5 Tips to Keep in Mind While Buying New Summer Tires

Summer is around the corner, and you’re surely aware that the road conditions in Ontario are about to change. Your drive will become more comfortable and easier without the presence of cold and snow, which means it’s also that time of year when you need to swap your winter tires back to summer or all-season tires. Summer tires are engineered to provide better grip and performance on warm road surfaces. The unique rubber compound formula of summer tires improves handling on dry, hot asphalt and offers maximum fuel economy. Many car owners may have their summer tires ready to swap, but some plan to invest in a new set. And while buying new summer tires, they often get confused due to the vast array of brands, tire types and sizes available in the market. If you’re also sailing in the same boat, here are a few expert-recommended tips you can remember when going out summer tire shopping. 

[READ MORE: What is the Best Time to Switch Back to Summer Tires After Winter]

1. Tread Patterns: Summer tires are equipped with different designs and tread patterns, including symmetrical, asymmetrical and directional, for optimal performance. Compared to snow tires, summer tires have fewer grooves and shallower tread depth that ensure lower rolling resistance for maximum fuel efficiency, as well as better traction on hot road surfaces. 
2. Wet Traction: Make sure you also keep in mind the sudden downpours we get in summer while buying your new set of summer tires because they need to deliver optimum traction on wet surfaces as well. Well-engineered summer tires with advanced tread design help avoid hydroplaning and offer improved grip, braking and handling on wet roads or under the rain. 
3. Warranty: Most manufacturers offer two types of tire warranty — tread and defect protection — depending on your case, you may get both or one. So, while buying new tires, thoroughly review the warranty conditions as its availability may vary depending on different factors like the number of miles you’ve travelled, everyday wear and tear and/or tire rotation. 
4. Speed Rating: Tires also include a speed rating on them, indicating how fast they can go for an extended time and the overall performance potential. Fast-paced cars would want higher speed rating tires, whereas you can go for lower speed ratings if you have a standard family SUV or sedan. Speed ratings are indicated with letters from A through Z, and each of these letters corresponds to a specific speed. 
5. Get Help From a Professional: If you’re still unsure which summer tires are best for your vehicle, contact the expert technicians and product specialists at Budds’ Chevrolet Buick GMC. Our highly trained team of technicians keep up with OEM recommendations and industry standards to help car owners find the perfect summer tires for their sedan, SUV, crossover, minivan or truck. 

Visit Budds’ Chevrolet Buick GMC for more information on summer tires, as well as end-of-winter season auto maintenance.