The RE050's are summer tires and because of this, lose some grip when cold. Is there any published information on loss of grip vs temperature?

Specifically, I would like to know what road surface temperature will not allow the tires to warm up in commute (read: not too aggressive) driving. I plan on running winter tires, but would like to keep the RE050's on as long as they are effective.

 

I don't remember the source, but I read that below 40F is not recommended for the RE050's. I personally use below 32F as my "no drive" cutoff point, but I try to be as careful as possible when in a turn or stopping.

 

Just say "no" to using these tires when it's cold (<40 deg F). Too many people have wrecked their cars when griop levels dramatically decrease under those conditions. If you add any moisture to the cold pavement, grip levels decrease even more dramatically.

Depending on where Fair Oaks is, you may be better served by 4-season tires.

 

The tires will loose grip as the temps get colder. At 32 degrees the performance tire will take about 25% longer to stop than an all season.

 

Does it snow where you live? Sorry, don't know USA geography. If not, you'll be fine. I can't imagine you driving along on your commute and all the sudden losing control because your tires were cold. If you're driving a la daily commuter, I would foresee no problems.

 

I got caught 2 hours north of home in a spring snow storm. Temperature was around 30 F, and the snow was sticking to the pavement.

Had my stock RE-050's on the car (winter wheels were at home).

There was over 4 inches of snow on the highway. Of course there were the grooves down the road from everyone else, so it wasn't too bad. Had to go about 70 to 80 km/h instead of the usual 120 on the highway. But, I was still keeping with the flow of traffic.

Car felt fine. That being said, I wouldn't put myself in that position on purpose. The extra traction from winter tires would have been nice.