I just replaced my OEM Continental All Season tires with a set of Michelin Pilot PS2's.

Oh My! What a difference. The PS2's turned a nice touring machine into a sports car.

The steering wheel is connected to the road.. Nice! Again, what a difference...

My question... The PS2's are listed as a summer only tire. What does that mean?

The tire dealer had this answer. "don't use them in the winter"

OK, but why?

The reason that I am asking is that I am currently in Colorado, and will be returning to Northern Idaho mid-June. There is a good chance of cooler temperatures and slight snow even then.

Is it a temperature thing? A snow thing? Or what...???

What terrible thing happens when these tires get cold? and at what temperature do these terrible things start to happen?

Oh great knowledge masters of the Forum, I need your input.

Thanks in advance.

Bruce

 

Bruce,

Some of it has to do with the tread pattern but the biggest reason is that summer only tires are made up of different tire compounds that, when cold turn them into hockey pucks. The compound makes the tire very hard and non-compliant. For what it's worth.

Stay safe...


Respectfully,


Paul (MisterTaz)

 

Rain is OK
But SNOW will slide you straight off

 

Anything below 45 and the tires won't grip

 

Would it be safe to drive around town at these temps, as long as you keep the spirited driving down.

 

the PS2 have well engineered rubber, you can really push the corners harder while at the same time you can tell when they about to let loose into a slide with total control

 

I'm also in Colorado, and the issue with the summer only tires is related to temperature.
The colder the tires get, the less grip they have on the ground, and the longer it will take them to get up to a warm enough temperature for them to be able to stick to the ground.

Some people say that the cut off point is about 45 degrees, but in actuality, its closer to 35, which is just barely above freezing.

When the temperature is cold, driving cautiously is very important.
If your work commute is 5 miles or less, take a different car if you're close to 35 degrees.
There won't be enough friction built up to get you there safely.

If your commute is from the top of Lookout Mountain to the bottom, where you work at the Coors Brewery, don't even bother trying it in the Crossfire with PS2's on the car. Just take I-70 instead. Of course, during the summer, Lookout Mountain would be the best route!

As for snow conditions, never, ever, EVER in summer performance tires.

BC.