stingrayfred

I own a 2016 Stingray equipped with summer tires. The owner's manual states that the car should not be driven if it has summer tires when the temperature drops below 40 degrees. My question is, what happens to the car or tires if it is driven when the temperature is below 40 degrees?

Thanks in advance for your input.

CptCvMan

Less traction and chance they will crack.
I am driving with temps near 25F, but it is being driven very carefully. Slow and not putting a lot of stress with spirited driving.
I have plans to hit discount tire this week and pick up some all seasons.

rigelkentaurus

I'm in Indiana for Thanksgiving, it is in the 30s and the tires are very noticeably slippery and low on grip. They are also louder, feel stiffer. I am very very careful of potholes here, and they are plentiful. I drive extremely carefully. Leaving to return to Texas next Monday. Roads get really good once I am in Kentucky and continue great all the way back to Texas.

cds62

I've had a couple of mechanics tell me that it isn't a big deal driving the car under 40degrees with the summer only tires, but in my opinion why risk it. GM and Michelin must know something about the tires if it is printed in the manual and other places. I switched the tires on my 2015 Stingray after putting the car away for the winter one time and within 350 miles of purchasing my new 2019 GS. Both times I switched to the Michelin All Season Run Flats. I have been very happy with the tires on both cars.

Majorhavok

I wish all-season tires were an option, especially on a factory order.

cds62

I agree. Fortunately I was able to sell the summer only tires for the price that I paid for the all season tires.

Majorhavok

I've considered a second set of rims for the all-seasons ... then I could enjoy the car with different rims each year.

direct007

I took a turn when the temp was around 28 degrees...the way I normally take that same turn when the temp is well over 40 degrees. I felt the rear of the car fish tail a bit. I only needed to feel that once and I drive much more cautious between 20 and 40 degrees. I was told not to drive the car at all when it's under 20 degrees outside as not only can it be dangerous but the tires may crack.

KenHorse

Same for me. Just put on PS3+ A/S and they're great (sold OEM with only 35 miles on 'em)

orca1946

I am also considering selling my O E M tires & wheels from my 2019 G S . What did you sell $$$ yours for? If I may ask.

cds62

Sold the OEM GS tires with 350 miles on them for $1200. A forum member here in NJ purchased them so we met in Central Jersey to make the deal.

Zjoe6

KenHorse

Sold mine for $1,300 with 50 miles on 'em

madrob2020

Don't know what you drive, but you oughta try a Z anytime it's below 60*. Can't EVEN push 1st gear, 2nd gear, & sometimes a fast shift to 3rd. 'Nother thing to remember is corners are much more challenging with any throttle input with the M7. Just getting air pressure up really doesn't make the SURFACE of the tire hot enough to grip. One of those situations where you can't have it both ways with these summer/high performance tires. These things handle like the old 3 wheel Hot Wheels trikes (hard plastic tires) in cold temps! Man, sure loved flying down the street, then whipping the steering wheel over hard to do 360s! Yes, that means I'm old!

Drive-C7

guido7834

I drive mine in the 30's. No problems whatsoever.

Silver C7

Zjoe6

joemessman

You just have to be more careful below temps of 45. Some tires have cracked on dealer lots when the temps got down to the mid 20s and stayed there days on end.

madrob2020

Yes, the low end torque on the LT4 is crazy & the 650 ft. lbs. comes up fully around only 2500 RPM. I do get a bit concerned when some on here advocate driving any model C7 in cold or wet conditions is a piece of cake. That is probably true if you drive it like your Dad/Mom drove. But someone NEW to either of the cars (LT1/Lt4) might just swallow this to mean "they" can go out & drive it like it's Summer & end up with a dinged car or worse. There is no way these cars can be driven in 60* or less when pushing them hard (WOT) either accelerating or getting into the throttle early/hard coming out of an apex. Yes, I am thoroughly familiar with PTM modes, including WET PTM which does do an awesome job of suppressing engine/throttle response in those conditions. From what I've seen on this site, a LOT of members don't even take the time to read the OM or the ASK TADGE threads where he explains in great detail PTM. Most (understandably) just want to jump in their car & drive it like their Honda thinking "Gee I couldn't overpower it so what's the deal with the Vette"? There is a HUGE learning curve when you're talking about 460/650 HP versus 250/350 HP. Folks like to BOAST about having no problem driving on these OE tires in cold but most probably don't drive it like some of us do or else drive it usually going to Cars & Coffee or to get groceries, otherwise they wouldn't switch to All Season tires to get a Softer ride versus OE MPSS tires which are harsher but definitely handle better. Otherwise all the semi-pro HDPE instructors would have them (aftermarket tires) on theirs. Just saying please be careful telling EVERYONE (new to high horsepower Vettes) that aftermarket tires are somehow same as OE sticky MPSSs. JMHO-Your car do whatever makes you happy but "do no harm" by blanket statements such as "they drive fine in cold/wet weather".