Summer Tires - Winter Time

[kz]

You calling Tire Rack liars?

If ambient temperatures drop to near- or below-freezing, driving or rolling a vehicle equipped with summer performance tires risks the possibility of tread compound cracking. Tread compound cracking is a permanent condition that requires the tires to be replaced. The other condition that can be caused by running summer performance tires in cold temperatures is the possibility of chipping away the edges of the tread blocks.

Maybe you are. I am saying I drove multiple set of summer tires (including Bridgestones RE-71Rs - look them up) in a sub-freezing temperatures and none of them cracked. Other people's also did not.

You always believe in all CYA disclaimers ?

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[Norm Peterson]

I trust you completely, been there, done that. Agree on race compounds as well, but I'm sure very few if anyone here drives these on a street during winter.
Just "OMG, summer tires are going to crack !" nonsense needs to be stopped.

Just because winter conditions (and driving situations) vary enough that it can't be guaranteed that they will crack isn't a strong enough argument for you to say it flat-out couldn't happen.


Norm

 

[Ebm]

.

Maybe you are. I am saying I drove multiple set of summer tires (including Bridgestones RE-71Rs - look them up) in a sub-freezing temperatures and none of them cracked. Other people's also did not.

You always believe in all CYA disclaimers ?

Some people's way of conveying information is scared tactics, others is pretty balanced. The thing is, these disclaimers about summer tires aren't for people's health, but to protect against warranty issues and lawsuits. They probably won't crack, but probably isn't good enough when going 70 mph on a highway and you have a blowout.

Why take the risk just to prove a point. Is your life worth what a set of tires cost or not? That's up to you.

They call them "summer" tires for a reason. Summer equates to hot conditions...

 

[RegDir]

Regarding MPSS, seems Michelin may be blending compounds to produce longer treadlife so one benefit is grip at lower temps while sacrificing some at normal temps. In my experience the P-Zero grips better than the MPSS, very close to PS2 performance.

I think for a lot of people on this site it was their first summer tire experience and were upset with the tread life of the Pirelli, thus all the hate. Well I've been running summers for 20 years and its buy in the spring and throw 'em out in the fall and have a lot of fun in between. I usually get RE050s or PS2s but would have no problem going back to the Pirelli if the price is right.

 

[Coyote Red]

Snowbirds use winter tires

Update: The weather has remained 34-44 degrees for the last week and I've driven 3 work days with very little concern. I kept the psi gauge on to watch the tires heat up and they go from 33lbs to 36-37lbs during my 40 mile trek to work on these coastal hwys. Really pleased with the experience. I'd run snow tires if warranted to be clear, but not necessary here on the coastal bend of Texas.

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