C7z Mpss tire cracking in cold weather
12-07-2017, 09:01 AM
#1
Le Mans Master
Thread Starter
C7z Mpss tire cracking in cold weather
What’s the consensus on the tire cracking issue in cold weather. Just got my c7z and want to drive it. It’s in the teens and twenties where I live right now.
12-07-2017, 09:35 AM
#2
Le Mans Master
Thought it just affected Cups, not SS? Anyway, I've driven my SS with temps in the twenties a bunch of times without issue.
12-07-2017, 09:58 AM
#3
Race Director
Member Since: Oct 2004
Location: Cape Cod, Mass.
Posts: 18,764
Received 4,558 Likes
on
2,161 Posts
2023 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2021 C8 of the Year Finalist Unmodified
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
2019 C1 of Year Winner (performance mods)
2017 Corvette of the Year Finalist
2016 C2 of Year
2015 C3 of Year Finalist
It is definitely more of an issue with the Cups. However, some have reported cracking issues with the SS as well. I have driven mine in temps near 40, but let's face it, you can't hook this car up at all when it's under 50 degrees. If you don't jump on it, you can drive it in colder temps.
12-07-2017, 10:26 AM
#4
Safety Car
Member Since: Sep 2014
Location: in the country North Carolina
Posts: 4,248
Received 911 Likes
on
727 Posts
If you keep the tires in the garage and it's heated they're probably already warm. With mine as long as I drive it, and don't park, they've stayed warm. At least according to the DIC. If you park they will cool down pretty quickly.
12-07-2017, 10:54 AM
#5
Moderator
Member Since: Jul 2005
Location: West MI
Posts: 27,714
Received 3,623 Likes
on
1,742 Posts
CF Banner Relay Captain
West MI & JAX/NE Florida
Events Coordinator
St. Jude Donor '11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17, '21
No issues with any I have heard of, in Michigan it's a given early morning ventures involve cold temps a lot. However be careful, traction is not the best ----no performance driving until things warm up
12-07-2017, 11:40 AM
#6
Melting Slicks
Member Since: Aug 2016
Location: MOUNTAIN HOME Arkansas
Posts: 2,687
Received 957 Likes
on
620 Posts
In cold wx. I'll add what should be obvious in addition to using to much "go pedal" in cold temps. Those curves you took at 50-70 mph. in July, "fuggit-aboud it", you really need to drop your speed on the twisties.
12-07-2017, 11:45 AM
#7
Drifting
Michelin’s lead engineer for the C7 Corvette Lee Willard issued the following statement to CorvetteForum.com:
“This winter has been extremely harsh in much of the country and some recently shipped Corvette tires may exhibit cracking. In general, summer tires should never be driven on or moved in temperatures under 20°F because they may crack. Tires should be carefully inspected at the dealership before taking delivery of a vehicle.” declared Willard.
“Never use a tire with freeze cracks, breaks, or damage to the sidewall or tread. For those residing in colder climates, Corvette owners should have a plan for vehicle storage during cold winter months. If your garage drops below 20°F regularly, consider removing tires and storing them inside. If you live in colder climates and want to drive your vehicle in temperatures below 40°F we strongly recommend investing in a set of winter or all-season tires.” he added.
Last edited by cyi1; 12-07-2017 at 11:46 AM.
12-07-2017, 01:26 PM
#8
Team Owner
Mine were replaced for cracking on my Z51. Not suppose to let them freeze (below 32) then drive them they can and will crack.
If you come out of a warm garage you drive them in any temp you want but don't leave the car out all night in frozen weather then drive it. It would have to warm back up before you drove it.
In cold weather the traction with the tires is less so you need to drive easy on the gas.
If you come out of a warm garage you drive them in any temp you want but don't leave the car out all night in frozen weather then drive it. It would have to warm back up before you drove it.
In cold weather the traction with the tires is less so you need to drive easy on the gas.