So . . . who drives on their "Summer only" tires when it's below 40 degrees?
12-13-2018, 02:30 PM
#41
I drove my C6 in all conditions except deep snow. With the factory tires the coldest was 6 below zero. I just bought the C7 z51 a couple months ago. Lowest so far temp wise has been 24 degrees.
I have never had an issue with how the cars handle in cold weather if you simply drive them properly for the condition.
I have never had an issue with how the cars handle in cold weather if you simply drive them properly for the condition.
12-13-2018, 06:21 PM
#42
Race Director
Just had my Z06 out. My garage is 72f. Outside was low 40s. It's not fun... when you have to drive like you're just about to lose grip whether turning stopping or accelerating what's the point?
not sure if I would bother getting AS3s. Not using it in bad weather and all the salt ince that happens also kills "the mood".
not sure if I would bother getting AS3s. Not using it in bad weather and all the salt ince that happens also kills "the mood".
Last edited by 23/C8Z; 12-13-2018 at 06:21 PM.
12-13-2018, 08:39 PM
#44
I drove my C6 in all conditions except deep snow. With the factory tires the coldest was 6 below zero. I just bought the C7 z51 a couple months ago. Lowest so far temp wise has been 24 degrees.
I have never had an issue with how the cars handle in cold weather if you simply drive them properly for the condition.
I have never had an issue with how the cars handle in cold weather if you simply drive them properly for the condition.
Some folks including myself would rather have a tire that is designed for wet and cold conditions ...here in seattle is rains sometimes
ill just put some all season's on and be happy they make them for corvette's. 
C7's with OEM tires in cold wet conditions simply drive like crap not sure who you think your impressing?
12-13-2018, 09:50 PM
#45
Advanced
I drive mine year round In North Carolina it can get in the low 20s. Never had any cracked tires Or any other problems. Definitely be careful with the throttle and drive like it's raining and you will be fine. This car is to awesome to let sit all winter!
12-13-2018, 10:00 PM
#46
Race Director
When I left the Museum with my car 12/11/13, it was 20* out. I drove it 1,800 miles back to AZ through freezing temps, snow, sleet and rain with no issues.
12-13-2018, 10:06 PM
#47
E-Ray, 3LZ, ZER, LIFT
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I don't have to drive often when below 40F but when I do, I put it in Weather Mode and leave it there until the tires warm. I measure that NOT by the tire temp display but the increase in tire pressure. Usually after 5 miles I'm back in Sport and traction is good, not great but good.
My experience last year when I had to drive when it was 24 F might be of interest. The wife needed her SUV, which I would normally take when having to drive when it was that cold and I had an appointment in town, 17 miles. Was carful as I merged into 65 mile traffic at the end of my street. When I approached the first stoplight there was no traffic so I applied the brakes fairly aggressively to test the brakes. Car stopped fine, no antilock brake activation. When I was coming back it was 30F outside. The car sat for ~2 hours so the tires were at 30F as well. Approached a turn, again with no traffic so I used more throttle than I would normally and as expected the rear stepped out but the nannies in Weather mode caught it quickly. Stopped aggressively at a light with no cars in front and again it stopped fine. In that case I kept it in Weather Mode the whole trip.
If I had to drive often when it was below 40F I'd buy winter tires and another set of wheels like I did before I moved South ~35 years ago. But for the few times it's needed I have no issues.
My experience last year when I had to drive when it was 24 F might be of interest. The wife needed her SUV, which I would normally take when having to drive when it was that cold and I had an appointment in town, 17 miles. Was carful as I merged into 65 mile traffic at the end of my street. When I approached the first stoplight there was no traffic so I applied the brakes fairly aggressively to test the brakes. Car stopped fine, no antilock brake activation. When I was coming back it was 30F outside. The car sat for ~2 hours so the tires were at 30F as well. Approached a turn, again with no traffic so I used more throttle than I would normally and as expected the rear stepped out but the nannies in Weather mode caught it quickly. Stopped aggressively at a light with no cars in front and again it stopped fine. In that case I kept it in Weather Mode the whole trip.
If I had to drive often when it was below 40F I'd buy winter tires and another set of wheels like I did before I moved South ~35 years ago. But for the few times it's needed I have no issues.
Last edited by JerryU; 12-13-2018 at 10:11 PM.
01-02-2019, 10:50 AM
#48
Dealership
01-02-2019, 11:45 AM
#49
I had cabin fever yesterday, so I took my Z06 out, as it was 42-44 F and not raining. I could not go out for long so the PSS's never warmed up much, and it was very squirrely in Touring mode. I don't think I would enjoy it very much below 40 F. I'm researching getting an extra set of wheels and the Michelin A/S 3's right now!
01-02-2019, 11:58 AM
#51
E-Ray, 3LZ, ZER, LIFT
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im actually at the dealership right now here in Vegas for my first 500 mile service and I meantioned the tire chatter this morning and told you should not even move the car when the temperature is below 40. It can ruin the tire and tear apart the tread. It’s about 34 degrees F right now.
Boy that is BS! Have had my C7's with OEM tires for 6 winters. That was 4 winters with my Z51 and 2 with my Grand Sport and it's wider tires. See my post #47. 24F is the coldest I have driven but many posts in the 6 winters I have my C7’s where folks drove when it is much colder. Tested the brakes with my Grand Sport and it stopped fine at 24 F with fairly aggressive braking. There was no traffic when I stopped for a light and the ABS did not engage.
Sure would not try a 1 “g” turn, which you could not reach anyway at cold temps, BUT even little tire surface cracking has been reported. Then it has to be about 0F. Even Michelin, when they are not trying to just “Warn” to CYA, states the cracks that occur are on the surface.
