This morning it was ~ 36-37 degrees on my way to work. My CTS-V was getting wheelspin through third gear at relatively low rpm... Summer tires + winter cold don't mix. They will work, but a large amount of their grip disappears even if it's just cold outside.

Tim

 

Had the same question about driving my Dunlops in "near-freezing temps". So I emailed dunlop and this is their response.


To: goodyear_cr@goodyear.com
cc:
Subject: Contact Us request from www.dunloptires.com

A Goodyear website user has submitted a request through the corporate
contact form. Please address the concern accordingly.

Message:
What happens to dunlop direzza zii tires if they are driven in near
freezing temperatures?

If you are not the correct recipient, please notify the Goodyear Global Web
Operations team of the email error and we will update our website contact
list.



From: goodyear_cr@goodyear.com on 10/31/2013 11:57 AM

Sent by: Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company Consumer Relations 728 1144 East
Market Street Akron, OH 44316 Voice #: 800.321.2136 Fax #:
330.796.6829


Thank you for contacting our web site. The rubber used in these tires
loses flexibility and may develop surface cracks in the tire tread/shoulder
area at colder temperatures. Goodyear does not recommend using these high
performance summer tires when temperatures drop to approximately 40 deg F
(5 deg C) or below, or in snow/ice conditions. Further, it is recommended
for these tires to be stored indoors at temperatures above 20 deg F (-7 deg
C) when not in use. If the tires have been subject to 20 deg F (-7 deg C)
or less, let them warm up in a heated space to at least 40 deg F for 24
hours or more before installation or driving the vehicle. Inflate the tires
only after they have been warmed above 40 deg F (5 deg C). Do not place
tires near heaters or heating devices used to warm the room where the tires
are stored. Do not apply heat or blow heated air directly on the tires.
Always inspect tires before use after storage periods.

Jennifer - Consumer Relations

 

There is night and day difference when temps drop below 30 degrees. What's most important is whether you live in an area of the country where the core temp goes below 30 degrees. I'm not talking about North Carolina where it can get cold but is warm in days. In the midwest, that core temp drops in December and stays that way all the way to March. UHP and high performance summer tires do become hard as rocks as the compound can't deal with those temps anymore than winter/snow tires can be driven on the street for very long at 80 degrees.