Summer High Performance Tires
Thread Starter
Launching!
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 228
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From: Hoosier Daddy....
Summer High Performance Tires I still have the original tires on, and I plan on getting new tires when I get the car out on the spring.
I'm looking into the summertime high performance tires. What I've noticed is there is always a disclaimer or warning stating these tires are not to be driven in near freezing, freezing temps or snow. I might get the car out in the winter IF the road are dry and no salt build up, so winter driving for the TA is extremely rare, if at all.
My question is: Does the cold weather driving damage the tires or are you just not getting the traction you would get in warmer temps?
I'm looking into the summertime high performance tires. What I've noticed is there is always a disclaimer or warning stating these tires are not to be driven in near freezing, freezing temps or snow. I might get the car out in the winter IF the road are dry and no salt build up, so winter driving for the TA is extremely rare, if at all.
My question is: Does the cold weather driving damage the tires or are you just not getting the traction you would get in warmer temps?
Basically the hi po summer tires' rubber compound hardens up in the cooler (let alone colder!) weather. They will ride and handle like they're hockey pucks. It is not a durability issue for the tires, just that the rubber compound is OPTIMISED for summer temps. I bet Tire Rack will have a FAQ section on their website with more specifics. I wouldn't be afraid to drive it occasionally esp to circulate fluids, avoid tire flat spotting etc, just be aware of a lack of traction.
Thread Starter
Launching!
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 228
Likes: 0
From: Hoosier Daddy....
Hmmm.... That answers my question. I may have to rethink this, as I do drive in the cooler temps in the spring and fall. I don't want to lose my driving "comfort", so to speak.
I'll hit the Tire Rack website and look into this some more.
Thanks.
I'll hit the Tire Rack website and look into this some more.
Thanks.
TECH Junkie
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 3,920
Likes: 676
From: Western North Carolina
I'm on my 2nd year of Goodyear GS-D3 tires and I drive infrequently in the winter as well. I was concerned like you but I have not noticed a difference in the handling at all and no issues. The ride comfort level is still fine too. I am talking about temps in the 20-30 degrees area, and I also do not drive the car hard in the winter. I have not tried the tires in snow and don't intend to.
