Choose correctly summer tires – full guide and useful tips

The correct choice of summer tires is essential for the safety, comfort and efficiency of the car in the hot season. In this article, you will find a complete guide with useful tips that will help you make the best choice, regardless of your type of vehicle or driving style.

With the coming of the hot season, it is essential to change the winter tires with some suitable for high temperatures. The choice of summer tires should not be a simple formality, but a carefully thought out process, which takes into account several factors: safety, performance, fuel consumption and driving style. Next, we present a complete guide, with useful tips, to correctly choose the summer tires suitable for your car.

Check the correct tires size

The first and most important step is to make sure you choose the correct tire dimensions. These are specified in the technical book of the car or in the heel, near the headings 15.1, 15.2 etc. An example of the code could be 205/55 R16 91V. These numbers and letters are not random, but indicate the width of the tire (205 mm), the flank height as a percentage of width (55%), the rim diameter (16 inches), the load index (91) and the speed index (V). It is important not to choose tires with dimensions other than those approved by the manufacturer, as they can affect the behavior of the car, fuel consumption and, most seriously, traffic safety.

Choose tires dedicated to the hot season

Summer tires are specially designed for temperatures above 7 ° C, being made of a rubber compound that remains firm and offers optimal adhesion on dry or wet roads. Compared to the winter ones, they have a different tread structure, with less and more rigid grooves, which provide stability in corners and braking. It is wrong to use winter tires in the summer or to resort to all season, because the performance decreases significantly, especially on hot days when the asphalt can exceed 50 ° C. So, for safety and economy, always choose summer tires from a known and old tire seller in the field, such as the tire and rims store Vadrexim.

Check performance on wet roads

As beautiful as a summer day can be, so quickly it can turn into a challenge if a torrential rain begins. Therefore, it is essential that the tires chosen have a good performance on the wet road. This is clearly indicated on the European label, where the UD adhesion is classified from A (best) to E (weakest). The low adhesion on wet surfaces greatly increases the braking distance, which can lead to accidents, especially in the city or in heavy traffic. Class A or B tires on wet roads are the most recommended for a safe driving regardless of weather conditions.

Noise level – for a more comfortable driving

In addition to safety, comfort at the wheel is another important criterion. The tires can directly influence the noise level felt in the passenger compartment, especially at high speeds. The outer noise of the tire is measured in decibels (DB) and is passed on the European label. More silent tires contribute to a more pleasant driving experience, especially in long trips. In addition, a low noise level is also beneficial for auditory health, but also for the comfort of passengers. If you are the kind of driver who spends a lot of time on the roads, choosing low noise tires is an investment in your daily comfort.

Efficiency of fuel consumption

Another essential aspect is fuel consumption. Although it seems hard to believe, the tires have a direct impact on the consumption of your car. Modern models are designed to reduce rolling resistance, which means that the engine will make less effort to put the car in motion. On the European label, consumption efficiency is expressed by letters from A to E, where the highest economy indicates. The choice of energy efficient tires can mean a decrease of up to 0.5 liters to 100 km in fuel consumption, which translates into significant long -term savings, especially for drivers who frequently or long distances.

The value for money matters

The market is full of offers, from premium brands to less known, but more affordable brands. It is not always necessary to choose the most expensive tires to benefit from quality. Many mid-range brands offer excellent, independently tested performance at affordable prices. It is important to read specialized reviews, comparative tests performed by car publications and to ask for a professional. Choose according to your real needs and the conditions in which you will use the car, not just according to the name on the label.

Check the date of manufacture (dot)

When purchasing tires, don’t just look at the price or look. It also verifies the date of manufacture, known as the DOT code (four -digit department), for example 1223 – which means that the tire was produced in week 12 of 2023. Ideally, to buy recently manufactured tires, preferably not more than two years. Even if they have not been mounted, the rubber ages over time, especially if it has been kept in improper conditions. The « old » tires lose their elasticity and adhesion, which makes them more dangerous, especially under sudden braking conditions.

Avoid used tires

No matter how tempting the offer of used tires is, they are not a recommended choice, especially in summer, when the performance must be maximum. Used tires can hide structural defects, unequal uses or previous repairs that are not visible to the naked eye. These problems can seriously affect road safety and lead to accidents. Also, a second-hand set of tires offers you a much shorter use, so you do not save money, but on the contrary-you can pay more through repairs or premature replacements.

Mount them in an authorized service

After you have bought the tires, the next important step is to mount them correctly in an authorized service. The specialists will ensure the balancing of the wheels, the verification of the pressure and the alignment of the direction, all contributing to a uniform wear and a safe driving. Incorrect pressure can lead to increased fuel consumption, tire braking instability. Check the pressure at least once a month or before a long road and adapt it according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Choose tires according to your driving style

Last but not least, take into account your driving style. If you use the car predominantly in the city, you need frequent braking tires and low noise. For long roads on the freeway, look for high comfort tires and consumption efficiency. And if you have a sports driving style, choose tires with high adhesion and high stiffness on the side. There is no perfect tire for all scenarios, so it is important to find the model that best suits your needs.

Conclusion

Choosing summer tires is not a simple seasonal gesture, but a decision that has a direct impact on your safety, car performance and personal budget. Inform yourself well, analyze the offers carefully and do not compromise when it comes to quality. The tires are the only contact surface between your car and the road – and it deserves all your attention.