Driving home new car in winter with summer tires

DefiantVitreous · 11-30-2023, 10:33 PM

Is this even safe? What is the risk of driving the car home from the dealer in like 10-20 degree (F) weather?

Forzanerazzurri · 11-30-2023, 10:48 PM

It's not ideal. If the roads are dry you'll be fine for the short drive home. What will you do once you get there though?

napeHbNYC · 11-30-2023, 11:48 PM

I picked up my X3MC in Ohio in the middle of February on summer tires with temperatures in the teens and while not ideal, I did drive 400+ miles back home , and I’m sure there are countless other examples. Just be careful driving and you’ll be fine.

kiw1 · 11-30-2023, 11:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DefiantVitreous

Is this even safe? What is the risk of driving the car home from the dealer in like 10-20 degree (F) weather?

If you get any moisture at those temps you will be in deep shit, esp at night. I wouldn't risk it personally. If you can drive above freezing in the day then it's obviously a lot safer.

kjx · 12-01-2023, 01:43 AM

It's dangerous:
- for that one drive - 34 to 45 F is dangerous. 10 to 20 F.. lol, sorry. Never.
- can lead to catastrophic failure much later (cracking that may have started in cold weather drive as the tires can't flex)

See here:
https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/...king/index.htm

And here:
https://michelinmedia.com/pages/blog...rticle/c/a575/

Forzanerazzurri · 12-01-2023, 01:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kjx

It's dangerous:
- for that one drive - 34 to 45 F is dangerous. 10 to 20 F.. lol, sorry. Never.
- can lead to catastrophic failure much later (cracking that may have started in cold weather drive as the tires can't flex)

See here:
https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/...king/index.htm

And here:
https://michelinmedia.com/pages/blog...rticle/c/a575/

Settle down Mr Seattle. His tires aren't going to crack themselves to death from one drive home. Driving in 45 degree weather isn't dangerous on summer tires either. If that were the case I wouldn't be able to drive at night for 9 months of the year. My summers are on for 7 months and see 45 degree temps all the time.

Stockholmarn · 12-01-2023, 03:30 AM

No problem! But promise us you'll post the after crash Drive Recorder footage!

(I think you need to activate the recorder function and accept some kind of user terms before it works.)

Pool Shark · 12-01-2023, 05:17 AM

On another vehicle, I've driven on summer tires in 30 - 40 degree weather. While not ideal, if driven cautiously, it'll be fine...even better if there is no precipitation.

Hopefully when my car arrives next week, the weather won't dip below 30. Regardless, I'll drive home carefully--I'm also only 10 - 15 miles away from dealership.

MalibuM3 · 12-01-2023, 06:24 AM

How about spending a few bucks on a carrier/trailer?

Needsdecaf · 12-01-2023, 07:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MalibuM3

How about spending a few bucks on a carrier/trailer?

Sometimes that’s more hassle than it is about the money.

GladiatorOwner · 12-01-2023, 07:22 AM

OP, how far are you driving the car from dealer to home? “IF” the car is picked up from dealer that keeps the car warm (meaning the wheels should be at a reasonable temperature at beginning) and inside like most deliveries, you should be fine. The friction on the road from driving will keep the tires warm enough for awhile. But, it needs to be dry and shouldn’t be half the country distance either. lol

For reference, I pickup my M6 from Richmond going back to NY and ran into a major winter white out with about 4 inches of snow on the highway in the DC area several years ago….. it was not fun but I made it through. Manual and RWD!!!!
I do not recommend it, lol. “Idiot” comes to mind.

harperium · 12-01-2023, 08:26 AM

I've got a set of 963M wheels with All Season 4 mounted on them ready to go when I collect my G80 in mid Jan.

The PS4S tires are not safe below 40F in my opinion. Honestly even below 50 you can tell they start to lose grip esp wet.

downshiftapex · 12-01-2023, 08:29 AM

As long as you are safe about it and don't rip it you will be fine.

I did PCD and took delivery in SC in Feb of this year and drove back to CT. I didn't win the tire lottery and have Pirellis.

Autoaddict · 12-01-2023, 08:32 AM

I still haven’t changed my summer PZero’s to the winter tires. I’ve been driving it around town and even on the highway while temps are in the 30/40s, like this morning. It’s fine. Just be careful on the on and off ramps. These things are not light(I.e heavy) and if you have Xdrive, it’ll be ok. BUT, if you know that there maybe some precipitation, maybe even snow, then I would be nervous. But if it’s just dry and cold, you’ll be ok. Like I said, just don’t drive like you’re trying to set the fastest lap times.

/ / / M3 · 12-01-2023, 08:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DefiantVitreous

Is this even safe? What is the risk of driving the car home from the dealer in like 10-20 degree (F) weather?

If there is no snow, ice or freezing rain, you're fine. Otherwise, don't do it. Performance summer tires are completely useless in slippery winter conditions.

