellence ROF Run Flat is primarily used in a number of luxury cars such as BMW and Mercedes-Benz, sedans, etc.
Its special asymmetric architecture leads to enhanced and excellent traction, a silent journey, and good cornering. Original self-supporting run-flat summer tires have been repurchased most often as direct substitutes for the pairs.
Strong blocks of shoulder tread and wide lateral grooves provide secure handling in dry or rainy environments. Its Run-On-Flat (ROF) technology offers an increase in stability if a puncture happens.
This model is built for flat surfaces at speeds of up to 55 miles per hour. These best max performance summer tires provide a protection factor in that the tire may be repaired or removed at a service station.
In the tire, there are two steel belts, which provide power and stability to the tires at higher speeds. They also help even tire wear and driving comfort. These tires are available in sizes ranging from 16 to 20 inches.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Goodyear
- Model: Excellence Run Flat
- Speed Rating: Yes
- Aspect Ratio: 40
- Item Weight: 31.1 pounds
- Section Width: 245 Millimeters
- Product Dimensions: 27.8 x 27.8 x 9.7 inches
- Rim Diameter: 20 Inches
- Tread Depth: 10 32nds
Are these tires noisy?
These Goodyear tires offer very limited tire noise and give an outstanding quality ride. It also provides very high levels of traction and gripping.
Are these run-flat tires?
While they are not classified as flat tires, the tires on the sidewalls with MOExtended or MOE give flat designs, with minimal temporary extended mobility after a puncture contributing to a total loss of air pressure.
Are these tires noisy?
This tire does not have any mileage guarantee, which comes as a shortcoming.
Are these tires good for wet surfaces?
These tires are not good for wet surfaces and it is not recommended to drive these tires on temperatures less than 40 degrees. Another issue that comes with this tire is the bubble issue.
Pros
- Reliable and secure handling.
- Very good wet performance.
- Comfortable.
- Dry traction and handling.
- Great cornering performance.
- Plush ride quality and quiet ride.
Cons
- These tires are not very responsive.
- There is no mileage warranty.
Conclusion
Goodyear Excellence on the road offers efficient and secure maintenance. It is best for casual drivers. The tire also is very impressive in wet conditions, offering the driver very high levels of grip and stability and outstanding resistance to hydroplaning.
7. BFGoodrich g-Force Sport Comp-2 Tire
Wet Performance
86%
Dry Performance
90%
Winter/Snow Performance
84%
Comfort Performance
79%
Treadwear Performance
89%
Rating:
3.8/5
The silica-infused compound gives a strong steering response and grasp without compromising on treadwear and works well in both wet and dry environments.
BFG has created this concept for drivers who enjoy quick racing and rough racing, in all forms of high-performance muscle vehicles, luxury coupes, sedans, and other sports cars.
The g-Force Sport pattern shows consistency and full angle strength, and g-Hooks give bite edges for grip at any angle.
This is one of the best ultra high performance summer tires and begins with a material reinforced by silica that becomes far more rooted in Goodrich’s states. These best high performance summer tires have also inserted fillers to reduce wear and give the tire a longer life.
The variable layout of the shoulder tread tends to decrease tread noise, making the ride calm and smooth. These best budget summer tires stop up to 16 feet shorter on the wet and to 9 feet shorter on the dry for additional control.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: BFGoodrich
- Model: G-Force Sport COMP-2
- Speed Rating: Z
- Aspect Ratio: 50
- Item Weight: 27.7 pounds
- Section Width: 235 Millimeters
- Product Dimensions: 27.3 x 27.3 x 9.3 inches
- Rim Diameter: 18 Inches
- Rim Width: 235 Millimeters
Does the g-Force Sport Comp-2 Tire increase torque and horsepower?
Torque is an energy movement from the engine to the tires. These tires will give you an instant 500 horsepower rise with a 500 lb-ft of torque. These tires are outstanding because they don’t tear quickly.
Do these tires work well on snowy tracks?
These best summer performance tires are made specifically for the hot seasons and are perfect for rainy days as well. They won’t work well on snowy tracks as they are not winter tires.
Which are some of the vehicles that fit these tires?
Following are the vehicles that fit these tires, please note that the list does not contain all names:
BMW 525
Ford Mustang
Audi A4
Cadillac CTS
Infiniti G37
Mercedes E-class
Chevrolet Camaro
Porsche 911
Volkswagen Passat
How are these tires in terms of traction, handling, and road experience?
Traction and handling of these tires are incredible. The driving comfort is normal, and the entire cabin feels all the bumps on the lane. The softer/sticker material wears out more quickly than other tires making the ratings for treadwear lower. Expect the rear tires for a 15-20K lifetime and the RWD v8 for a 30-40K front under vigorous driving environments.
Pros
- Outstanding Cornering.
- Affordable.
- Good dry pavement grip.
- Impressive wet pavement traction.
- Excellent steering response.
Cons
- Somewhat noisy.
Conclusion
It’s the finest high-performance summer tire from BFGoodrich. Though it might not be the best acceleration tire, these best cheap summer tires are certainly one of the better models for cornering and handling on dry as well as wet pavement. Sport-Comp 2 is an outstanding alternative if you are looking for a tire that doesn’t let you down when it comes to low pace cornering and a wonderful drive.
Conclusion of Best Summer Tires
Summer tires are designed primarily for better efficiency in summer and warm environmental conditions. The quality of summer tires cannot be entirely evident compared to other seasonal tire types.
This is valid that the majority of tires offer basic efficiency, but summer tires are especially based on optimal output. Although modern tire technology offers impressive annual and multi-season efficiency, however, the all-season tires do not deliver well in terms of performance.
You can choose your favorite tires from our list of the 9 Best Summer Tires based on their price, appearance, traction, responsiveness, efficiency, performance, and comfort.