Should I get summer tires?

Many Canadians install winter tires to prepare for the long, snowy winters each year. Should the opposite hold true for summer tires?

Summer tires are actually known as performance tires and experts recommend these tires for use not only in summer, but also for spring and fall. Similar to how winter tires deliver excellent grip in lower temperatures, performance tires are your best bet for superior traction during the three remaining seasons.

Performance tires are designed to be grippy and stiff, resulting in effective traction during warmer weather. These tires are also designed to have outstanding hydroplaning resistance, which means they are able to maintain contact on wet roads, an important feature during rainy periods.

Be careful not to mistake all-season tires for performance tires. All-season tires don’t offer the same hydroplaning resistance as performance tires; likewise in the winter, all-season tires lack the snow traction that winter tires provide.

Ultimately, your decision on purchasing performance tires may depend on where you live. If you live in a climate that receives a lot of rain in the spring, summer and fall, and where temperatures tend to soar in the summer, performance tires are highly recommended.

However, keep in mind that performance tires tend to wear out more quickly than all-season tires and are also usually more expensive. Therefore, your budget may also play a factor in deciding whether to purchase performance tires.

Lastly, with fun summer activities and road trips on the horizon, we recommend you contact your local BrokerLink broker to review your auto insurance coverage. You want to make sure you’re ready to hit the open roads with the right coverage.