Recall the first tread cracking was reported on the Forum after the C7 first winter was a car being delivered to North West Canada. The owner said it came by train that went over the mountains when it was -40C. Note, -40C = -40F! Yep suggest at -40 is not smart to drive with the OEM tires!
Wonder where folks get that foolish info.
im actually at the dealership right now here in Vegas for my first 500 mile service and I meantioned the tire chatter this morning and told you should not even move the car when the temperature is below 40. It can ruin the tire and tear apart the tread. It’s about 34 degrees F right now.
Sure would not try a 1 “g” turn, which you could not reach anyway at cold temps, BUT even little tire surface cracking has been reported. Then it has to be about 0F. Even Michelin, when they are not trying to just “Warn” to CYA, states the cracks that occur are on the surface.
Recall the first tread cracking was reported on the Forum after the C7 first winter was a car being delivered to North West Canada. The owner said it came by train that went over the mountains when it was -40C. Note, -40C = -40F! Yep suggest at -40 is not smart to drive with the OEM tires!
Wonder where folks get that foolish info.
Last edited by JerryU; 01-02-2019 at 01:51 PM.
01-02-2019, 12:12 PM
#52
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St. Jude Donor '19-'20
33 this morning in Dallas
Had no choice (other than stay home
)....put it in weather mode and hit the highway....tire press came up a few PSI, took it easy all the way to work....no issues.
Cant wait for my A/S 3's to show up and get these summer tires off....
Had no choice (other than stay home
)....put it in weather mode and hit the highway....tire press came up a few PSI, took it easy all the way to work....no issues.Cant wait for my A/S 3's to show up and get these summer tires off....
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Navy01Coupe (01-02-2019)
01-02-2019, 12:18 PM
#53
Cruising
It's climbed up to 20 degrees here in Castle Rock after 2 inches of snow on the 31st. I would have no problem taking the GS out in 20 degree temps on my Michelin Alpin P4's, these tires love the cold weather. I don't have to drive on snow, however, and prefer not to because of the sand and mag chloride they put on the roads. But when the roads are clear and cold in the winter I love to get out there on my winter tires. IMHO I still say it's not a good idea to drive on the stock summer tires when the temps are around 40 or less. But when the temps climb to 50 and above I take it easy cuz my winters will wear faster when it's warmer. That's why I need to get another set of wheels, so I can swap at will. But even then there are days with 45 degree temperature changes and you could get caught in both, like on the way to the golf course and 4 hours later on the way home. It can be a compromise no matter what you do sometimes. Lots of opinions out there, great to get them from everyone and make up your own mind.
01-02-2019, 01:37 PM
#54
I do drive it rarely at that temperature but have to be very careful with the gas pedal. Takes next to nothing to break loose
01-02-2019, 01:54 PM
#55
Moderator
Below 50 no fun but I only drive it for fun on nice days. Winter is no go. My suv loves winter.
01-02-2019, 07:02 PM
#57
01-02-2019, 07:20 PM
#58
I was just thinking about getting a new set of tires. Might go with the Michelin A/S 3+ as well, since I don't drive like a maniac, and it last a bit longer than max performance summer tires.
01-02-2019, 09:30 PM
#59
When you drive HP summer tires in the cold you are taking a real chance because you might damage the tires as well. Tire Rack once told me that they can't even ship tires like that by air because sitting in the unheated cargo area of a plane can damage these tires. They also said that just letting your car sit in an unheated garage can damage them as well, even without driving on them!
A set of winter tires and wheels will not only make driving your car safer in the winter but in the long run will save you money because you will not have to buy replacement summer tires if you damage the ones you already have.
01-02-2019, 09:30 PM
#60
On
Boy that is BS! Have had my C7's with OEM tires for 6 winters. That was 4 winters with my Z51 and 2 with my Grand Sport and it's wider tires. See my post #47. 24F is the coldest I have driven but many posts in the 6 winters I have my C7’s where folks drove when it is much colder. Tested the brakes with my Grand Sport and it stopped fine at 24 F with fairly aggressive braking. There was no traffic when I stopped for a light and the ABS did not engage.
Sure would not try a 1 “g” turn, which you could not reach anyway at cold temps, BUT even little tire surface cracking has been reported. Then it has to be about 0F. Even Michelin, when they are not trying to just “Warn” to CYA, states the cracks that occur are on the surface.
Recall the first tread cracking was reported on the Forum after the C7 first winter was a car being delivered to North West Canada. The owner said it came by train that went over the mountains when it was -40C. Note, -40C = -40F! Yep suggest at -40 is not smart to drive with the OEM tires!
Wonder where folks get that foolish info.
Boy that is BS! Have had my C7's with OEM tires for 6 winters. That was 4 winters with my Z51 and 2 with my Grand Sport and it's wider tires. See my post #47. 24F is the coldest I have driven but many posts in the 6 winters I have my C7’s where folks drove when it is much colder. Tested the brakes with my Grand Sport and it stopped fine at 24 F with fairly aggressive braking. There was no traffic when I stopped for a light and the ABS did not engage.
Sure would not try a 1 “g” turn, which you could not reach anyway at cold temps, BUT even little tire surface cracking has been reported. Then it has to be about 0F. Even Michelin, when they are not trying to just “Warn” to CYA, states the cracks that occur are on the surface.
Recall the first tread cracking was reported on the Forum after the C7 first winter was a car being delivered to North West Canada. The owner said it came by train that went over the mountains when it was -40C. Note, -40C = -40F! Yep suggest at -40 is not smart to drive with the OEM tires!
Wonder where folks get that foolish info.
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JerryU (01-04-2019)