helomech

I plan on driving my 2009 to work for 2 weeks in Louisiana, temps might get close to freezing while I am there. The website for the tires just says tires are not intended to be used near freezing temps. Does that mean they will be damaged near freezing? So is 35 okay, but not 33. Never owned summer tires before, so I truly don't know. I know traction will suck, and I am fine with that, just don't want a blow out, or to damage my tires.

Thanks.

kgh06688

You already have the right answer; no grip. That's all though, they won't blow out or fall apart. The colder it gets, the less grip you'll have. But, even when it's cold, your tires will still be generating heat from friction with the road, just maybe not enough to heat them up to "optimal" operating temperatures. It has to be very cold for them to not be able to heat up to use-able temps.

helomech

Great thanks. About to head out, I expect traction to really suck, so not problem there. Just didn't want to do permanent damage to the tire.

FAUEE

Some tires are known to chunk or crack below 40 degrees. Typically these are very aggressive tires like sport cup 2s. I would think comp 2s will just be really low grip, as they are not that level of aggressive.

SPSandman

I ran those on my Camaro SS and drove it through the winter. I really liked them, and was bummed that they don't have them in the size to fit my Grand Sport.

That being said, I didn't have any issues. Just have to drive smart when cold. Didn't take it out when it was snowing, but did get stuck out a couple times when it started snowing. Definitely have to drive smart. Didn't have any issues with damage to the tire

Fast Dawg

I had a C5 with Goodyear RFs on it for 11 years when I lived 50 miles west of Chicago. They had similar warnings on them. I drove it every time I got a sunny day during those single digit temp days and there was no snow on the road. Just keep them properly inflated and as you drive the car the tires will warm up. Be careful and you should be fine.

helomech

thanks guys. Made the 410 mile drive with no issues. just a c-6, challenger, and a c-7 that wanted to race me. roads where nice and warm by that time.

dr_gallup

There are some ultra high performance tires that should not be driven in low temperatures. Always refer to the manufactures recommendations. For instance this is what Michelin has to say about the Pilot Sport 4S:

Note: Tires exposed to temperatures of 20 degrees F (-7 degrees C) or lower must be permitted to gradually return to temperatures of at least 40 degrees F (5 degrees C) for at least 24 hours before they are flexed in any manner, such as by adjusting inflation pressures, mounting them on wheels or using them to support, roll or drive a vehicle.

Flexing of the specialized rubber compounds used in Max Performance Summer tires during cold-weather use can result in irreversible compound cracking. Compound cracking is not a warrantable condition because it occurs as the result of improper use or storage, tires exhibiting compound cracking must be replaced.

bravo29

I had these tires on my Charger, Trans am, C5 and will be on my C6. I drove on them in illinois snow in Dec, Jan, Feb. I had no issues in snow, cold, rain, mild ice. As long as they are the A/S models. I rather have these than most other tires or Summer only tires.

helomech

Thanks I read about that on other tires, but BF Goodrich just says at or near freezing.

helomech

These don't say A/S