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Which tires are the best for summer? What is a summer tire and what distinguishes this type of tire from other tires? Can you use summer tires all-year-round? And does it make sense to buy used summer tires? These are the most popular questions about summer tires — and UTires answers them all in this article.

What is a summer tire?

Despite the name, not every summer road really needs vehicles with summer tires. New or used summer tires are perfect for stable hot weather with regular rains and more of a sporty driving style. If these two conditions are not your case, you might as well choose all-season tires, suitable for moderate summer weather and average drivers. Check out Utires.com catalogue of used tires on sale and shop for the ones that suit you the best. 

2 main characteristics of summer tires

1. Rubber compound with sticky additives

Generally, a tire type is defined by the rubber compound used in the tire and its tread design. Combining both characteristics tells us which tires are suitable for everyday driving in different seasons. Tire manufacturers put sticky additives into the rubber compound used in summer tires. These additives make them flexible in different warm weather conditions and help provide superior grip and traction.

2. Tread design with asymmetrical shallow grooves

As well as being flexible, summer tires have a rigid tread design so as to retain shape (and not melt) when it’s extremely hot outside. Tread patterns on summer tires typically have asymmetrical shallow grooves and a series of tooth-shaped solid ribs to provide more contact between the rubber and the road surface. With all of these characteristics combined, you've got the right tires for the best performance in hot or wet summer. No matter whether you are looking to buy new or used summer tires, the first thing you have to acknowledge: you need a perfect grip with the hot or wet road’s surface, and only this type of tire provides it.

How do summer tires perform on the road?

Summer tires are best for high-performance vehicles or sports cars, which is why they are also called performance tires. Their main features are responsiveness, stable cornering, and superior capabilities for braking and accelerating. The basic characteristics of this type of tire (size, speed capability) provide increased performance on dry, damp, wet or very wet roads in warm weather. The most popular used summer tires speed rating in Utires.com selection is Y — and it speaks for itself, allowing the maximum speed capacity of 186 mph. Summer tires have less rolling resistance than all-season tires. 

Are summer tires "all-season"?

No, summer tires achieve maximum traction only in warm and wet weather. They are not designed for any kind of winter weather, whether mild or severe. That is the main difference between summer tires and all-season tires: all season tires are designed for everyday driving in mild winter weather and can handle a light amount of snow on paved roads. Used summer tires in Utires.com catalogue are designed for performance rides in hot climates — and right now we have a few interesting options on sale. 

Summer tires vs all season tires

1. Weather conditions

Summer tires are designed only for driving in dry or wet weather in temperatures above 45 °F. All-season tires are suitable for all-year round use, but are not recommended in the temperatures below 45 °F. Icy roads or heavy snowfalls are conditions for winter or M+S tires.

2. Driving style

New or used summer tires — is a choice of a confident driver who prefers sporty style of vehicle handling as well as high speeds. All season tires are designed for an everyday ride on moderate speeds, mostly on paved roads.

3. Vehicle types 

High performance characteristics make summer tires the choice of supercars', sport coupes’ or sedans’s owners. On the other hand, almost all new passenger vehicles and light trucks are factory equipped with all-season tires — for average performance on an average road. 

The most popular used summer tires models

Currently the most popular models of used summer tires among our customers are:

• Michelin Premier LTX 245;
• Firestone Destination LE2 217;
• Kelly Edge A/S;
• Bridgestone Ecopia H/L 422 Plus;
• General Altimax RT43;
• Hankook Dynapro HP2.

Is it OK to use summer tires in winter?

While summer tires outperform all-season tires on dry and wet roads, they do not provide sufficient traction in winter conditions. So, if you plan to drive in winter, you definitely need to change to winter tires — or, for milder conditions, all-season tires. The main danger of driving with new or used summer tires on icy or snowy roads is that the rubber compound can freeze, which basically turns them into ice skates, so the tire tread doesn't provide enough traction on the road surface. Also, in winter conditions, summer tires perform poorly in acceleration — but we highly advise you not to test that!

What temperature is too cold for a summer tire?

Summer tires are designed for warmer months of the year with temperatures above 45 °F. Anything below that, and using summer tires becomes dangerous — for the driver, passengers, and anyone else on the road. 

If you use summer tires in cold temperatures, you not only lose responsive handling of the vehicle, but also risk turning it into a sliding sledge. So, even in warmer climates, if temperatures drop significantly in Autumn, you need to change your summer tires for rubber especially designed for winter conditions. 

How to store used summer tires in winter?

You store them in a cool and dry indoor space, which should be properly ventilated and out of direct sunlight. A basement or garage is a perfect option — and don't forget to safely seal your tires in plastic bags. Never store your spare tires outside, even if they are covered. You can store your tires either on their side or upright.

What symbol does a summer tire have on its sidewall?

Actually, there is no particular symbol on the sidewall of a summer tire. While all-season tires have the code "M+S" (mud and snow) and winter tires are marked with the mountain peak and snowflake pictogram (sometimes accompanied by "M+S"), summer tires have none of these symbols. So, pay attention to these markings while shopping and be sure that you get the right tires!

How long do used summer tires last?

Depending on the tire manufacturer, driving style and seasonal conditions, the lifespan of a summer tire is usually between 20,000 and 40,000 miles. Most brands recommend replacing this kind of tire when the tread depth reaches 2/32" in diameter. And a lot of the used summer tires in Utires.com catalogue have been only driven once — check them out!

When to buy used summer tires?

People usually shop for performance tires from around March, so if it's time for you to pick up a set of summer tires, you can start your research right here on Utires.com. Our catalogue of summer tires offers the best deals in the US for both new and used tires. It's very easy to buy rubber online — you can browse our selection and choose what suits you, or you also get a free consultation from one of our tire specialists if that is helpful. 

So, are used summer tires right for you? A little check-list.

You definitely need a set of used summer tires if you ticked at least 4 boxes:

• You live in the area where hot temperatures prevail during the summer
• There are substantial rains in your state, and the road surface if often damp or wet
• You prefer sporty style of driving — performance cornering, braking and acceleration are a part of your nature
• You always do seasonal tires changeovers due to distinct weather differences
• Sustainable consumption and saving money is important for you.