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Things to Consider When Choosing Summer or All-Season Tires

A photo illustration of tires on a road.

Differences Between All-Season Tires vs Summer Tires

Nothing good happens when someone ignores their tires. We’re at a transitional point of the year when people might be thinking about swapping out their winter tires for a new set. But, what kind should you get? All-season tires that offer broad performance over a vast array of conditions or summer tires that can promote fuel economy and enhance the driving experience. The differences between all-season tires and summer tires can be subtle, but they are still important. We spoke with a couple of the tire experts working at the Budds’ Chev Service Department to get a little more information. Let’s take a closer look.

READ MORE: When Is the Right Time to Swap Out Winter Tires?

How Do All-Season Tires Work?

The introduction of all-season tires has been a great innovation for the automotive industry. These tires are broadly applicable to the bulk of driving needs, which is why most automakers equip them on most passenger cars when they leave the factory. All-season tires perform best when the average ambient temperature is above 7°C. Some of the reasons all-season tires are so popular with vehicle owners include:

  • Strong performance in wet or dry conditions
  • Long tread life
  • Solid traction in light snow/winter conditions

Why Should You Pick Summer Tires?

Summer tires are sometimes called high-performance tires. The two terms are largely interchangeable. There are summer tire options for almost any kind of vehicle. High-performance tires use more specialized tread patterns and rubber compounds that will promote better fuel efficiency and improve handling. The shallow tread pattern employed by summer tires is the secret to its increased handling at the edge of the performance envelope. You might want to choose summer tires if you’re looking for:

  • Increased speed and agility
  • Improved cornering and braking
  • Better performance on wet surfaces

There is a lot more to consider when picking out a new set of tires. Make an appointment with a Budds’ Chev service advisor today if you need a little help making the best possible decision to take care of your car, truck, or SUV.