15 best summer tires
Tires are one of the most important factors in the comfort and safety of any vehicle. Neither a powerful engine nor a high-speed gearbox will help a car drive fast and confidently if it has bad tires. Unfortunately, if almost all motorists understand the need to use high-quality winter tires, then the situation with summer tires is much worse. Many people choose the cheapest summer tires, not particularly interested in their performance beyond the price. Others use winter tires all year round. However, there are good reasons why tire seasonality should not be neglected.
Firstly, summer tires are stiffer, which allows them not only to better hold the road, but also wear less. Winter tires at a positive temperature heats up too much, which leads to a rapid "eating" of the tread.
Secondly, the tread pattern is different. If in winter it is necessary to have a large number of lamellas in order to confidently cling to a slippery surface, then in summer it is more important to maintain stability during aquaplaning, and even better to prevent it. In addition, the tread of summer tires is shallower, which increases the stability of the car when cornering. Finally, summer tires are much more economical and quieter.
If we talk about cost, then the larger the car, the more aggressive the driving style, the more difficult the operating conditions, the more expensive a set of tires will cost. Given the fierce competition among manufacturers, even companies that produce premium products are trying to have several budget options in their lineup. In any case, no matter what price segment the tires are in, you can list the main selection criteria in descending order of importance:
- Stability on the road.
- Resistance to aquaplaning.
- Ride comfort.
- Strength.
- Wear resistance.
- Profitability.
- Noisiness.
It should be understood that there is no absolutely universal rubber. One will cope better with dry asphalt, the other with wet, the third will be quiet, but not too stable.
We've ranked the best summer car tires. When distributing nominations, the following were taken into account:
- popularity with car owners;
- the number of positive reviews from real buyers;
- results of tire tests in independent laboratories;
- price-quality ratio.
Best inexpensive summer tires
This category includes tires whose maximum rim diameter does not exceed 17 inches. This is quite natural, since budget rubber options are usually bought for inexpensive cars, which, in turn, are rarely equipped with large-diameter discs.
In addition, it should be borne in mind that the best budget tires can have good basic characteristics - handling, wet grip, softness, but are designed almost exclusively for driving on good asphalt and drivers with a restrained driving style. Do not expect high wear resistance or extremely low noise levels from them.
3 Triangle Group TR928
A tire from a purely Chinese company has already managed to surprise many car owners. Due to the alternation of the size and pitch of the checkers, the tire adheres well to the road. The excellent directional stability provided by the central longitudinal rib also pleases.
Triangle Group TR928 is a vivid confirmation of the fact that there cannot be everything at once. Due to its high rigidity, the rubber confidently holds the grip on the road surface and has good reliability, excellent resistance to hernias. The reverse side of the coin is that most of the minor irregularities are felt.
2 Yokohama Blu Earth AE01
The development of the famous Japanese brand Yokohama is considered among experienced drivers one of the most durable and durable tires in its price segment. Many people report a reduction in fuel consumption when using this rubber. Holds confidently on dry and wet roads at reasonable speeds.
Some owners complain about the lack of stability on the wet road - they have to significantly reduce the speed. It is better not to use these tires on dirt and grass, their purpose is asphalt.
What type of tread to choose? Comparison table of three types of tread patterns: symmetrical, asymmetric and directional (V-shaped):
1 Nokian Nordman SX2
The main advantage of this rubber, which is noted by almost all buyers, is its comfort. The tires are soft and have good stability even at high speeds. The other side of the coin is fast, even wear, even on excellent roads and a calm driving style.
The owners note the low noise level and the good tread pattern, which allows them to feel confident on the track even in a heavy rainstorm, and they believe that the tires have an excellent price-quality ratio.
Best mid-range summer tires
The overwhelming majority of goods from the middle price segment are the ideal combination of price and quality. Tires were no exception. By choosing budget options, you are deliberately agreeing to a mediocre option. Premium tires have excellent parameters, but the overpayment is often too high. Figuratively speaking, to get an advantage of 5-10%, you will pay 30-40% more.
The rubber of the middle class has a fairly good set of characteristics and, at the same time, does not frighten with its price. In addition, unlike the products of the budget segment, tires in this category are not distinguished by any one parameter, but have rather balanced characteristics.
4 Toyo Proxes CF2
Thanks to a specially developed tread pattern and a well-chosen composition of materials, the tires of this model are stable and quiet. At the same time, the majority of buyers who have already tried it for several seasons are definitely going to buy the next set of the same brand.
