Factory tires in cold temps

[fisherman]

Thinking ahead, I have a question on the usage of the factory Bridgestone RFT's in colder weather. The literature does not recommend use below 45 degrees .
Here in New England, we get a couple months of snow free weather where the temps may be between 20- 45 degrees, and I'd like to drive the Z4 during this time.
I realize that the rubber compound in the tire works better at warmer temps, but has anyone run these tires at colder temps ? Any safety issue here, or just decreased performance ? I will be garaging the car for any ice/snow days, but would like to take the car out on nice cold days. I do not want to have to buy an extra set of winter tires.

[Memphis1]

They turn into hockey pucks, buy winter tires or have winter car ready.

[cdeslandes]

Summer tires become pretty much unusable below 40.

It was 45 when I picked up my new car, and the tires were "okay" but not great.

Get some BridgeStone Blizzak LM25's or other winter tires designed for high-performance cars.

You'll actually save money in the long run, as you won't be putting as many miles on those expensive summer tires.

[fisherman]

I have a " winter " car ( truck ) , so I would not be using the Z on any nasty days, or when it gets real cold. My question is more whether the Z would be OK to drive at all in cold temps, or whether there could be a real safety issue. I really don't want to get into another set of tires, as my truck gets me through the winter .

[rmorin49]

Having tried to drive a BMW with summer tires in temps around 35 F, I would definitely recommend you not do it. As said before the tires are very hard and lose a lot of adhesiveness at temps below 40. Trying to drive in ANY snow or ice with the OEM RFTs and you are asking for real trouble. A good option, IMHO, is a set of UHP AS tires. I am running the new Yokohama ENVigor tires in the OEM sizes and am very pleased. I drove the car this winter in temps down in the teens and it performed very well.

[Silver-Bolt]

It's not just the Bridgestone RFT's, all "summer only" tires suck bollacks in the cold weather. You can drive on them but be prepared for very little grip and aqua planing in the wet. Either an All-Season tire or dedicated winter tire.

My plan is to sacrafice a slight amount of at limit dry traction and get all-season tires to run year round.

[Memphis1]

Just buy summers and winters, no point trying to "make it" thru.

[Roadstergal]

I live in New England and never have bought snow tires for any of my Z4's. I have a second car that I use when there is snow or if it is wet outside. I have used my cars, including this one when the temperature dips below 45 and the roads are dry and never had a problem.

I once got caught at work with some unexpected snow and drove my E85 with a dusting to an inch and made it home. Like I stated, if you want to take the Z out on cold dry days you will be fine. I have been doing this for years without a problem. You have a second car, which makes the need for snow tires nil.

[Mr. ///M3 RD]

Memphis1 ... I think hockey pucks seam a bit exaggerated don't you think?

Here in Southwestern Ontario Canada our winter temperature averages between -5 C to 7 C (23 F to 45 F) during the winter time. I did park my first Z4 last year most of the time. My service managers recommendation was to just increase the tire pressure by 10% when storing the car in my garage.

I drove our AWD family car during colder weather. However, took my Z4 (it was a Z430is 2008 with Bridgestone RFT) out for a spin as often as I could when temperatures hovered around 7 C to 10 C (45 F to 50 F) and there was no snow on the ground. Our garage is not heated and I cannot say that I found ever any problems driving her.

fisherman If you do get winter tires that is if you absolutely need to drive your Z in cold temperatures then do get winter tires on rims (I do not recommend changing tires twice a year on your rims). If you can manage it to find a lift for them snowy and colder days, that be great you save a lot of money not having to get a winter tire set.

Good Luck!

[fisherman]

Originally Posted by Roadstergal

I live in New England and never have bought snow tires for any of my Z4's. I have a second car that I use when there is snow or if it is wet outside. I have used my cars, including this one when the temperature dips below 45 and the roads are dry and never had a problem.

I once got caught at work with some unexpected snow and drove my E85 with a dusting to an inch and made it home. Like I stated, if you want to take the Z out on cold dry days you will be fine. I have been doing this for years without a problem. You have a second car, which makes the need for snow tires nil.

Roadstergal- that's the info I was looking for . I realize that the summer tires are not good in the winter, and that I would be better off with a set of winter tires, but it appears I will not be committing suicide if I use the factory Bridgestone RFT's on selected sunny cold days. Being newly retired, I have the luxury of picking my days for using the Z , and using the 4x4 truck whenever it's less than ideal.

[zEdP]

I do believe winter tires are safer in winter conditions. But after more than 12 years driving E36's (non-RFT), E85 and now an E89, I never had the feeling the standard tires are a problem. Just adapt your driving style, especially in wet and icy conditions. With snowy road, this is a different story, keep it in your garage or use winter tires.

EdP