are they ok to drive on in the winter? in the snow?

 

they are not recommended for snow. rain, may be. but not definitely not snow.

 

Do not drive on summer tires in the snow, not even when the weather is cold.
I see your from NYC. Change your tires immediately. Even though it's not snowing yet, the weather can get very cold. You do not want to take the chance.

 

I had the HPT tire option on my '04TL and had no problem driving in cold weather or rain. I'd never even attempt to drive in snow with these tires because it would certainly lead to an accident. BTW...I replaced the Bridgstone HPT tires that came with my TL with Pilot Sport PS-2's several months ago and just wanted to say even the HPT Bridgstone tires SUCK! The PS-2's are miles ahead of the HPT's in every aspect and although expensive, really made my TL seem like a different car. Everything about the PS-2's surpasses the Bridgstone tires and they're much quieter.

 

https://acurazine.com/forums/showthread.php?t=102563

 

I read an article that stated in Europe if you are involved in a winter driving accident and do not have winter tires you are deemed to be at fault.

 

i disagree (somewhat). some summer tires are very soft and repell water very well (such as Falken ST115's). they should not be used in snow, but colder wet roads should be no problems for these tires.

in general i would agree with you, but i just want to point out that it really depends on what tire you have.

 

Cold Wet Roads + Summer Tires + Spirited Driving = Accident Waiting to Happen

 

I learned the hard way. While at school in Milwaukee, we were caught off guard by the first snow, very light, nothing major by any means. But my Altima had 17" wheels on with summer tires... while rushing from work to class I took a right turn, my car kept veering left and BAM, slid and hit the curb... my beautiful 17" rim was bent

 

what tires were they?? as i mentioned, it really depends on the tire and not simply if they have been classified as "summer tire".

 

how is "winter driving" classified in Europe. does it go by the season or by how the weather is?

if it's winter season but 55F and sunny out, is that winter driving?

just curious.

cheers

 

The tire shop told me that Summer is classified as sustained temperatures above 60 degrees.

With that being said, I have Michelin Pilot Sports on my car. DO NOT DRIVE in the winter with summer tires. I can tell you first hand.. Anything less than 40 degrees, and these tires are like rolling ice cubes. I've scared my wife (and myself a few times), by fishtailing wildly getting onto the mainroad.

I also know quite a few people that have wrecked their car on dry pavement, when they were driving in ~34 degree weather.

Michelin Pilot Sports are VERY good tires for wet traction, but let me tell you. When it's cold, the wet weather makes it worse. The tires get stone hard, so even a little bit of water, makes it lose grip. That's why I stopped driving my car until my new rims/tires arrive next week. (Pilot Sport All Seasons).

Last week a guy in a C5 vette flipped his car and died on I-84. They estimated he was going ~100mph when he lost control of his car. I drive that freeway everyday to work, and I saw where the accident happened. (I was almost there when it happened actually). I'm almost positive he lost control of his car, because he had stock summer rubber on his car, and he was trying to take the curves as aggressevely as he does in better weather. (It was 35 degrees that night)

 

Kumho Ecsta Supra 712s

 

Cvajs I'm calling you out. No disrespect, please prove your point.

I highly doubt that a "Summer" tire is built or intended to be driven in cold, wet, conditions by any tire manufacturer especailly 32-40 degree, wet/damp roads regardless of how soft they are. I think you are spreading bad information

 

The word Summer says it all

 

TOYO PROXES 4s are on my car now a ULTRA High Perfromance all weather tire.