It should be noted that these tires are best suited for driving on good asphalt. In these conditions, they behave well on both dry and wet roads - excellent grip and no aquaplaning. If there are holes or other obstacles in the way, you should be careful - the bead of the tires is quite soft, which has a positive effect on comfort, but reduces strength.
3 Michelin Energy XM2
One of the quietest mid-range summer tires is the Michelin Energy XM2. Almost every car owner, listing the advantages of the Michelin Energy XM2, indicates their low noise level. This model is distinguished by the increased strength of the sidewall, which is very important when driving on Russian roads. The threads of the carcass are made of materials of increased strength and flexibility, and the unique design of the sidewall evenly dissipates the load at the moment of impact throughout the entire structure of the sidewall. This can significantly reduce the risk of hernias (for example, when driving into a deep hole).
The Energy XM2 is also praised for its good grip performance. Quick drainage of water from the contact patch is achieved through a system of wide drainage channels. Disadvantage - tires are only available in 13, 14, 15 and 16 inch sizes.
2 Kumho Ecsta SPT KU31
Kumho is one of the most popular South Korean brands, whose car tires have won the trust of car owners for qualities such as durability and low noise. A feature of the Kumho Ecsta SPT KU31 tires (as well as other products of the brand) is the unique ESCOT technology that allows you to make the sidewall seamless. This eliminates vibration from contact with the road surface at high speeds, improves handling, reduces braking distances and reduces noise.
Technological rubber composition and tread pattern provide excellent grip on wet roads. According to some reports, the longitudinal annular channels and the V-shaped pattern when creating the tires were borrowed from cars participating in Formula 1. Kumho Ecsta SPT KU31 is recommended for active driving on good trails in any weather.
1 Yokohama Geolandar SUV G055
When creating the Yokohama Geolandar SUV tires, Japanese engineers used a unique technology for producing a rubber compound using orange oil. Oddly enough, they managed to solve the main task that they set for themselves: to create environmentally friendly tires with increased mileage and good grip characteristics.
With Yokohama tires, the driver can not only enjoy driving, but also have as little impact on the environment as possible. Numerous European tests have shown that Yokohama Geolandar SUV tires have excellent wear resistance. So, in the authoritative German edition "Auto Bild" Yokohama took the honorable third place in this indicator and the first place in handling on a dry surface.
The best summer tires for the wet
Perhaps most motorists are familiar with the aquaplaning effect. This is a situation where a thin layer of water forms between the tire and the asphalt, which makes the car completely uncontrollable. An important part of the problem is that drivers often simply do not attach importance to a seemingly innocent puddle. That is why it is necessary to choose a rubber that, among other things, copes well with wet surfaces.
But how can you tell a good rain tire from a bad one? Of course, the most reliable option is independent professional tests and comparisons. But you can do with your own eyes, because these tires have a specific look. First, they must have at least one continuous longitudinal groove into which water will be diverted. Secondly, a herringbone pattern is preferable, due to which water will be more efficiently removed from the contact patch with the road. Finally, we must not forget that insufficient tread depth has an extremely negative effect on traction.
3 Dunlop SP Sport Maxx
This model is the flagship model in the company's tire line. Thanks to the joint work of Japanese and German tire manufacturers, SP Sport Maxx turned out to be extremely successful. It combines excellent handling on a wet surface and a fairly high speed index - Y (up to 300 km / h).
Stability during aquaplaning is provided by four longitudinal grooves. It is also worth noting the central part, which drains water well and allows you to maintain controllability. Disadvantages - rigidity and high price.
2 Hankook Ventus V12 evo2 K120
Summer tires Hankook Ventus V12 - one of the best in terms of wet grip, handling and durability. Water drainage from the tread occurs instantly due to the improved drainage system. It consists of four large drainage channels and a large number of small incisions and cuts. Directional tread pattern allows confident driving at high speeds.
The Hankook Ventus V12 has a continuous center rib, which reduces feedback time. The increased durability of the tires is attributed to the use of a new rubber compound containing unique components. The Hankook Ventus V12 evo2 K120 is available in diameters from 15 to 21 inches.
1 Uniroyal RainExpert
According to the test results of the authoritative German publication “Auto Bild”, the summer tires Uniroyal RainExpert were recognized as the best in longitudinal and lateral aquaplaning. In terms of confidence in the passage of the wet road, they are confidently ahead of all competitors, including the tires of the Hankook and Viking brands.
