Miata Mailing List: March 2000, Message #303

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Previously on cold RE71s, "Kretschmann, Kevin" <kretsk@mimh.edu> said...


> 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.

In my experience the RE71s can be used year round as long as:

1) You don't get much snow where you live.
2) If it snows too much you can bag work for the day.
3) You are /accomplished/ at driving on slippery surfaces.

Yes, the tread compound hardens as the temps hit the freezing mark, so just
forget about them being performance tires at that point and assume they'll
slide sooner.  They retain their usual good behavior, it just comes at an
earlier point until (if) they get up to their normal temperature.

As to driving in snow/slush, they WILL handle it if YOU can.  I wouldn't
dare exceed 25-30 mph on them under those conditions, and would recommend
lower for inexperienced drivers, but the car will move, and eventually get
you where you are heading, you just have to be patient and careful.  I would
not recommend going too far this way, but to make it from a neighborhood
street to a larger, plowed/sanded surface, they'd be fine.  Once the snow is
melted on the street, refer to the paragraph above.

Those who recommend winter tires or all season tires for the cold months are
absolutely right, but if you seldom see snow, and are just worried about the
temperature itself, I'd say don't worry.

    -John

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John Freas (jfreas@earthlink.net)
Red '90 Base-ish #7690
Louisville, KY
Team LS1,2, SP, the Gap...
Team My Miata girl rocks!
Team dlralt, The M Road, PBC, Roebuck, Team Miata, Voodoo...
Team Collecting clubs: BMC, PMC, [BAMC, CAMS, Sunriders, (historic)]
"I have no idea what those dimple things on the windshield frame are for."
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