Summer Tires
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Joined: Jul 2023
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From: Mays Landing New Jersey
Summer Tires
Kind of new here trying to figure out if I can take my car out and drive it at about 35 degrees with summer Tires. Seems there are Continental website says no
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From: Hickory NC
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You should not drive with summer tires in freezing or near freezing (manufacturers have different temperature thresholds but they typically use about 45* F or 7* C as the cutoff for safe driving).
There is a thing called “glass transition” where the soft, pliable tire rubber becomes non-pliable almost like glass or hard plastic. Because of this transition, the tires will produce minimal to no traction so it is almost like you are driving on ice.
Additionally, you can physically cause damage to the tires themselves (cracking of the tire sidewalls/tread or nicking the tread blocks), which would potentially make the tires unusable the next summer.
So, you either need to park your ride in low temps, get a second set of wheels with all-season tires for the colder weather or switch full time to a quality all-season, high-performance tire.
There is a thing called “glass transition” where the soft, pliable tire rubber becomes non-pliable almost like glass or hard plastic. Because of this transition, the tires will produce minimal to no traction so it is almost like you are driving on ice.
Additionally, you can physically cause damage to the tires themselves (cracking of the tire sidewalls/tread or nicking the tread blocks), which would potentially make the tires unusable the next summer.
So, you either need to park your ride in low temps, get a second set of wheels with all-season tires for the colder weather or switch full time to a quality all-season, high-performance tire.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2023
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From: North Coast
You can but be aware the grip will be lacking.
The other thing is avoid water and snow as it only gets worse.
if you just need to take the car some place just drive like a normal human and not test limits you will get there.
Just don’t expect to drive to work daily.
Drive like you are on cold slicks.
The other thing is avoid water and snow as it only gets worse.
if you just need to take the car some place just drive like a normal human and not test limits you will get there.
Just don’t expect to drive to work daily.
Drive like you are on cold slicks.
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JMO, but I would not drive summer tires in temps that low.
Le Mans Master
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I wouldn't drive on them below 40 degrees. As mentioned, they won't have the same grip. However, the bigger concern is that driving on them at low temps can actually cause permanent damage to the tire. If you have any kind of warranty on the tires, it will be voided by driving below the temps recommended by the manufacturer. It's your car, so it's your choice. Honestly, you'll probably be okay if you're careful, but why take the risk?
