Mogans

How cold is too cold for summer tires? I've read that the cold temps turn summer tires into "hockey pucks", but at what temperature does that begin to be a problem? I have Continentals, if that makes a difference. Thanks for your thoughts.

dprantl

I drive mine year round with summer tires. When the temps get to +5 to 0 deg C, the tires start becoming a little to slick for me and I have to drive very carefully. Certainly if there is any snow on the ground, the 928 does not leave the garage.

Dan
'91 928GT S/C 475hp/460lb.ft

hacker-pschorr

It depends greatly on the tire. The Pirelli P-Zero's that came on my fathers Boxster S were utterly useless much below 40F on dry pavement, much less rain.

Since the term "summer tire" also includes All Season Radials to most people, might help if you tell us which tire you are using.

Mogans

The tires are Continental Sport Contact 2 (N3), 225's and 285's.

RKD in OKC

The Pirelli Rossos on my BMW X3 4x4 say do not drive in temps below 32°F.

Dino944

I personally don't drive my cars that are on summer high performance tires in temps under 45 degrees. The tires don't have the amount of grip that you are probably used to them having. A buddy of mine driving his F430 Ferrari with temps of 40 degrees took a corner that he has driven thousands of times and that back end of the car swung around on him, and he was lucky no one was nearby. If you are going to drive high performance summer tires when temps are 45 degrees or lower you have to be mindful of the fact that the handling of the car is going to be greatly compromised.

If you really want to use your car in colder weather at least invest in high performance all season tires, which won't turn rock hard at the first sign of frost. Bridgestone makes some good ones. Also, the model of tire you have is a bit older, you may want to get something newer as tire technology has come a long way in the last few years.

Best regards,
Dino

Mogans

It's not so much that I want to drive the car in the cold, more that I wanted to understand what would be too cold, if you know what I mean. It's about 43 degrees where I live, wasn't sure if it would be wise to drive it or not. Regarding the model of the tire, the tires are new so I probably won't replace them for a little while anyway. But when I do, what tire would you recommend that would be more advanced? Thanks for the thoughts.

Leon Speed

I love the Conti's SCII, when I bought new tires this year I got those instead of the newer SCIII - they have very stiff side walls. Sure a bit louder, but handling - especially in the rain - is excellent. Now, I don't drive my car in the winter, but last year on my last trip before winter storage I got suprised by some light snow and -2 C temps, and drove like that for 3 hours - turns and hills up and down, no problem. I wouldn't recommend it though. I wouldn't have a problem driving with those tires occasionally when there's no snow and temps are above 0 C. But if the temps drop and it starts to snow or ice forms on the road, I wouldn't drive any further. I change the tires on my DD (Audi) for the winter when temps reach about 5 C. And that's a front wheel drive with less HP. Then again, lot's of people keep driving their summer tires (which are more likely good year allround tires) in the winter in Holland.

Dino944

Hi Mogans,

At 43 degrees you could probably still drive the car if you had to use it, especially if the pavement is dry. However, you would probably want to drive it very carefully and with the knowledge you will not have to full grip that those tires would have in warmer temps. I personally don't bother to drive my cars that have summer tires when the temps go under 45 but thats a decision only you can make.

As for tires, I've had Conti's on Porsches and MBs and I really don't really like them. As your tires are relatively new when you are in the market for tires best thing for you to do is look at the tirerack website. You can look up tire tests. It will also give you an idea of whats available for your wheel size, how it compares to other tires, and areas where some tires excell and others compromise certain attributes so they can excell in other areas. Some drivers want all out grip, others want comfort, others prefer longer treadwear. There are tires from Bridgestone (Potenza RE-11), Michelin (Pilot Sport PS2), Goodyear (Eagle F1 GS-D3) to name a few that easily will give you better handling, shorter stopping distances etc. than what you have now. Pirelli and Yokohama also make a few good tires. You have to look at a specific tire model and not just a brand, because some tires from the above manufacturers are not really great.

That being said, if you like Contis and wanted all season performance tires the Conti "Extreme Contact DWS" seems to have pretty good ratings for an all season performance tire.

If you are not buying tires for a while then wait and see what is available when you are in the market. Whats considered great today, may be ordinary in 3 or 4 years. Tire technology is always improving.

Best regards,
Dino