Other than that, everyday if I feel like it. 
Summer tires
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2019
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From: Houston
Typically they need to be stored above freezing, and you're warned against driving them near-freezing. So 40f is about the absolute lowest you should drive them on.
For the record this is because they can get hard, crack, and generally not give a lot of traction. Not to say it will happen and that your tires will implode if you do decide to drive them in freezing weather, but those are generally the warnings.
For the record this is because they can get hard, crack, and generally not give a lot of traction. Not to say it will happen and that your tires will implode if you do decide to drive them in freezing weather, but those are generally the warnings.
Last edited by JasonVette; Oct 27, 2021 at 11:29 AM.
Banned Scam/Spammer
Joined: Jan 2019
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OP;
As ambient temperatures get colder, typically in the 40-45 degrees Fahrenheit range, summer performance tires lose a noticeable percentage of traction as their tread compound rubber properties change from a pliable elastic to inflexible plastic. The tire industry uses the term "glass transition" to describe the temperature where a summer tires grip/slip performance changes dramatically.
If ambient temperature drops to near-or below-freezing driving a vehicle with summer tires can risk the possibility of tread compound cracking. Tread compound cracking is a permanent condition that requires the tires to be replaced. The other condition that can be caused by running summer performance tires in cold temperatures is the possibility of chipping away the edge of the tread blocks.
Many thanks,
Ray
As ambient temperatures get colder, typically in the 40-45 degrees Fahrenheit range, summer performance tires lose a noticeable percentage of traction as their tread compound rubber properties change from a pliable elastic to inflexible plastic. The tire industry uses the term "glass transition" to describe the temperature where a summer tires grip/slip performance changes dramatically.
If ambient temperature drops to near-or below-freezing driving a vehicle with summer tires can risk the possibility of tread compound cracking. Tread compound cracking is a permanent condition that requires the tires to be replaced. The other condition that can be caused by running summer performance tires in cold temperatures is the possibility of chipping away the edge of the tread blocks.
Many thanks,
Ray
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2014
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From: North Texas
Lack of traction as noted above. I've heard that the sidewalls might develop superficial cracks. Had not heard about tread cracking, but in any case I don't drive mine if the temp is below 40* and rarely if even close to 40*.
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2020
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GM released a service bulletin in August of 2016 advising not to drive car if temps are below 20 degrees to avoid cracks in the tread. They also advise that in temps below 40 there will be reduced traction , which is common sense.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2004
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From: Bowmanville, Ontario, Canada
If there's no snow on the ground, I've driven mine around freezing...not pushing them hard, just motoring about a bit before storing the Vette for the winter. I do plan to switch to all seasons once these ones wear out...did that with my C5 also and much better traction in the rain which I do drive in much more than cold weather.
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Typically they need to be stored above freezing, and you're warned against driving them near-freezing. So 40f is about the absolute lowest you should drive them on.
For the record this is because they can get hard, crack, and generally not give a lot of traction. Not to say it will happen and that your tires will implode if you do decide to drive them in freezing weather, but those are generally the warnings.
For the record this is because they can get hard, crack, and generally not give a lot of traction. Not to say it will happen and that your tires will implode if you do decide to drive them in freezing weather, but those are generally the warnings.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2016
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From: Keswick, Virginia
Summer Tires
I own a 2017 Stingray with the OEM Michelin "summer" tires. I live in Virginia.........where we get cold weather, but not a lot of snow. If I take the car out on a cold & clear day, I drive like an old lady for at least 15 to 20 minutes on the highway to "warm up" the tires a bit. No spirited driving.
If it is under 30 degrees outside, the Corvette stays in the garage. I know some C7 owners brave a blizzard with no worries, but I will not want to be among them.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2012
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From: New Jersey
I don't drive my C7 if it is under 30. Over 30-40 out I just drive more conservatively.
The tires are not going to crack if you take it out in freezing weather, drive it for awhile and then park it in the garage. I think the cracking would only occur if kept for an extended period outside in freeing temps. Just my opinion.
The tires are not going to crack if you take it out in freezing weather, drive it for awhile and then park it in the garage. I think the cracking would only occur if kept for an extended period outside in freeing temps. Just my opinion.
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Depends on horsepower .. just put it in weather and put around.. at 50 degrees it starts getting bad, but mine can break loose at 80mph on a 100 degree day if you really get on it...