Uniroyal RainExpert performs best in the rain, showing excellent grip on wet roads. This is achieved thanks to the directional V-shaped tread pattern - grooves that serve to drain water from the contact patch. Special narrow sipes in the tread help to significantly shorten the braking distance of the vehicle. Water is the element of Uniroyal RainExpert summer rubber. Among the disadvantages, the owners mention the fact that small stones can be hammered into the tread, as well as minor problems with balancing.
Best Quiet Summer Tires
There are completely different people among motorists. Some love complete silence, comfort and measured ride, others - the roar of the engine and squeal of tires, but certainly no one will like the monotonous hum from the rubber.Therefore, manufacturers from all over the world, in addition to providing better traction, are increasingly focusing on reducing noise levels. For this, softer types of rubber are used, as well as tread blocks of various shapes and sizes, which reduces hum.
But do not forget that the noise level depends not only on rubber. This is also influenced by the quality of the road surface, its properties, the level of tire pressure and many other parameters.
2 Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2
Of course, this tire belongs to the premium segment, which is confirmed not only by the huge price tag, but also by excellent performance and innovative technologies. Take, for example, RunFlat, which allows you to travel up to 160 kilometers even with a punctured cylinder. Also worth noting is the Active Braking technology, which provides the expansion of the tread blocks during braking, which increases the contact patch and, accordingly, reduces the braking distance.
Owners consider this rubber to be quiet, very "tenacious". Its softness and solid sidewall are also praised. Of course, the price is too high.
1 Bridgestone MY-02 Sporty Style
Bridgestone MY-02 Sporty Style tires can be recommended for those who love a sporty driving style and for whom such characteristics as noise insulation are important. The manufacturer did a great job and released designer tires with an aggressive look. At the same time, in terms of noise level, it is one of the quietest among competitors.
Low noise levels are achieved thanks to five randomly positioned shoulder tread blocks. Bridgestone MY-02 Sporty Style is a very popular summer tire trusted by millions of car owners around the world. The disadvantage of this rubber, according to buyers, is the lack of resistance to aquaplaning.
The best summer tires for fuel economy
A very rare car enthusiast would not want to save on fuel. Still, the prices for "fuel" are growing regularly, and because of this, few want to part with their iron horse. A little help in the pursuit of economy can be special tires marked "E" - "Economy". In such models, manufacturers are trying to lower rolling resistance, because it is because of it that the notorious 1-2% of fuel is lost, which ultimately result in large amounts.
2 Continental ContiEcoContact 5
The Continental ContiEcoContact 5 is a perfectly balanced energy efficient tire. The introduction of new technologies in the creation of the frame has made it possible to optimize rolling resistance for greater fuel economy. The ContiEcoContact 5 has reported an overall fuel economy of 3% compared to conventional tires.
However, fuel economy is not the last high indicator of this rubber. The durability and safety of the ContiEcoContact 5 are also at a high level. The new rubber compound and improved tire profile have resulted in increased flotation and improved wet handling.
1 Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance
Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance is one of the most fuel efficient car tires. The new base component, which is created using the FuelSaving technology, reduces rolling resistance by 18% and reduces fuel consumption. Compared to competitors, the difference can be up to 0.3 liters per 100 km. This has also been confirmed by multiple tests. The manufacturer claims that when creating the product, special materials (rubber compound) are used to lighten the weight of the tire.
Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance tires, according to the manufacturer, save fuel by an average of 5%. Also, the owners find them very comfortable and quiet, albeit with a slightly overpriced.
Best Wear Resistant Summer Tires
In the previous section, we managed to save a little on fuel by choosing the right tires. In addition, the choice of wear-resistant tires, which will have to be changed much less often than usual competitors, will help save money. But here it should be borne in mind that you will have to endure minor inconveniences, such as high rigidity and not very good grip.
1 Michelin Latitude Tour HP
An equally popular model of car tires, which is in special demand among owners of urban crossovers.Michelin Latitude Tour HP developed a custom rubber compound based on a polymer used to make truck tires. As a result, they managed to obtain tires with an increased service life. Michelin Latitude Tour HP can last 30-50% longer than most competitors' tires.
The model features improved resistance to punctures, cuts, abrasion and abrasion. These are some of the most reliable and durable car tires available on the market. Buyers note that the tires are quiet, gently pass bumps and pits, and save fuel. The owners are confused by the high price and the fact that the minimum landing size of the model is 15 inches.
