Driving (or dying?) from NY to FL on PS4s next week

[Imola3]

I'm driving from NYC to South Florida next week on my relatively brand new set of Michelin Pilot Sport 4s (~ 400 miles on them). Long story on why I didn't replace the tires in FL instead of in NY.

Anyways, the morning I'm leaving apparently it's going to be 23*. The car is stored indoors at around 60* so starting off won't be a problem.

My questions/ concerns are:
1. When I stop for gas or food and the tires get close to 20*, are they still safe to drive on without the compound cracking or will they not cool off that quickly? (See Michelin statement) No where I'm going to be is forecast to be less than 20*, but if I have to spend the night somewhere and it's 25* overnight and the tires cool completely am I going to have a problem?

2. Next, should I be worried about driving in these temperatures? It's going to be less than 40* the whole way down to Florida. Does anyone have experience driving these tires at less than 30*? Mk7 Golf R, so I have AWD which will help.


This is what Michelin has to say:

Note: Tires exposed to temperatures of 20 degrees F (-7 degrees C) or lower must be permitted to gradually return to temperatures of at least 40 degrees F (5 degrees C) for at least 24 hours before they are flexed in any manner, such as by adjusting inflation pressures, mounting them on wheels or using them to support, roll or drive a vehicle.

Flexing of the specialized rubber compounds used in Max Performance Summer tires during cold-weather use can result in irreversible compound cracking. Compound cracking is not a warrantable condition because it occurs as the result of improper use or storage, tires exhibiting compound cracking must be replaced.

Thanks in advance.

[///M4ster Yoda]

Originally Posted by Imola3

I'm driving from NYC to South Florida next week on my relatively brand new set of Michelin Pilot Sport 4s (~ 400 miles on them). Long story on why I didn't replace the tires in FL instead of in NY.

Anyways, the morning I'm leaving apparently it's going to be 23*. The car is stored indoors at around 60* so starting off won't be a problem.

My questions/ concerns are:
1. When I stop for gas or food and the tires get close to 20*, are they still safe to drive on without the compound cracking or will they not cool off that quickly? (See Michelin statement) No where I'm going to be is forecast to be less than 20*, but if I have to spend the night somewhere and it's 25* overnight and the tires cool completely am I going to have a problem?

2. Next, should I be worried about driving in these temperatures? It's going to be less than 40* the whole way down to Florida. Does anyone have experience driving these tires at less than 30*? Mk7 Golf R, so I have AWD which will help.


This is what Michelin has to say:

Thanks in advance.

You'll be fine. Just take it easy

[Signature Wheel BMW]

Good news is when you're driving, the tires do heat up. You'll be OK as long as there's no snow.

[Imola3]

Originally Posted by ///M4ster Yoda

You'll be fine. Just take it easy

Originally Posted by Signature Wheel BMW

Good news is when you're driving, the tires do heat up. You'll be OK as long as there's no snow.

Thanks, I know I'll be screwed if it snows but I know it's going to be dry so it's all good.

[clutchdj]

Get your self one of those tire plug kits (“the plugger” is decent) and throw that in the trunk. You really have to take it easy in ny and keep your rear fog lights on b/c people still tailgate in bad weather in there tri state. Safe travels. The m3 is a great road car.

[e90-4aj]

Originally Posted by Signature Wheel BMW

Good news is when you're driving, the tires do heat up. You'll be OK as long as there's no snow.

+1 and drive safe

[Rik84]

Yah you’re fine if you are careful. If you see a hint of snow/sleet etc find a hotel and pack it in.

[swifty]

I didn't get a chance to throw on my winter set in time when the weather got really cold here (-7 deg celsius) in Ontario Canada few wks back and the PS4S held up amazing.

I was actually shocked since my previous PSS and especially the OEM contis would struggle in freezing temps.

You will be fine as long as you don't encounter snow etc.

[heckyeahbro69]

I drove from fl to nyc and back last december on re71's and had no issues at all. The lowest temp I saw was 26 degrees. You'll be fine on the michelins.

[Sales@wheelsdc.com]

As mentioned just take it easy and drive carefully.
Good luck