JerseyG80 · 12-01-2023, 08:41 AM

You’ll be perfectly fine.

MalibuM3 · 12-01-2023, 08:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Needsdecaf

Sometimes that’s more hassle than it is about the money.

Sure. Maybe friends/family members who own a truck or SUV with a trailer hitch and towing capacity. There are quite good rental trailers out there, also to accommodate lowered cars. That‘s what I‘m usually doing when I haul my G80 or E30.

Mark Kez · 12-01-2023, 09:15 AM

Drive it like you’re paying for it (cause you are!) and you’ll be fine. When you get a chance go with all season tires , they work fine even for me in snowy Syracuse NY. Good luck!

wtwo3 · 12-01-2023, 09:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DefiantVitreous

Is this even safe? What is the risk of driving the car home from the dealer in like 10-20 degree (F) weather?

I drove home to Chicagoland from South Carolina this past February after picking my car up at PCD, on summer tires.

If conditions are dry, it's perfectly safe to drive as long as you don't drive like an asshole. Keep it civil and it's totally safe.

That being said, the moment it starts snowing and sticking to the ground, that's when shit can hit the fan fast.

Mike02z · 12-01-2023, 09:50 AM

I’ve driven RWD sports cars with summer tires in temps down to 20 degrees. Never had an issue with cracking of the sidewalls. That is more for cars sitting outside or in an unheated garage when temps fall below 20 degrees.i would not even worry about rain as long as you drive sensibly. I would not drive any distance in snowy conditions. AWD or not you’ll be sliding all over the place with all 4 tires .

Forzanerazzurri · 12-01-2023, 10:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by downshiftapex

I didn't win the tire lottery and have Pirellis.

Aalfred · 12-01-2023, 10:50 AM

How long is ur drive from the dealer? If its short distances and the roads r dry, you should be good. If it starts snowing or drizzling, just pick another day to pick it up

