detail98

I bought a Mustang with almost brand new Nitto nt555's on it. As much as I like driving it, I've been afraid to because of the colder weather and I don't want to risk ruining the tires. Is it bad to drive it when it's 30-40* out if there's no snow on the ground? Thanks in advance

Gravydog316

I don't think so. Mine are a few years old & still good. (I don't drive in the ice/snow tho, 'cause they are useless lol

JimC

Summer tires in low temps means no traction at all. It won't ruin the tires, but could ruin your car.

SilverSport

the tire compound is designed to work best in warmer temps...as mentioned by JimC you will lose traction as the compound tends to become hard and not flexible...I wouldn't do it if I could help it or at least go easy with it and expect the unexpected...

Bill

1 Alibi 2

Ford doesn't recommend driving on summer compound tires when it's 40* or below.
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Z28KLR

As long as you don't push the car too hard you'll be fine. With that sort of rubber there is a noticeable difference in traction between a 40° day and an 80° day.

JimC

I see that you are in Michigan as well. It isn't the snow on the ground that is the problem. It is the cold - tires get stiff and traction will not be there so harder to get started, harder to take a turn, and expect longer stopping distance. The road will be cold so that isn't going to help.

In Michigan you have to figure that you need a different set of tires starting in November and going through March. Summer tires aren't going to be good to drive on.

DRAGUL

You might want to look at getting some used cheap oem wheels and then put some winter tires on them if you are going to drive year round. Plus it will save the wheels you have now from corrosion from the salt. Might even find a cheap set on Craigslist. Cheaper to do this than lose the car.

ucinn

I go out on my summer tires on cold days and doesn't seem to harm them at all. Yes you don't have as much grip as you would on a warm day, but as long as you drive it like you stole it, they work just fine. If there is snow (even a light dusting) on the ground, you probably won't make it out of the driveway

detail98

I don't normally drive it all year long. I'm down a car right now so I really was just trying to figure out if I could use the Mustang. I don't think it will be getting below 40* but I wasn't sure if I was at risk of damaging the tires or getting cracks in them. I'd be driving like a sane person but if traction is that bad then I guess I won't drive it.