summer only tires in cold weather

[chris53]

Has anyone here with summer only rated tires, driven in temps under 45f and found out they ruined their tires ..I hate knowing I have to store the car just because the temps have cooled off

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[Skye]

If you can provide a brand name, that could help. Those with direct experience could comment.

FWIW, I've seen a few instances of ruined tires. Sidewalls being completely cracked. Temps in these examples was in the 30s. But in the 40s, I still wouldn't want to chance it. There's damage you can see. And damage you can't.

Just as important is traction. Some are better driving than others. Most have said below 50, traction is sketchy.

YMMV.

https://www.google.com/search?q=mus...HdghNBkQrQIoAnoECBkQAw&biw=1450&bih=727&dpr=2

 

[robvas]

45F you don't have to worry about cracking, they are just slippery as shit

I see people drive their BMWs on Pilot 4S tires all winter long. I know their OEM tires are rated for a lower temp (20?), can't be ideal but they do it.

A tire like a Trofeo or Supercar F1 will crack in freezing temps. Dark Horse and ZL1 owners have posted pictures of it.

 

[MAGS1]

Freezing and below is when you’d start worrying about cracking. Under 45F, they get to be like hockey pucks. When the temperature is consistently below 45-50F is when I change mine out. Or if there’s snow in the forecast, whichever comes first (we’ve had it be in the 50’s and then 2 days later have wet snow forecast, gotta love the Midwest). Typically early to mid November for me but we’ve had snow and/or freezing temps on Halloween the last couple years.

I’ll edit to add that really, under 50-55F the summer only’s get stiff like hockey pucks but under 45F is when I pucker a little bit.

 

[Zooks527]

Back in the first few months of 2019 when my GT was on order (and on hold for weeks, fully assembled except for a steering wheel that was on back order ), there were a number of people waiting for their PP2 cars to start production. They were apparently being postponed until the weather warmed up after a number of PP2 cars had Sport Cup 2 tires cracking during below freezing weather at the Flat Rock plant during the 2018 MY run.

Another source:
https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/news/2014/03/performance-tires-crack-winter-cracking/index.htm

 

[GrabberBargeCaptain]

Yes, I run summers year round in central CA. we get mornings as cold as about 28 but it’s not that common at all. I just don’t drive aggressively in the mornings. If it’s cold and rainy I might take the wifeys CX5 with all seasons

These tires last 20-30k so I’m not worried about cracking etc. they’re trashed after a couple years anyway

 

[MAGS1]

Also, tires like Cup2, Trofeo R, etc are even more sensitive to colder temps that Extreme Contact Sport02, PS4S, etc.

 

[Bob Lob Law]

Been on Indy 500s for 2 years daily. Driven in snow, ice and temps down to -5*f. 0 issues.

 

[skinnyb]

I drove my PS4S last Thanksgiving weekend and the low was around 30, but by the time I got out it had already warmed over 40. They were a bit greasy til they warmed up a bit but then were fine. I just took it easy and did OK...

 

[cerbomark]

Has anyone here with summer only rated tires, driven in temps under 45f and found out they ruined their tires ..I hate knowing I have to store the car just because the temps have cooled off

never ruin a set doing that and I have driven in those tempertaures and lower.

 

[Zrussian13]

I run summer tires year round in Az. Obviously no snow here but some winter mornings its in the mid 20s° when I leave for work with highs in the upper 40s. Traction is limited but tires have done fine.

 

[Bulldog9]

Won't ruin the PS4S, but may be more susceptible to damage when driving on rough sharp gravel or road surfaces and it will be like driving on crayons below 40. Can't speak to other tires.

 

[NightmareMoon]

I’ve had a couple sets of MP4S/MPSS that had minor cracking when I tossed them due to wear.

Entirely Texas driven year round, with very few days below 32.

Current set was never driven below 35 and no cracking. (i have a daily driver truck on All Terrains now for those colder days.

Current set will see a few days below 40 here in the next weeks as I moved to a northern state and the truck daily is in the shop. However they’re getting replaced immenently due to wear so I wont care if they get some cracking from the cold.

Basically yeah it happens and its not just a rumor or anything, but its closer to freezing temps and 45 degrees will be fine.

 

[Hack]

Nope. I've used some summer only tires like the Pilot SS tires that came on my 2016 GT350 down to around 20 F. Never had a problem other than lack of traction.

 

[Mach VII]

I've been running Continental ECS Sports for the last 5 years (this year the 02 version) and I run them into November when temps are regularly 20-25 in the morning. When it is below 40* I watch the TPMS sensors and drive conservatively until I see the pressures come up a couple lbs, I know they are warm then and will grip much better.

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