Summer tires are a great option for anyone who wants optimal traction in warm-weather conditions—whether you live in a state that’s sunny year-round or simply want the best set of wheels for your summer vehicle.

While many drivers recognize the need for specialized winter tires, few realize that summer tires can be beneficial, too. Intended primarily for high-performance vehicles, summer tires are perfect for sports cars, especially when their drivers live in warm climates.

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What are summer tires?

Summer tires are designed to provide maximum traction in hot weather. They’re made from a unique sticky rubber compound and include a special tread pattern with minimal grooving, so more rubber makes contact with the road. The result is a tire that grips the pavement, offering prime performance when cornering, accelerating, and braking.

Because they’re built for speed and agility, summer tires are typically associated with high-performance vehicles like sports cars and exotic coupes. However, they can also be a great option for your summer vehicle, or if you live in a consistently warm place like Hawaii,

California

, or

Florida

Summer tires vs. all-season tires

All-season tires also perform well in warm weather; however, summer tires’ super-grip capabilities mean they’ll perform better in both wet and dry conditions. While the difference may not be substantial enough if you drive a simple car that brings you from point A to point B, the upgrade will be noticeable in your sports or luxury vehicle.

Summer tires won’t do well in cold conditions—they perform their best when temperatures are well above 40°F. On the other hand, all-season tires can handle cooler temperatures (although neither option is built for ice and snow).

Finally, summer tires offer an extremely quiet and comfortable ride. If you drive an electric vehicle, which lacks the engine sounds that block out the sounds of your tires on the road, the audible difference between summer and all-season tires can be quite noticeable.

How many miles will summer tires last?

Depending on driving habits and road conditions, summer tires will last 20,000 to 40,000 miles. For example, frequent high-speed driving or abrupt braking can cause a bit more friction and wear down your tire’s treads more quickly.

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You can extend the life of your summer tires by switching to all-weather tires or snow tires in the winter or storing your summer vehicle when the weather gets colder.

MORE: How often should you replace your tires?

Will summer tires decrease fuel efficiency?

Before we cover how a car’s tire type affects its fuel efficiency, we have to discuss rolling resistance. Rolling resistance dictates how much energy is required to keep a tire moving. Low rolling resistance means little energy is required, making a car fuel-efficient, and high rolling resistance means the opposite.

Summer tires have very little rolling resistance, making them an extremely fuel-efficient option.

Key Takeaway Summer tires are a fuel-efficient option for warm-weather drivers who want to increase their vehicle's performance.

MORE: Choose these tires to save on gas

Are summer tires worth it?

The type of vehicle you drive, your driving habits, and your region’s general climate are the three biggest factors that will dictate whether buying summer tires is worth it.

If you own a high-performance vehicle, want to increase control while you’re driving, or live somewhere with long summers and temperate winters, summer tires are likely a great investment.

How much should you pay for summer tires?

According to CostHelper, budget brand summer tires can cost as little as $100 each, while the most high-quality options could run you $1,400 per tire.

Obviously, this is a very large range, so carefully consider the car you’re putting them on. If you drive a luxury or sports vehicle, you’ll probably want to invest in a higher-quality option. However, unless you regularly treat the road like a racetrack, the most expensive options might not be necessary.

What type of tires does your car need?

If you’re still unsure whether summer tires are right for you and your vehicle–or if you’re considering a second style of tire for cooler climates–check out the following chart to explore different tire options, their average price, and their estimated lifespans:

Type of vehicle	Driving conditions	Best type of tire	Average cost	Average lifespan
Passenger vehicles (car, SUV, or minivan)	Climates above 45° F	All-season tires	$80 to $150	60,000 miles
Passenger vehicles	Extensive commuting in moderate weather	Highway tires	$100 to $300	60,000 miles
Passenger vehicles (especially sports cars)	Racing and warm-weather driving	Summer tires	$150 to $300	30,000 miles
SUVs and trucks	Mix of highway and off-road driving	All-terrain tires	$150 to $300	40,000 miles
SUVs and trucks	Off-roading	Mud tires	$125 to $300	20,000 miles
Any	Cold weather, snow, and ice	Snow tires	$80 to $200	30,000 miles or 4 winter seasons

MORE: Winter tires vs. all-season tires: Which is better?

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Can I use summer tires all year?

You can absolutely use summer tires all year round—if you live in a geographic location that stays warm all year round. Summer tires perform their best when the weather stays consistently above 40°F.

Are summer tires good for highway driving?

Summer tires will definitely increase your performance when accelerating, braking, and cornering. They also offer a smooth and quiet ride, which means they can be very comfortable for long-distance highway trips. However, keep in mind that summer tires may not have the lifespan of other, more durable options, and highway driving can wear them down a bit more quickly.

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Editorial Note: This article was written by a paid member of Jerry's editorial team. Statements in this article represent the author’s personal opinions and do not constitute advice or recommendations. You should consult with an insurance professional about your specific circumstances and needs before making any insurance decisions.