11-30-2023, 10:33 PM	#1
DefiantVitreous Private 22 Rep 69 Posts Drives: 2024 M3 Comp. Join Date: Oct 2023 Location: Chicago iTrader: (0)	Driving home new car in winter with summer tires Is this even safe? What is the risk of driving the car home from the dealer in like 10-20 degree (F) weather?
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11-30-2023, 10:48 PM	#2
Forzanerazzurri Banned 6920 Rep 3,277 Posts Drives: E46 M3 Coupe/G80 M3CX Join Date: Jul 2021 Location: Alberta iTrader: (0) Garage List 2003 BMW M3 Coupe [0.50] 2022 BMW M3 Competi ... [5.12]	It's not ideal. If the roads are dry you'll be fine for the short drive home. What will you do once you get there though?
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11-30-2023, 11:48 PM	#3
napeHbNYC Captain 234 Rep 990 Posts Drives: 2007 e60 550i RWD 6MT Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: NY,NY iTrader: (7)	I picked up my X3MC in Ohio in the middle of February on summer tires with temperatures in the teens and while not ideal, I did drive 400+ miles back home , and I’m sure there are countless other examples. Just be careful driving and you’ll be fine.
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12-01-2023, 01:43 AM	#5
kjx ///M ♥ Recycled Dinosaurs 3213 Rep 1,781 Posts Drives: BMW M4, BMW X5 45e Join Date: Jul 2021 Location: Seattle, WA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2022 BMW M4 Competi ... [0.00] 2021 BMW X5 45e [0.00]	It's dangerous: - for that one drive - 34 to 45 F is dangerous. 10 to 20 F.. lol, sorry. Never. - can lead to catastrophic failure much later (cracking that may have started in cold weather drive as the tires can't flex) See here: https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/...king/index.htm And here: https://michelinmedia.com/pages/blog...rticle/c/a575/ __________________ 2022 BMW ///M4 Comp M xDrive (Enzian, Kyalami - insta \| youtube \| bp featured: Delivery + 963M + 2x Enzian!) \| 2021 BMW X5 45e (Carbon Black Metallic, Ivory White) BMW CCA LIFETIME MEMBER \| Past cars: 2016 BMW 435i Gran Coupe (Carbon Black Metallic, Oyster White - Euro-delivery)
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12-01-2023, 03:30 AM	#7
Stockholmarn Private First Class 435 Rep 193 Posts Drives: G81 M3 Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Stockholm, Sweden iTrader: (0)	No problem! But promise us you'll post the after crash Drive Recorder footage! (I think you need to activate the recorder function and accept some kind of user terms before it works.) __________________ Current: G81 & R60 Former: E28 535iA, F21 M135i, F22 M235i, F31 330i, E46 318i, G21 M340i, G80 M3cx
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12-01-2023, 05:17 AM	#8
Pool Shark Second Lieutenant 499 Rep 277 Posts Drives: Accord Sport6MT / Tesla3 / M3 Join Date: Aug 2023 Location: Philly Suburbs, PA iTrader: (0)	On another vehicle, I've driven on summer tires in 30 - 40 degree weather. While not ideal, if driven cautiously, it'll be fine...even better if there is no precipitation. Hopefully when my car arrives next week, the weather won't dip below 30. Regardless, I'll drive home carefully--I'm also only 10 - 15 miles away from dealership.
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12-01-2023, 06:24 AM	#9
MalibuM3 Private 428 Rep 92 Posts Drives: 2022 BMW M3 6MT Join Date: Jan 2022 Location: 48° 10′ 23,4″ N , 11° 32′ 47,5″ O iTrader: (0)	How about spending a few bucks on a carrier/trailer? __________________ 2022 BMW M3 6MT 2020 Tesla Model 3 Performance 2020 Volvo XC60 AWD Inscription 2005 BMW Z4 E85 1967 Volkswagen Bug
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12-01-2023, 07:22 AM	#11
GladiatorOwner Captain 177 Rep 646 Posts Drives: 22 M4C Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: NY iTrader: (1)	OP, how far are you driving the car from dealer to home? “IF” the car is picked up from dealer that keeps the car warm (meaning the wheels should be at a reasonable temperature at beginning) and inside like most deliveries, you should be fine. The friction on the road from driving will keep the tires warm enough for awhile. But, it needs to be dry and shouldn’t be half the country distance either. lol For reference, I pickup my M6 from Richmond going back to NY and ran into a major winter white out with about 4 inches of snow on the highway in the DC area several years ago….. it was not fun but I made it through. Manual and RWD!!!! I do not recommend it, lol. “Idiot” comes to mind.
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12-01-2023, 08:26 AM	#12
harperium Major 1319 Rep 1,067 Posts Drives: G80 M3cx Join Date: Dec 2016 Location: Chicago iTrader: (0)	I've got a set of 963M wheels with All Season 4 mounted on them ready to go when I collect my G80 in mid Jan. The PS4S tires are not safe below 40F in my opinion. Honestly even below 50 you can tell they start to lose grip esp wet.
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12-01-2023, 08:29 AM	#13
downshiftapex Private First Class 168 Rep 190 Posts Drives: Not fast enough Join Date: Sep 2017 Location: CT iTrader: (0)	As long as you are safe about it and don't rip it you will be fine. I did PCD and took delivery in SC in Feb of this year and drove back to CT. I didn't win the tire lottery and have Pirellis.
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12-01-2023, 08:32 AM	#14
Autoaddict Private First Class 320 Rep 168 Posts Drives: 2008 BMW 328xi Sportwagon, G80 Join Date: Jul 2021 Location: Eastern PA iTrader: (0)	I still haven’t changed my summer PZero’s to the winter tires. I’ve been driving it around town and even on the highway while temps are in the 30/40s, like this morning. It’s fine. Just be careful on the on and off ramps. These things are not light(I.e heavy) and if you have Xdrive, it’ll be ok. BUT, if you know that there maybe some precipitation, maybe even snow, then I would be nervous. But if it’s just dry and cold, you’ll be ok. Like I said, just don’t drive like you’re trying to set the fastest lap times.
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12-01-2023, 08:41 AM	#16
JerseyG80 Private First Class 558 Rep 144 Posts Drives: 2022 M3x Join Date: Dec 2021 Location: Clifton, NJ iTrader: (0)	You’ll be perfectly fine.
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12-01-2023, 09:15 AM	#18
Mark Kez Lieutenant Colonel 2202 Rep 1,582 Posts Drives: BMW M4 Convertible Join Date: Mar 2022 Location: Syracuse NY iTrader: (0)	Drive it like you’re paying for it (cause you are!) and you’ll be fine. When you get a chance go with all season tires , they work fine even for me in snowy Syracuse NY. Good luck!
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12-01-2023, 09:50 AM	#20
Mike02z Major 2063 Rep 1,311 Posts Drives: 2024 BMW M4 Base Join Date: Jul 2021 Location: 29651 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2024 BMW M4 [10.00] 2024 BMW M4 [0.00]	I’ve driven RWD sports cars with summer tires in temps down to 20 degrees. Never had an issue with cracking of the sidewalls. That is more for cars sitting outside or in an unheated garage when temps fall below 20 degrees.i would not even worry about rain as long as you drive sensibly. I would not drive any distance in snowy conditions. AWD or not you’ll be sliding all over the place with all 4 tires .
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12-01-2023, 10:50 AM	#22
Aalfred Colonel 2627 Rep 2,036 Posts Drives: 2023 M3CX, 2018 X3 M40i Join Date: Apr 2022 Location: Milwaukee,WI iTrader: (0)	How long is ur drive from the dealer? If its short distances and the roads r dry, you should be good. If it starts snowing or drizzling, just pick another day to pick it up
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