What's the coldest temp that I can safely use summer tires?
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Safely? I'd say 20ish depending on the tire as long as it's dry out.
Many winter tires do not stop very well on dry roads. I would think a good summer tire would stop at least as well even below freezing.
Will there be a difference in performance between 70 and 20? Sure. Is it UNSAFE? Not sure, but I doubt it.
Will there be a difference in performance between 70 and 20? Sure. Is it UNSAFE? Not sure, but I doubt it.
AudiWorld Expert
Joined: Feb 2001
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From: Michigan, USA
depends on the specific tire
Not all summer tires are created equal. Depending on the specific rubber compounds used, some relatively high performance ones can harden quite a bit when the temps drop to around freezing thus reducing traction. As long as it's perfectly dry, you should be fine though.
AudiWorld Expert
Joined: Feb 2001
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From: Michigan, USA
Does it really? I'm looking at its picture and I don't see it (doesn't mean that it's not there...
somewhere)<ul><li><a href="http://www.tirerack.com/a.jsp?a=AR4&url=%2Ftires%2FBigPic.jsp%3Fsidewall%3 DBlackwall%26amp%3BtireMake%3DGeneral%26amp%3Btire Model%3DExclaim%2BUHP">http://www.tirerack.com/tires/BigPic.jsp?sidewall=Blackwall&tireMake=General &t
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AudiWorld Expert
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 27,110
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From: Michigan, USA
Actually, you're right...
It says it right in the description
<i>While meeting minimum tread design standards to be "M+S" branded, the Exclaim UHP is designed to provide high levels of traction, response and control in dry conditions, along with superior hydroplaning resistance in wet conditions. </i>
But then right after that, they say:
<i> We do not suggest Exclaim UHP tires be driven in near-freezing temperatures, through snow or on ice. </i>
Which is basically what could be said about all summer tires. What's the point of having the M&S rating if you're told to not use it in typical M&S conditions? I wonder who came up with that description: TR or General Tire?
<i>While meeting minimum tread design standards to be "M+S" branded, the Exclaim UHP is designed to provide high levels of traction, response and control in dry conditions, along with superior hydroplaning resistance in wet conditions. </i>
But then right after that, they say:
<i> We do not suggest Exclaim UHP tires be driven in near-freezing temperatures, through snow or on ice. </i>
Which is basically what could be said about all summer tires. What's the point of having the M&S rating if you're told to not use it in typical M&S conditions? I wonder who came up with that description: TR or General Tire?
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Its not binary. They dont explode, or shatter. Whathappens is that
as it gets colder the tie compound gets harder and it loses grip, gradually.
This does not only occur at low temperatures. Witness the fact that racers must warm up their tires to get good grip, even if its 90 deg outside.
The pat answer is , yes, 40 deg F. But that does not make grip any good at 43 deg, nor icy at 39 deg.
If you dont use winter tires, you might consider some of the really good UHP all-seasons.
Grant
This does not only occur at low temperatures. Witness the fact that racers must warm up their tires to get good grip, even if its 90 deg outside.
The pat answer is , yes, 40 deg F. But that does not make grip any good at 43 deg, nor icy at 39 deg.
If you dont use winter tires, you might consider some of the really good UHP all-seasons.
Grant
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Joined: Jul 2007
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Re: What's the coldest temp that I can safely use summer tires?
I don't remember exactly, but you can always check with the manufacturer themselves, for your specific tire, since they do vary a bit.
I've driven my summer falken tires in 25*F before, and they seem to have held up fine.
-Don
I've driven my summer falken tires in 25*F before, and they seem to have held up fine.
-Don