Pirelli tires
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2023
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From: North Coast
Driving summer tires in cold generally will not damage the tires.
The tread is made to get softer at warm temp and provide more grip. Your biggest issue is the lack of grip at cold temps. To give you an idea what it may be like for you is like driving in rain that has just started with oil still on the road. Braking could catch you out if not ready. You will stop but not as short of distance as you did in the warm. Same for cornering the levels will be reduced.
I have driven summer tires to get cars around in the cold. It takes an understanding the limits are lower and don't expect the car to be what is normally is.
I have had similar experience with High Milage tires where they are harder compound to get more MPG and lower rolling resistance out of a car. Some Electric cars use these too for more range. Newer compounds are making these tires better for traction with more silica. Some will have three compounds across the tread.
Now driving a Winter tire in summer can do some damage as it already is soft and the wear will accelerate or tread damage can happen if they get hot enough.
The tread is made to get softer at warm temp and provide more grip. Your biggest issue is the lack of grip at cold temps. To give you an idea what it may be like for you is like driving in rain that has just started with oil still on the road. Braking could catch you out if not ready. You will stop but not as short of distance as you did in the warm. Same for cornering the levels will be reduced.
I have driven summer tires to get cars around in the cold. It takes an understanding the limits are lower and don't expect the car to be what is normally is.
I have had similar experience with High Milage tires where they are harder compound to get more MPG and lower rolling resistance out of a car. Some Electric cars use these too for more range. Newer compounds are making these tires better for traction with more silica. Some will have three compounds across the tread.
Now driving a Winter tire in summer can do some damage as it already is soft and the wear will accelerate or tread damage can happen if they get hot enough.
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Hope he has made a tire decision since this thread is 1 1/2 years old. Closed.
