Suumer Tires and Cold Weather...

[mazdaspeedster3]

So about 3 weeks ago I was driving my buddy home on a 32 degree night about a week after throwing on my summer set, MS6 rims with Parada Spec2 tires. Taking the turn into his subdivision I decided not to apply any brakes from 45 MPH. It happened. Turned the wheel and the car started to turn but cut loose and went straight into the curb. Strangely no ABS or traction control came on at all and I was SHOCKED at the ammount of damage. I was able to nurse it to his house and get it towed in. Getting it back today but I have some progress pics for you all to see. Front right suspension, drive shaft, bumper, radiator, fender and door. Sounds like a lot but it was a small curb. Hard to beleive all those parts and labor add up to a total of....


$7200

Almost back together...

Went to pick it up yesterday, everything looked great, Collex did awesome work. Got two blocks away however and noticed a vibration in the front end. Sure enough, bent rotor. Not sure how that got past them but we will see. Hopefully picking up today.

 

[ericrapp]

wowee, cold tires. ihave tires that do nothing at 32 degrees too. after i got the car out for the warm season we had some very cold mornings. But of course i could not wait any longer to get back in the speed and zoom. Greasy is a word i would use. Warm those rascals up! Glad you are ok. By the way, they are never the same. The car. Wrecking your car or being wrecked just sucks. Sorry to hear.

 

[crossbow]

There's a saying at the track.
Cold tires, cold brakes, cold driver....take it easy. Most accidents at the track (road course) occur during the first lap, before vehicle components are at operating temperature.

Summer tires have a functioning temperature range, outside of that range they lose grip (tend to harden when they get cold). It's even worse if moisture is present (rain). I find that most summer tires become dangerous below 40F, and should be driven with a high degree of caution in the 40's. (Especially if its raining).

Always give yourself a high safety envelope on the street.

 

[mazdaspeedster3]

Yea I always have something happen to my cars, someone has always either hit me or visa versa. LOL... Used to it. The car will be fine. I was just amazed at how my dollar damage it did.

 

[bani]

Turned the wheel and the car started to turn but cut loose and went straight into the curb. Strangely no ABS or traction control came on at all and I was SHOCKED at the ammount of damage.

ABS and TC can't do s*** when ALL FOUR WHEELS LOSE TRACTION. it's exactly the same as if you were airborne.

hopefully this will be a warning to others who think they can get away with summer tires in cold weather. you don't even need snow.

 

[dkswim]

Continental says 45 degrees F (7 degrees Celsius) is the switchover point between winter (not "snow") and summer tires. Below 45, summer tire compounds get too hard, degrading the grip quality on dry and wet/snowy surfaces. Above 45, winter tires' softer compounds get too gummy.

2-3 times braking distance with summer tires compared to winter tires

from here
http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests..._lancer_evo_vs_2009_subaru_wrx_sti/index.html