Whether you have plans to take a long road trip or will simply be following your usual day-to-day routine this summer, you should set aside some time to make sure your car’s tires are up for the job. First, do you have all-season tires or summer tires? If your car is fitted with the latter, then you’ve made an investment to improve its driving performance during the warmer months. Summer tires are put on at the approach of summer and removed before winter sets in. Many drivers feel they get better mileage switching tires every summer.
But what makes summer tires different from all-season tires? Let’s get the facts from a mechanic in Phoenix:
- Shallow tire tread: If you are new to using summer tires, know that at first glance they may appear to be used and worn down. Don’t worry! Your new tires are not bald—a feature of summer tires is an extremely low tread. Because of their low tread, summer tires do not have much grip to hold onto icy and snow-covered roads, which is why you switch back to winter or all-season tires before the weather turns cold again. If you frequently drive in summer rainstorms, you may want to consider using a different type of tire.
- Increased surface contact: Tire manufacturers purposely design summer tires to have as much contact with driving surfaces as possible. You’ll feel closer to the road as you wind and weave your way through curves, and it’s a smoother ride cruising down the highway. This is the type of experience many drivers prefer, especially while out on long summer road trips.
- Harder ride: Summer tires offer a bevy of benefits, but you’ll likely have to sacrifice some comfort to get them. Between the increased road connection and the tires’ low sidewalls, you’re almost guaranteed to feel all the bumps and pits in the road with greater intensity. What could this mean for you and your passengers on long road trips and drives? Stiffness and soreness, even on relatively smooth surfaces.
- More expensive: Because that boost in performance comes at a high cost, you may have to dig into your wallet to get those summer tires you want. Summer tires typically costs more than winter or all-season tires, but if you enjoy how they perform and how they make your car look, then the extra costs might be worth it.
- Perfect for high performance cars: Most summer tires work well on most vehicles, but they’re geared more toward performance vehicles that can benefit from increased agility and control. Talk to a knowledgeable mechanic in Phoenix about the best summer tires for your car, as well as other performance parts that’ll enhance the appearance and performance of your ride.
The warm season is a great time for a tire inspection and investing in quality summer tires. Contact the team at S & J Auto Repair & Rental for more information about summer tires or to schedule a vehicle service!