Stock tires sitting outside below 40?

[Soton]

I know there's been much discussion on driving below 40 degrees on the stock summer tires but what about rolling it out of the garage, having it sit in the driveway at temperatures in the 20s or so, perhaps lower, for a few hours before rolling it back into the garage? Would the tires be at risk for getting damaged/cracking?

I use my garage for the occasional small wood working project but the Bullitt is taking up all the available space. With the coldest part of winter soon to come I was wondering if I could roll it into the driveway for a few hours while I work on those projects. I'm based in Delaware so not New England winters or temperatures but not South Carolina either.

Thanks.

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[BrettT]

I know there's been much discussion on driving below 40 degrees on the stock summer tires but what about rolling it out of the garage, having it sit in the driveway at temperatures in the 20s or so, perhaps lower, for a few hours before rolling it back into the garage? Would the tires be at risk for getting damaged/cracking?

I use my garage for the occasional small wood working project but the Bullitt is taking up all the available space. With the coldest part of winter soon to come I was wondering if I could roll it into the driveway for a few hours while I work on those projects. I'm based in Delaware so not New England winters or temperatures but not South Carolina either.

Thanks.

I don't think it would be a problem, but I would be very careful driving it at those temps.

 

[Soton]

I don't think it would be a problem, but I would be very careful driving it at those temps.

Thanks. It wouldn't be driven more than 15-20ft forward and 15-20ft in reverse. I know there's warnings about exposing the tires to temps in the 20s and waiting 24 hours at higher temperatures before driving. I just don't know if that means any movement or sustained driving can damage them.

 

[aileron]

You can read Michelin's TSB and decide for yourself. Mine are stored in a heated garage @ 63*F while the Bullitt plays outside on its Nokian Hakkapelita snow shoes.

 

[Soton]

You can read Michelin's TSB and decide for yourself.

I'm familiar with that but I was hoping for some anecdotal advice. As soon as it hits 19 degrees do they turn to glass? I just don't have any experience with it so I was hoping somebody did.

 

[Doobie083]

I thought this was more of an issue with the Cup 2 tires. I wouldn't worry especially if it's temporary.

 

[Bullitt]

I think that TSB is regarding the Cup tires as it says they're designed for dry and damp grip. The Pilot Sport series are excellent in the rain and advertised as such, far beyond the "damp" level. I can say personally I've parked my car at the airport with temps in the high 20s and mine are fine. I also have been driving the car on dry days here in the winter and so far the coldest I've driven it was about 27 degrees. I wouldn't attempt any athletic maneuvers at those temps, but for cruising around in traffic or on the highway, they're fine.

I can't say for sure how they'll react below the 27 degrees I've exposed them too, but my guess is they'd be fine at least for short periods. Think about all the new Bullitts and PP1 GTs sitting on dealer lots in the snow belt right now that will sit all winter. Will the tires on all of them be ruined in the spring? Maybe, but I doubt it.

 

[aileron]

I think that TSB is regarding the Cup tires as it says they're designed for dry and damp grip. The Pilot Sport series are excellent in the rain and advertised as such, far beyond the "damp" level. I can say personally I've parked my car at the airport with temps in the high 20s and mine are fine. I also have been driving the car on dry days here in the winter and so far the coldest I've driven it was about 27 degrees. I wouldn't attempt any athletic maneuvers at those temps, but for cruising around in traffic or on the highway, they're fine.

I can't say for sure how they'll react below the 27 degrees I've exposed them too, but my guess is they'd be fine at least for short periods. Think about all the new Bullitts and PP1 GTs sitting on dealer lots in the snow belt right now that will sit all winter. Will the tires on all of them be ruined in the spring? Maybe, but I doubt it.

Actually, the TSB does refer to the Pilot Sport 4's on our Bullitt's, but I couldn't seem to copy the TSB header, and couldn't figure out how to post the entire pdf. The TSB also has a photo of the the types of cracks it refers to, and the tread is definitely PS4 and not cups. The way to find out for sure, if you're at all concerned, is to give Michi Consumer care a call at the phone # referenced on the TSB. It was a moot point for me; I needed real snow/ice tires to attempt to keep Kermit on the road this winter.

As far as real world driving in cold temps, I picked up my 997 twin turbo from the dealer in Bellingham WA, and drove the new Porsche to SoCal - in January. The car came with PS2's, and drove in single digit temps... and **a lot **of snow and ice. The tires felt slimy, and traction wasn't great, but I didn't go flying off the road. Note - the 997 TT is AWD.

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