Needed ASAP: Info on snow tires vs. SO3s for drive from Detroit to FL; no snow in forecast...
12-06-2002, 06:45 AM
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Needed ASAP: Info on snow tires vs. SO3s for drive from Detroit to FL; no snow in forecast...
Yes, I know the my Dunlop snow tires now on my 00 6-spd (no ESP) are much better in snow than my SO3s. The question is, how do they compare when it's cold WITHOUT snow (or ice or freezing rain), none of which are forecast along my I-75 route? (Weather.com gives zero chance of precip til I reach GA or FL, and then only rain.) Brandon at Tirerack says the SO3s will be "a little greasy" if I try fast cornering, but I won't be doing that on the Interstate with a fully loaded car. He seemed to think stopping power, my main concern, would be OK. I do want to be safe but prefer not to have snow tires in FL for five months. What do you think? Any experiences to share? Need to know BY NOON eastern time, please, cuz I gotta hit the road...TIA!
12-06-2002, 06:51 AM
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<40 degrees you better have the snow tires on, IMHO.
How do you know what the weather will be like on the drive back? The snows will probably be pretty squishy while in FL, but I'd sure have to drive back through a snowstorm with the summer tires on.
12-06-2002, 06:55 AM
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You'll be fine (and I'm one of the biggest advocates of snow tires).
On <b>dry, cold (less than 40 degrees)</b> pavement, you might suffer an estimated 20-30% traction loss (I pulled this number out of thin air, but it's probably fairly accurate). In casual driving situations, you'll rarely exceed 30-50% of the maximum traction your tires are capable of. So, you've still got some reserve, but I would caution you against driving spiritedly. Cold high perf. tires will let loose quickly, and with very little warning.
So, as long as you know you don't have to deal with rain or snow, go, flee the cold weather, and enjoy FL!
So, as long as you know you don't have to deal with rain or snow, go, flee the cold weather, and enjoy FL!
12-06-2002, 07:02 AM
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Drive down with the S03s. Just be carefull and check the thermometer..
if you're going to be down in FL for that long, it is best you have the S03 instead of snow tires.
Good luck on your road trip and use wise judgement.
Good luck on your road trip and use wise judgement.
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12-06-2002, 07:12 AM
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Ah, did not catch that initially. SO3's should probably be fine then given the forecast.
Just be extra cautious while you're still in the cold weather driving down there. Snow tires would definitely suck in FL for 5 months.
