Summer tires for short Winter Trip TN/NC

[mad_max]

I'm a firm believer that snow tires makes all the difference in the snow. (I used to drive my RWD 335i in thick snow with dedicated winter tires when I lived in Ohio a long time back).

However, I now live in Florida and have Dueller HP Sport summer tires on my X5 and thinking about making a trip up to the mountains of TN/NC in December. Would I be able to get by with summer tires and xDrive for the few days I'm there? I would like some input from anyone who are from that area or up North in general.

TIA.

[MK2018]

XDrive won't help you if you want to stop your car on snow or ice, I wouldn't take a chance

[Qsilver7]

And even if there isn’t snow but the temps are below 45° F & its cold/wet or even cold/dry...the summer tire’s rubber compound hardens and your braking distance will increase and you will lose your normal grip that you experience when ambient temps are warmer and the tire’s rubber compound is softer.

To get an idea of the reduced capability of summer tires in cold temps...just do a google search or YouTube search...there’s lots of videos that compare the stopping distance and handling of summer tires in cold temps.

[1norseman]

Originally Posted by Qsilver7

And even if there isn’t snow but the temps are below 45° F & its cold/wet or even cold/dry...the summer tire’s rubber compound hardens and your braking distance will increase and you will lose your normal grip that you experience when ambient temps are warmer and the tire’s rubber compound is softer.

To get an idea of the reduced capability of summer tires in cold temps...just do a google search or YouTube search...there’s lots of videos that compare the stopping distance and handling of summer tires in cold temps.

Qsilver7 is totally right, the summer tire rubber compound hardens when it gets too cold. You mention going up in the mountains (here is where locals in NC, hopefully chimes in) Personally I would not risk it.

Another thing is if you let summer tires get cold and drive on them, you will cause micro cracks in the stiffened rubber, and damage them. So now you saved on getting another set of tires, but have to replace the summer tires prematurely instead.

Summer tires will be outright dangerous when dipping below a certain temp (exact temp depends on the tire)
I have tried it, so I know. If freezing temps, and roads are not dry, it's like driving on black ice all the time.

You don't have to get a set of dedicated winter tires. The new high performance all seasons tires, like Michelin makes, are quite capable (see new C8 Corvette as an example) to handle a little bit of winter and cold, and you can use them in FL too, just not on the track.
A/S tires together with the AWD and being mindful of the outside weather, will probably be good enough for your trip. Though as I mentioned above, hopefully NC locals will give you some feedback too.

[mad_max]

Thanks all for your input. What I might end up doing is get a rental that has A/S tires.

[blue dragon]

Don't do it. Back in my E46 M3 days, I took the car out during a dry winter day on summers. It snowed, and I couldn't even make it up my driveway

[chumbedi]

4 wheel drive can help in snow accelerate, but won't help while braking. You should get winter tyres to be on safe side

[classic_erik]

Only takes one drive to slide off the road. Don't do it.

[P1]

Originally Posted by mad_max

Thanks all for your input. What I might end up doing is get a rental that has A/S tires.

Spot on. Get a rental with A/S tires and 4WD and you're in great shape.

[Keithwand]

Florida resident too. Spent last winter in MI though.
No problem with snow with newly purchased for the winter Conti DWS.
Needed new tires anyway but in no way did I want to use the summer tires.
Zero issues in light or heavy snow or some ice.
I was so surprised at how well the X5 did since I was semi concerned.
Reas in i was surprised and concerned? My X5 is rear drive and definitely the only one in MI!