Miata Mailing List: March 2000, Message #11

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> Okay, I have been debating a lot on what tires I should get to replace my
> Stock Bridgestone's on my 93.  Well, I really thought I had pretty much
made
> up my mind on all-season, but now I am beginning to wonder.  I don't plan
to
> drive my miata in any snow, but since my miata is my only car, what might
> happen if I drive with RE-71's in below freezing temps??  Bad idea?   BTW,
I
> wouldn't be doing any high performance maneuvers at those temps.

Heh-heeeh...here we go again... :-)

Replace "RE71" with "any summer tire" and the answer will still be: no, it's
not a good idea, never has been and never will be. Why? Because of the tire
compound which is designed to to work the best and last the longest in
spring/summer/fall conditions, or more precisely from 40-45 F and up. At
lower temperatures, the summer tire will harden substantially which means
that the grip will be bad. Also count in the fact that at temps below 32F
you might encounter frosty/icy road surfaces even if there is no snow at
all - it's tricky enough to get a good grip on these surfaces with studded
winter tires with a winter tread pattern and with summer tires it's just
impossible. It still might work so-so with an AWD heavy car like a SUV, but
with an RWD Miata - nope. It just won't work.

And all-season tires...naaah...they're average in the summer and average in
the winter, they're not good at anything since they by definition are a
compromise.

If you're driving in the winter, there's just no substitute for winter
tires. And for a good grip in the summer - only summer tires will do. If
you're thinking about the cost, remember that when you're using the summer
tires, the winter tires do not wear down since they're sitting in the
garage. And vice versa. :-)

BEst REgarDs,

Johan Eriksson
Miata Club of Sweden