KDW2 and cold weather?

[impulsivegoat]

I've seen that BFG says not to use KDW2 tires in freezing or near freezing temps. Is the tire compund just too hard in cold temps to provide traction? Temps regularly get below freezing here in the winter. (20s and sometimes teens) I will have to drive my car some during the winter but I have KDW2s on it now. Should I get some all season tires? If so, does anyone know of a decently priced one? I'm not looking to spend $800 in tires. I run 235/35/18 up front and 275/35/18 out back. Thanks for any help.

[mdmike]

I've seen that BFG says not to use KDW2 tires in freezing or near freezing temps. Is the tire compund just too hard in cold temps to provide traction? Temps regularly get below freezing here in the winter. (20s and sometimes teens) I will have to drive my car some during the winter but I have KDW2s on it now. Should I get some all season tires? If so, does anyone know of a decently priced one? I'm not looking to spend $800 in tires. I run 235/35/18 up front and 275/35/18 out back. Thanks for any help.

Hell they are going to be better then the NITTO drag radials I have on my stock 17's. Just kidding I am in the same boat as you. I have the same setup.

[TriflowM5+M3]

I've seen that BFG says not to use KDW2 tires in freezing or near freezing temps. Is the tire compund just too hard in cold temps to provide traction? Temps regularly get below freezing here in the winter. (20s and sometimes teens) I will have to drive my car some during the winter but I have KDW2s on it now. Should I get some all season tires? If so, does anyone know of a decently priced one? I'm not looking to spend $800 in tires. I run 235/35/18 up front and 275/35/18 out back. Thanks for any help.

Most high performance tires reach what is called "glaze-over point" when temperatures reach into the 40's and below. What happens is that the rubber, silica and other compunds in the tires actually begin to harden and as such their coefficient of friction reduces greatly (lower friction). Due to that the "grippiness" of the rubber actually degrades to a point at where you will no longer be able to get traction with a tire. The general rule of thumb is that unless your tires are snow rated (mountain or snowflake designator on the sidewall) you should either switch over to winter/snow tires when temps begin to hoover near the 40-45F or to not drive at all.

Your KDW2's will NOT make it through a winter as is. The Dunlop Winter M3's are the highest rated winter tires out there. Although you could find used All seasons in the for sale section.

[GTO1_OHIO]

As stated you will definietly start feeling the loss of grip as the temperature drops. I think you'll find this out pretty soon on your own.

[mdmike]

Most high performance tires reach what is called "glaze-over point" when temperatures reach into the 40's and below. What happens is that the rubber, silica and other compunds in the tires actually begin to harden and as such their coefficient of friction reduces greatly (lower friction). Due to that the "grippiness" of the rubber actually degrades to a point at where you will no longer be able to get traction with a tire. The general rule of thumb is that unless your tires are snow rated (mountain or snowflake designator on the sidewall) you should either switch over to winter/snow tires when temps begin to hoover near the 40-45F or to not drive at all.

Your KDW2's will NOT make it through a winter as is. The Dunlop Winter M3's are the highest rated winter tires out there. Although you could find used All seasons in the for sale section.

Good info. Thanks..... Old GIZMO will be parked at least this winter.

[gotzaGTO]

you do lose some traction, but they're not horrible. I'm still running them and its been in the 40s all week.

I don't know the science of the tires, but real life experience shows me that they'll handle ok as long as you don't drive like an ass.

[miltownsho]

you do lose some traction, but they're not horrible. I'm still running them and its been in the 40s all week.

I don't know the science of the tires, but real life experience shows me that they'll handle ok as long as you don't drive like an ass.

DITTO