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How cold is too cold for summer tires?
The safe summer tires temperature range is above 45-degrees Fahrenheit. Below 45-degrees, performance is dramatically decreased and at temperatures below freezing, things become dangerous.
What happens if you drive summer tires in the cold?
Summer tires are not built for cold weather. The tire tread will stiffen. In addition to reducing traction, this poses a risk to the tire itself. The tire loses its elasticity and may crack.
What temperature should you not drive summer tires?
If the temperatures are warming up to be above 45 degrees Fahrenheit (7 degrees Celsius), it’s time to switch to summer tires. If the temperatures are dropping below 45 degrees, it’s time to switch to winter tires.
Can summer tires be stored in the cold?
Cold is not your friend You shouldn’t drive on extreme summer tires when it gets cold out for that reason alone, and you also shouldn’t store your tires in places where it drops below freezing regularly. That cold can make some tire compounds brittle and contribute to dry rot and cracking.
What is too warm for winter tires?
Heat is really hard on winter tires, which are meant to be used when temperatures are ~45°F or below. Winter tires that are run on hot pavement tend to wear out much faster.
Can you drive summer tires in 40 degree weather?
If you own a car with summer tires, refrain from using it at all in cold temperatures as the tires may crack. Leave it parked. Beyond cracking concerns, summer tires have diminished grip below 40º F on dry and wet roads and virtually little to no grip on snow and ice.
Is it OK to store tires in unheated garage?
Tires should be stored in a cool, dark, dry spot – a climate-controlled basement is better than an unheated garage or outdoor site like a shed. Keep them away from direct sunlight and be watchful for electric motors near the storage site, such as those on furnaces. They emit ozone which is very harmful to tires.
Is 60 degrees too warm for winter tires?
If you want to run a true snow tire, then you shouldn’t drive on them until it cold and wet/icy/snowy. The question originally asked was when to switch from performance winter tires to summer only tires. IMO that is when temps stay above 50F and average closer to 60F. This is the correct answer.
At what temperature should I change my summer tires?
When temperatures begin to hover around seven degrees Celsius, it’s a good time to consider making the switch. Summer tires begin to lose some of their grip as the temperature drops below this point, while winter tires begin to wear out and offer less response as the thermometer rises above seven degrees.
How warm is too warm for winter tires?
Can you drive on winter tires all year?
Winter tires are designed for use in one season: winter. Though using 3-seasons in the winter could be more harmful than if you were to use winter tires year round, if you drive your winters in warm months, you’ll sacrifice performance, fuel economy, and your tires’ lifespan.