Summer tire minimum temp

[KingKona]

Nobody would be sued, because the consumer was driving a summer tire in cold temps and using right kind of tire for the conditions is really obvious common knowledge stuff.

You get to sue mcdonalds if you get burned trying to drink scalding hot coffee. You don't get to sue mcdonalds for sticking scalding hot coffee up your rectum, because its common knowledge that's not what its for.

It's time to educate yourself a bit about the Ford Explorer/Firestone tires debacle/lawsuit. Then come back and tell us how the consumer should know this and that about their tires.

That you actually believe the average consumer would be expected to know a damn thing about "summer" tires is hysterical. Laughable. Beyond ignorant.

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[MAGS1]

Have you ever heard of copy and paste?

Anyway I'm done responding to you. If you want to drive on summer tires all year, more power to you. Michelin says not to use Pilot Sport 4's below 40 degrees.

You should stop telling people it is OK, since the manufacturer says it is not.

I have him on Ignore but I will click the Show Ignored Content from time to time to what dribble comes out of his mouth. He’s in the DC area if I recall and he’s trying to tell Chicago guys (and guys that have lived in similar northern climates) what winter is. Like I said earlier, he’s a clown

 

[Cobra Jet]

This thread has derailed from a simple question to nothing but keyboard warring.

Can we get back to the topic or does a mod have to get involved with putting some into a corner?

Jeez....

--

As for the initial question, if an owner was the original purchaser of their vehicle, in the glove box with the owners manual should also be the Tire Manufacturer Warranty docket for the specific tires on the vehicle. It will explain the tire use or operating recommendations.

The actual Mustang Owners Manual also has pages for the tires. For example, Summer Tire page from the 2018 Mustang Owners Manual (same exists in prior years and later years):

The statement in the manual is just a "recommendation" not to drive on Summer Tires for specified reasons on that doc page.

Does it mean you can't? No. It is just a recommendation that due to the tire compound and type of tire (tread, other ratings, etc) that if or when a driver does drive in those conditions to be aware that the tire's performance will be degraded.

There isn't any "right" or "wrong" with using/driving on such tires at 45* or below - it's owner choice and/or risk (if any risk is present).

The back and forth jabbing posted in the last few pages is ridiculous. It's like those who own a 4x4 or AWD SUV think they can still maintain excessive speeds on ice or heavily snow covered roads without any risk to safety. Its the same argument where those who do buy "snow only" tires for sports cars also think they're invincible from similar risk, just because they have a "snow" tire. For every owner with a 4x4, AWD SUV, OR those who have put snow tires on a sports car and made it through a season, there's 10 others with the same vehicles or used same snow tires and have wrecked....


Summer only tire compound will always change and become harder in lower temps, where All-Season compound or snow compound remains more pliable.

 

[MAGS1]

There isn't any "right" or "wrong" with using/driving on such tires at 45* or below - it's owner choice and/or risk (if any risk is present).

I will argue that statement when you become a risk to others on the road in a 3,900 lb vehicle. I’ve driven summer tires in below freezing temps once because I had to and it is absolutely a risk. Is it instant death and carnage? Of course not. But you are absolutely a risk to others. If you live in the middle of nowhere and the only risk of harm is to yourself, knock your socks off

 

[momalle1]

This thread has derailed from a simple question to nothing but keyboard warring.

Can we get back to the topic or does a mod have to get involved with putting some into a corner?

Jeez....

--

As for the initial question, if an owner was the original purchaser of their vehicle, in the glove box with the owners manual should also be the Tire Manufacturer Warranty docket for the specific tires on the vehicle. It will explain the tire use or operating recommendations.

The actual Mustang Owners Manual also has pages for the tires. For example, Summer Tire page from the 2018 Mustang Owners Manual (same exists in prior years and later years):

The statement in the manual is just a "recommendation" not to drive on Summer Tires for specified reasons on that doc page.

Does it mean you can't? No. It is just a recommendation that due to the tire compound and type of tire (tread, other ratings, etc) that if or when a driver does drive in those conditions to be aware that the tire's performance will be degraded.

