Best Summer Tires 2026 — Top 10 Tested by Real-World Performance

Quick Answer

Summer tires in 2026 can be fitted from March 20, once the average daily temperature consistently exceeds +7 degrees C. The best summer tires for value in 2026: Michelin Primacy 4+ (premium), Continental PremiumContact 7 (braking), Goodyear EfficientGrip 2 (economy). Prices start from 45 EUR per tire (R15 size) up to 150+ EUR (R18 premium). Read the full ranking and learn how to save up to 30% when buying summer tires.

When to Change to Summer Tires in 2026?

Official Dates and Regulations

Important: although summer tires can technically be fitted from March 20, meteorologists recommend waiting until the daily temperature consistently exceeds +7 degrees C for at least a week. In Lithuania in 2026, this is expected around late March to early April.

Why Is It Important to Change on Time?

Winter tires above +7 degrees C become softer and:

• Braking distance increases by 10-15% — the soft winter compound brakes worse on warm asphalt
• Tires wear 30-40% faster — every week on winters in summer costs ~1,000 km of tread life
• Fuel consumption increases by 5-8% — greater rolling resistance
• Handling stability decreases — especially in corners and during sudden lane changes

Read more about changeover deadlines and prices in our tire change season guide.

TOP 10 Summer Tires 2026

Premium Class (from 80 EUR/pc.)

1. Michelin Primacy 4+ (S2)

Michelin Primacy 4+ is the best all-round choice for 2026. The new S2 version improved wet braking and reduced rolling resistance. The tire is perfectly suited to Lithuanian roads — excellent braking in rain, quiet operation and long service life (up to 50,000-60,000 km).

2. Continental PremiumContact 7

Best wet braking performance among all tested tires. Continental PremiumContact 7 is the latest model replacing the popular PremiumContact 6. Ideal for those who frequently drive in rain and value safety above all.

3. Bridgestone Turanza 6

Bridgestone Turanza 6 — an excellent balance between comfort and sporty driving. The new Enliten technology reduced weight by 10%, which means lower fuel consumption. An especially good choice for sedans and wagons.

Mid-Range Class (55-80 EUR/pc.)

4. Goodyear EfficientGrip 2 SUV

Best choice for SUVs in the mid-price category. Reinforced sidewalls protect against curb damage. Long service life — up to 55,000 km.

5. Dunlop Sport BluResponse 2

Dunlop is a Goodyear Group brand, manufactured in Europe. Sport BluResponse 2 offers premium-level wet performance at a mid-range price. Excellent value for money.

6. Hankook Ventus Prime 4

A Korean premium — one of the most popular tires in Lithuania. Hankook Ventus Prime 4 has excellent wet performance and quiet operation. Many OEMs (BMW, Audi, VW) supply their new cars with Hankook from the factory.

7. Kumho Ecsta HS52

The best budget-to-quality ratio. Kumho is the second Korean manufacturer, priced 20-30% lower than Hankook but with very similar performance. A solid choice for everyday commuters.

Budget Class (45-55 EUR/pc.)

8. Nexen N'Blue HD Plus

Best budget pick. Nexen is manufactured by the Hankook Group — meaning similar technology at a lower price. N'Blue HD Plus is one of the most popular budget tires in Europe.

9. Nokian Hakka Green 3

Finnish Nokian — specialists in northern climates. Hakka Green 3 has the best properties in cold and wet conditions, perfectly suited for Lithuanian spring and autumn when temperatures fluctuate.

10. Sava Intensa HP2

Sava is a Goodyear Group budget brand, manufactured in Europe (Slovenia). Intensa HP2 offers acceptable quality at the lowest price. Suitable for those who drive less than 15,000 km per year.

Summer Tire Prices 2026 in Lithuania

Prices by Size (1 tire)

Full Set (4 tires + fitting)

Note: prices include tires + fitting (~15-20 EUR/wheel) + balancing (~5-8 EUR/wheel). For tire change prices and service details, see our tire change price guide.

How to Choose the Right Summer Tires?

1. Check Your Size

The tire size is indicated on:

• The driver's door jamb — a sticker with the recommended size and pressure
• Your current tires — the size is printed on the sidewall, e.g., 205/55 R16 91V
• The car's technical documentation

What do the numbers mean? Example: 205/55 R16 91V

• 205 — width in millimeters
• 55 — aspect ratio (% of width)
• R16 — rim diameter in inches
• 91 — load index (615 kg)
• V — speed rating (up to 240 km/h)

2. Choose Based on Your Driving Style

3. Pay Attention to the EU Label

Since 2021, all tires in Europe carry a label with three parameters:

• Fuel efficiency (A-E): A = lowest resistance = less fuel
• Wet braking (A-E): A = shortest braking distance in rain
• Noise (dB): the lower, the quieter

Our recommendation: In Lithuania, where it rains frequently, wet braking (A or B) is the most important parameter. Don't skimp on braking — a 10-meter shorter stopping distance can save a life.

5 Tips to Save Money

1. Buy in March — Not April

Peak demand for summer tires is early April. At that time, prices rise 10-15%, and popular sizes sell out quickly. Buy in March — you'll find better prices and a wider selection.

2. Buy 4 Tires at Once

Many sellers offer a discount for a full set (4 pcs). Typical discount: 5-10% off the total or free fitting. This can save you 20-60 EUR.

3. Compare Prices Online

Online tire shops often offer prices 15-25% lower than physical stores. Popular Lithuanian online tire shops:

• Padangos.lt — widest selection
• 1A.lt — often the best prices
• Autoplius padangos — listings with used tires

Important: when buying online, arrange fitting in advance. Most service shops will also fit customer-supplied tires.

4. Consider "Second-Tier" Brands

Major manufacturers have budget sub-brands using the same technologies:

• Michelin — Kleber, BFGoodrich
• Continental — Barum, Semperit
• Goodyear — Dunlop, Sava, Fulda
• Bridgestone — Firestone, Dayton

These brands cost 20-40% less but are made in the same factories with similar technology.

5. Choose the Right Class Based on Mileage

Summer Tire Maintenance

Pressure Checks

Check tire pressure every 2-4 weeks and before every longer trip. Incorrect pressure:

• Too low (-0.3 bar): +10% fuel, edges wear faster, poorer handling
• Too high (+0.3 bar): less contact with the road, longer braking distance, center wears faster

Recommended pressure is shown on the driver's door jamb. In summer, when it's hot, pressure naturally rises by ~0.2-0.3 bar — this is normal.

When to Replace Summer Tires?

Summer tires should be replaced when:

• Tread depth is less than 3 mm (legal minimum is 1.6 mm, but safety already drops from 3 mm)
• The tire is older than 6 years (rubber hardens even when unused)
• Visible damage — cuts on the sidewall, deformations, uneven wear

How to check tread depth? Insert a 2 EUR coin into the tire groove. If you can see the entire silver edge — it's time to replace.

Frequently Asked Questions

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