Why don’t summer tires work in the cold? Does their effectiveness decrease with temperature in a linear or step like way?
In: Physics
As has been pointed out different compounds behave differently in different temperatures. All seasons start to lose effectiveness at about 7 degrees celsius.
When you compare that to a proper “summer” tire, you’re talking about a tire optimized for an even higher temperature range. At the extreme end of this, you can find high performance summer tires that warn you against using them below zero degrees, because the rubber will freeze and crack, destroying the tire. Michelin Pilot Super Sports and Michelin Pilot Sport 4S are the two I know off the top of my head.
I got housebound last year because I lived in a generally warm climate that got hit with a serious winter blast. My BMW on PS4S was my only car and it was not able to leave the garage.
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