There isn't any "right" or "wrong" with using/driving on such tires at 45* or below - it's owner choice and/or risk (if any risk is present).

The back and forth jabbing posted in the last few pages is ridiculous. It's like those who own a 4x4 or AWD SUV think they can still maintain excessive speeds on ice or heavily snow covered roads without any risk to safety. Its the same argument where those who do buy "snow only" tires for sports cars also think they're invincible from similar risk, just because they have a "snow" tire. For every owner with a 4x4, AWD SUV, OR those who have put snow tires on a sports car and made it through a season, there's 10 others with the same vehicles or used same snow tires and have wrecked....


Summer only tire compound will always change and become harder in lower temps, where All-Season compound or snow compound remains more pliable.

I remember reading about storing the tires indoors when I bought my Mustang and laughing a bit.

 

[KingKona]

I’ve driven summer tires in below freezing temps once because I had to and it is absolutely a risk.

What tires? When? Be specific please.

With the current crop of tires, there is absolutely NO risk. Your handling and braking is still miles better than 95% of the vehicles on the road.

 

[KingKona]

I have him on Ignore but I will click the Show Ignored Content from time to time to what dribble comes out of his mouth. He’s in the DC area if I recall and he’s trying to tell Chicago guys (and guys that have lived in similar northern climates) what winter is. Like I said earlier, he’s a clown

I'm from SW Michigan. Worse winters than Chicago by a looooooong way. Your town gets an average of 37" of snow a season, my area gets an average of 79" of snow a season. Systems come in over Lake Michigan, pick up steam over the lake, and crush Michigan. Snow, ice, etc.

I'm not saying to use MPSO tires in those conditions, just that I definitely know driving Mustangs in horrificaly bad winter weather, where you need M&S tires to keep moving.

You keep wanting to believe I'm a clown. It's personal for you, I get that. But open your mind.

 

[Cobra Jet]

I will argue that statement when you become a risk to others on the road in a 3,900 lb vehicle. I’ve driven summer tires in below freezing temps once because I had to and it is absolutely a risk. Is it instant death and carnage? Of course not. But you are absolutely a risk to others. If you live in the middle of nowhere and the only risk of harm is to yourself, knock your socks off

While I understand the concern, it’s really being blown out of proportion in this thread (not by you personally) - and I don’t mean that in an argumentative way at all.

I’ve owned more than (20) Mustangs in 30 years, as well as BMW’s - and am located in NJ, which has the (4) seasons and very cold/snow harsh winter months. Both vehicle types as we all know, do come equipped with “summer only” OR can be equipped with “summer only” tires.

Aside from the whole “recommended use” and “45* and below disclaimers”, I too have used summer only tires in all seasons, as well as in very harsh winter conditions.

With that said, the tires have always been at proper inflation, with plenty of tread and most importantly, the cars (present and past) have been driven responsibly and with COMMON SENSE. I’m talking about driving 5.0 Mustangs before the S550 was even a dream in a designer's cube… when Mustangs didn’t have ANY “Nannie’s” and were a straight up raw driving experience, with only front discs and no abs too. I have never had any issues driving any of them in the winter with summer only tires.

Am I being a fool and pushing the vehicle beyond parameters that I KNOW and am AWARE of in such harsh weather conditions with summer only tires? f-no. I’ve always had properly inflated tires, good alignment, more than enough tread, a full tank of gas and 75lbs of salt or kitty litter in the trunk for weight over the rear axle. I have not driven like a tool (like many do today WITH Nannie’s), and if there is ice or heavy snow on the ground, I’m taking my time and getting from A to B safely. If people want to be idiots and pass me in such conditions, more power to them, hopefully they won’t end up in a ditch, in oncoming traffic, or off in the woods due to their own stupidity.

I’ve said it myself - Summer Only tire compound gets very hard and is less pliable when it’s colder outside. You HAVE to KNOW your vehicle’s limitations. If you’re being the fool, then yes, you won’t be getting anywhere with summer only tires in harsh winter conditions.

