Thread: How cold do you drive your summer tires to?

Quote: Originally Posted by Mad Swede This is an interesting thread, but seems like a lot of folks posting who just don't drive in the winter, as opposed to me with winter tires where the decision is when and how long to have the winter tires on. I have been debating whether to go high perf A/S or summers like S-Drives or UHP. In Denver, I already had my winter tires on once, then took them back off right away as it has been low...

According to advanced forecast the 60 degree days are no more for at least a week, and a freeze warning Friday. Will probably change to my all seasons during half-time on T-day.

Quote: Originally Posted by Iceburn I autocross all winter for the past 7 years on summer tires, and haven't had any problems. Even in temperatures down to 0 F, they grip a lot better than snow or all-season tires once they've warmed up. True, they don't grip as well as they do in warm temperatures, but it's not as though it's dangerous or any worse than winter tires, which simply NEVER have much grip. My experience...

Good points about the winters not stopping well in the dry. I think that the caveat is to drive defensibly (new word -- defensively+ sensibly) in the winter and anticipate stops and stupid actions by others (especially SUVs with blackout windows and jerk driving ).

Quote: Originally Posted by Bryan Really get on it and you'll be singing a different tune. The tires are quite capable of getting you around--I mean, they won't explode just because it's cold out. That said, braking and cornering grip are just not the same. I drive pretty hard on off-ramps, etc. (race another car on a regular basis) and, being no stranger to sliding cars, have not had any crazy, opposite lock moments when the...

Oh and by the way my so called "Winter" tires are Nankangs. :Blech: There my drifting tires Ive had them down to 0 degrees on a clear day.

Quote: Originally Posted by Iceburn When my Miata was my only car, I just swapped winter and summer tires all winter. I live just down I-25 from you. I believe that summers will stop much better than winters even at 20 degrees, as long as the tires are warmed up. I never saw the benefit to going with an all-season. I don't think they'd be as good in the dry as summers, and won't be as good as winters in the snow. That always...

Quote: Originally Posted by Dougy Where did you receive this information? While both Bridgestone and Tire Rack both agree on loss of grip at lower temperatures, neither acknowledged the potential for damage to the tires from lower temperatures. I'm not saying you're wrong, I'm asking you to substantiate your claim. From Bridgestone Tire tech support in March 2009 before I made the decision to buy in mid March. Discussion...

Quote: Originally Posted by benzmx5 From Bridgestone Tire tech support in March 2009 before I made the decision to buy in mid March. Discussion regarding the nature of the softer compound properties enabling superior grip and the downside regarding what happens to this compound in cold weather and the temp to avoid before cold may cause damage to the compound even if the tire is not driven on. According to the Bridgestone engineering manager...

Quote: Originally Posted by wooo I've got good winter wheels and tires, so might as well use them. But not more than needed. I HATE the cars handling with the winter tires compared to the summers! Big switch to go from 17 inch summer runflat tires to 16 inch winter tires.