As many know, I ordered a set of 16X7.5 Kosei rims recently (won't be here till 11/14 now ). I went ahead and got a set of 215/55 Kumho 712s. I want to know what everyone's opinions are on running "summer" tires in the winter. We get snow in Kansas City, but within 1 hour of it accumulating, the snow is removed by our excellent snow crews. I know "summer" tires do loose a little bite after being exposed to frigid weather, but my car will spend a 1/3 of it's winter hour's in a warm garage. Should I be worried? The Kumhos are super cheap ($76) and I hear they stick like glue. I figured I'd rather get "summer" tires instead of all-season performance.

 

The soft tires compound will change when exposed to freezing temperatures...period. Then when everything heats up again for the spring and summer driving the tires will still be rock solid and will never get sticky again.

Run either all-season tires all the time or get a extra set of summer tires that you can keep in the basement for the warmer weather.

The traction also will be no good in the snow with the summer tires, since the tires will be rock solid they will not give any traction. Think of it as if you were wearing sneakers in the winter, you get no traction but if you have boots on you now have plenty of traction.



[Edited by Jeff K on 11-10-2000 at 02:01 PM]

 

If 'snow' is part of your vocabulary, then you should use a good set of all season tires. In NJ, you take your life in your hands driving on snow/ice. Even when ploughed, ice and packed snow on the road, even in patches, can be a serious hazzard. Some back roads and such never see a plough...what if you've gotta travel on one of those? Also, even on dry roads in cold weather, the rubber itself will grip poorly due to it's chemical composition.

Go for a set of Dunlop SP5000's...you'll be glad you did.

Jim