If your summer only tires have like 1/8th tread left of the original tread depth, then sure, you’re a fool for even thinking you’ll get anywhere with snow/sleet on the ground with such tires.

The Summer Only tire manufacturers have to have such disclaimers, because there are people who don’t educate themselves about the equipment their vehicle has, there’s the same people that don’t read the owners manual or Manufacturer’s spec docs, let alone the same people who even with “winter tires” believe their sports car is now invincible…

Can summer only tires be used when temps dip below 45*? Yes.

Can summer only tires be driven on when there is snow or sleet on the ground? Yes.

Will the tire crack and shatter to bits if it’s being used in 45* or less temps? No. This does not happen with every single summer only tire being used in the winter months. I can attest to that myself, as I’ve never had a summer only tire crack, throw chunks or even deteriorate as some have said on here. Does it or can it happen? I am sure it does and can happen. Also be very aware that if tires are being driven on with improper inflation and poor alignment, that a summer only tire can also get cracks in the summer months too! Sidewall or tread damage just does not occur from “winter”.

All I’m saying is this:
It is the Owner’s responsibility to chose (or not to chose) to drive with summer only tires during harsh winter months where temps may sustain 45* or below for a duration of time. IF that owner does elect to drive on summer only tires during harsh winter months, then they MUST use common sense, be cautious, and understand that a summer only tire will NOT have the same performance characteristics in the winter as it did during the summer where say temps remain between 70*-100* depending on geographic location.

I’m in no way promoting to use or drive with summer only tires in harsh winter months. What I am saying is, yes it can be done, but if a first timer doing it, just be very aware of how that tire will have reduced performance with traction starting from a stop, stopping distance whether road is wet, snowy or dry, road to tire surface adhesion will be diminished, and poor ability to properly expel heavy snow from it’s tread.

 

[K4fxd]

Like I said earlier, I drove a Wisconsin winter with real drag slicks, zero grooves. I drove this 440 Road runner in snow and ice conditions.

Is is doable, it is not smart. I like UHPAS tires and get blasted for that. People say I need summer tires. LOL

 

[MAGS1]

While I understand the concern, it’s really being blown out of proportion in this thread (not by you personally) - and I don’t mean that in an argumentative way at all.

I’ve owned more than (20) Mustangs in 30 years, as well as BMW’s - and am located in NJ, which has the (4) seasons and very cold/snow harsh winter months. Both vehicle types as we all know, do come equipped with “summer only” OR can be equipped with “summer only” tires.

Aside from the whole “recommended use” and “45* and below disclaimers”, I too have used summer only tires in all seasons, as well as in very harsh winter conditions.

With that said, the tires have always been at proper inflation, with plenty of tread and most importantly, the cars (present and past) have been driven responsibly and with COMMON SENSE. I’m talking about driving 5.0 Mustangs before the S550 was even a dream in a designer's cube… when Mustangs didn’t have ANY “Nannie’s” and were a straight up raw driving experience, with only front discs and no abs too. I have never had any issues driving any of them in the winter with summer only tires.

Am I being a fool and pushing the vehicle beyond parameters that I KNOW and am AWARE of in such harsh weather conditions with summer only tires? f-no. I’ve always had properly inflated tires, good alignment, more than enough tread, a full tank of gas and 75lbs of salt or kitty litter in the trunk for weight over the rear axle. I have not driven like a tool (like many do today WITH Nannie’s), and if there is ice or heavy snow on the ground, I’m taking my time and getting from A to B safely. If people want to be idiots and pass me in such conditions, more power to them, hopefully they won’t end up in a ditch, in oncoming traffic, or off in the woods due to their own stupidity.

I’ve said it myself - Summer Only tire compound gets very hard and is less pliable when it’s colder outside. You HAVE to KNOW your vehicle’s limitations. If you’re being the fool, then yes, you won’t be getting anywhere with summer only tires in harsh winter conditions.

