Additional Tire Question
Thread Starter
1st Gear
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 1
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Additional Tire Question
I spent this weekend on the internet (probably a bad thing) and I have learned about another tire issue. Being in the Northeast (Connecticut) I was concerned to learn about the Michelin tire cracking issue when the C7 is used in cold climates. It appears that GM will not replace the cracked tires under warranty. So exactly what temperatures can I drive the car without being paranoid? I was going to take it out today but as I left home the temp was 26 degrees. I have this car 2 weeks now and didn't want to risk cracked tires. I expect it to be over 30 degrees tomorrow when I leave and get into the 50's so I'll take it out tomorrow. I'm just looking for some factual opinions. Any and all information will be most appreciated. Those are not cheap tires and I really don't want to blow $'s carelessly. Thanks.
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 37,575
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From: Lincoln NE
Hello and welcome to the forum!
This is the introduction page.
the best place for your C7 tire question is here.......
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...iscussion-142/
This is the introduction page.
the best place for your C7 tire question is here.......
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...iscussion-142/
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: Ten Mile TN
The manual covers the tires. Not sure which tires you have but I will assume you have the summer tires, not the Michelin PS CUP2 competition tires.
Page 258 of the 2018 manual covers the summer tires.
As much as these tires cost, I do not operate my car when its below 40 F.
Page 258 of the 2018 manual covers the summer tires.
It is recommended
that winter tires be installed on the
vehicle if frequent driving at
temperatures below approximately
5 °C (40 °F) or on ice or snow
covered roads is expected
that winter tires be installed on the
vehicle if frequent driving at
temperatures below approximately
5 °C (40 °F) or on ice or snow
covered roads is expected
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Team Owner
Joined: Apr 2013
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From: Chirper Island
As it was said upthread, it makes a difference whether your car has Cup2s or PSS.
I have driven PSSs at 9 degrees F, but I started out in the low 20's, and only stopped long enough to gas up or pee, but not long enough to do both, and mine survived just fine. I drove very gingerly, but did have a couple of times where I had to maneuver in a somewhat radical way. One fast stop and one swerve. The tires were warm enough to handle that. A real "fun" 600 mile day.
I would not have driven if the temp was below 20 to start, and did not like doing so even with the "warmer" start, but the tires weren't compromised.
I have driven PSSs at 9 degrees F, but I started out in the low 20's, and only stopped long enough to gas up or pee, but not long enough to do both, and mine survived just fine. I drove very gingerly, but did have a couple of times where I had to maneuver in a somewhat radical way. One fast stop and one swerve. The tires were warm enough to handle that. A real "fun" 600 mile day.
I would not have driven if the temp was below 20 to start, and did not like doing so even with the "warmer" start, but the tires weren't compromised.
Instructor
Joined: May 2004
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From: oviedo fl
This is from the owners manual: page 266
High Performance Summer Tires are factory installed on all C7 Corvettes regardless of trim package.
High performance summer tires have rubber compounds that lose flexibility and may develop surface cracks in the tread area at temperatures below −7 °C (20 °F). Always store high performance summer tires indoors and at temperatures above −7 °C (20 °F) when not in use. If the tires have been subjected to −7 °C (20 °F) or less, let them warm up in a heated space to at least 5 °C (40 °F) for 24 hours or more before being installed or driving a vehicle on which they are installed. Do not apply heat or blow heated air directly on the tires. Always inspect tires before use.
High Performance Summer Tires are factory installed on all C7 Corvettes regardless of trim package.
High performance summer tires have rubber compounds that lose flexibility and may develop surface cracks in the tread area at temperatures below −7 °C (20 °F). Always store high performance summer tires indoors and at temperatures above −7 °C (20 °F) when not in use. If the tires have been subjected to −7 °C (20 °F) or less, let them warm up in a heated space to at least 5 °C (40 °F) for 24 hours or more before being installed or driving a vehicle on which they are installed. Do not apply heat or blow heated air directly on the tires. Always inspect tires before use.
Last edited by mycorvette02; May 12, 2018 at 02:34 PM.