If your summer only tires have like 1/8th tread left of the original tread depth, then sure, you’re a fool for even thinking you’ll get anywhere with snow/sleet on the ground with such tires.

The Summer Only tire manufacturers have to have such disclaimers, because there are people who don’t educate themselves about the equipment their vehicle has, there’s the same people that don’t read the owners manual or Manufacturer’s spec docs, let alone the same people who even with “winter tires” believe their sports car is now invincible…

Can summer only tires be used when temps dip below 45*? Yes.

Can summer only tires be driven on when there is snow or sleet on the ground? Yes.

Will the tire crack and shatter to bits if it’s being used in 45* or less temps? No. This does not happen with every single summer only tire being used in the winter months. I can attest to that myself, as I’ve never had a summer only tire crack, throw chunks or even deteriorate as some have said on here. Does it or can it happen? I am sure it does and can happen. Also be very aware that if tires are being driven on with improper inflation and poor alignment, that a summer only tire can also get cracks in the summer months too! Sidewall or tread damage just does not occur from “winter”.

All I’m saying is this:
It is the Owner’s responsibility to chose (or not to chose) to drive with summer only tires during harsh winter months where temps may sustain 45* or below for a duration of time. IF that owner does elect to drive on summer only tires during harsh winter months, then they MUST use common sense, be cautious, and understand that a summer only tire will NOT have the same performance characteristics in the winter as it did during the summer where say temps remain between 70*-100* depending on geographic location.

I’m in no way promoting to use or drive with summer only tires in harsh winter months. What I am saying is, yes it can be done, but if a first timer doing it, just be very aware of how that tire will have reduced performance with traction starting from a stop, stopping distance whether road is wet, snowy or dry, road to tire surface adhesion will be diminished, and poor ability to properly expel heavy snow from it’s tread.

You make a lot of valid points and everyone’s experiences will vary. At the end of the day, it comes down to a can you vs should you as has been said here a few times. My view is yes you can but no you shouldn’t. Mostly because no matter how well you think you’re modulating the throttle and taking the right approach for conditions, something could happen that might cause you to need to brake suddenly or speed up suddenly. That greatly increases the risk that the tires won’t perform as needed and leads to an accident that very likely could’ve been avoided with the proper tires for the conditions.

 

[Balr14]

Has anyone else tried using Pirelli P-Zero summer tires in the winter? The way they handle does not make you feel very safe.

 

[PhillyMike]

Has anyone else tried using Pirelli P-Zero summer tires in the winter? The way they handle does not make you feel very safe.

Not winter, but in 40-45 deg PA Spring/Fall wet mornings they were driveable but not enjoyable. Slipped a lot when cold going up my steep turning driveway and didn't inspire confidence on the road. Have winters on my car now. My choice. If anyone want's to run MP summers year round that is theirs.

 

[ORRadtech]

Has anyone else tried using Pirelli P-Zero summer tires in the winter? The way they handle does not make you feel very safe.

Yes, the first year I had the car. Granted it was an Atlanta winter (30-50deg range) so not the harshest. I did get caught coming down from the North Carolina mountains in a fresh 4" snow fall once. They handled better than I expected.

 

[KingKona]

Has anyone else tried using Pirelli P-Zero summer tires in the winter? The way they handle does not make you feel very safe.

Not winter, but in 40-45 deg PA Spring/Fall wet mornings they were driveable but not enjoyable. Slipped a lot when cold going up my steep turning driveway and didn't inspire confidence on the road. Have winters on my car now. My choice. If anyone want's to run MP summers year round that is theirs.

Those Pirellis are shit tires. In many, many ways. The Michelin Pilot Sport 4S is massively better. So are Firehawk Indy 500s and Conti Sport 2s.

 

[KingKona]

Yes, the first year I had the car. Granted it was an Atlanta winter (30-50deg range) so not the harshest. I did get caught coming down from the North Carolina mountains in a fresh 4" snow fall once. They handled better than I expected.

He was asking about the summer (MPSO) tires, not the A/S that came on your car.

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