[barzzzznj]

Any advice on a drive from NJ to Tampa FL ? Roughly 1100 miles one way so 2200 there and back.

PPF Front? Do I need to worry about my Pilot Sports for the first half of the trip? Its still relatively warm up here ~50 Degrees and planning to head out on Dec 8th.

Planning to break it up in two drives with a few hours, my biggest concern is all of the highway dust so wondering if PPF front will hold up.

[omaralt]

Flying will be a lot easier and cheaper

[NFARVW]

Unless you're hauling a bunch of guns, gold or cash I'd fly. Screw driving 2200 miles in a small sedan. Nope.

[SpeedyATL]

Take skyline drive and the blue ridge parkway. That'll make 450 miles each way well worth it.

Parts of it do close for snow/ice, so check before you go....

[midlifecrisis]

I’ve driven to Daytona and back twice in my G80 for the Rolex 24 in January in the past two years. To each his own, but I enjoy the drive - even down I-95. For me, it’s a chance to tune out the world and decompress. It’s one of the most therapeutic things I do. Good music and caffeine are all I need. I usually stop in South Carolina or Georgia. As for the summer tires, it depends on the weather. Don’t expect full performance until you get into the Carolinas - watch your braking distances, etc. If it snows, you’re SOL. Buying a set of Vredestein all-seasons on 19” wheels was one of the best things I’ve done. I don’t need to worry about the cold temps. I figure I’m not going to drive it in snow, but I’ll have enough traction for most winter conditions. The traction improvement over the summer Michelins is noticeable below 40 degrees, and dramatic below freezing.

[natmad]

Savannah is a great overnight stop for history, restaurants, and waterfront.

[barzzzznj]

Thank you, I am entertaining the idea only because I barely get to drive the thing, I got it in July and only have 1000 miles on it, this would give me a good opportunity to enjoy it.

Also for the weather looks like its going to be around the low 40's on those days so seems doable on the michelins

[BEAR-AvHistory]

Originally Posted by barzzzznj

Thank you, I am entertaining the idea only because I barely get to drive the thing, I got it in July and only have 1000 miles on it, this would give me a good opportunity to enjoy it.

Also for the weather looks like its going to be around the low 40's on those days so seems doable on the Michelin's

Former Jersey guy who now lives in NC. Jersey snow experience, Jersey Shore to Wall street commute for 20+ years mostly 2 seat sports cars or 4 door sedan.

Have been driving Michelin summer tired BMW's in NC since 2004. Only tire weather related issue I have ever had is the cars are/were dead is any snow.

Would not hesitate to make the NJ/Fla Snowbird run if you can get a snowless weather slot

BTW the summers do not suddenly drop dead at 39*F. They will slowly degrade in performance. Personally have not had to leave one parked based on temperatures here.

[TJR_///M3]

Originally Posted by SpeedyATL

Take skyline drive and the blue ridge parkway. That'll make 450 miles each way well worth it.

Parts of it do close for snow/ice, so check before you go....

Agreed… and detour through Spartanburg and Greenville. Stop by the BMW Foundation and the museum at the BMW plant.
It will be a great drive.

[TopJimmy]

You can drive no probs. I do Philly to Tampa once in a while. No PPF is needed, just don’t drive up anyone’s butt, and avoid driving behind any trucks.

I’ve done straight through in 18 hours, including three meal stops. I’ve done it in 16h too. I leave at 3am and arrive 9pm.

Alternatively you break the trip in two by staying over in Florence SC (cheap) or Savannah (nice).

If the car was under 2K miles, or especially for break-in I would only drive 4 hours and then do a 1 hour break, and repeat.

[barzzzznj]

TopJimmy which tires did you drive on? Did you drive in the colder months?

[Alpine300zhp]

Originally Posted by barzzzznj

Thank you, I am entertaining the idea only because I barely get to drive the thing, I got it in July and only have 1000 miles on it, this would give me a good opportunity to enjoy it.

Also for the weather looks like its going to be around the low 40's on those days so seems doable on the michelins

Don’t listen to these guys saying to fly. I’ve done West Palm to Philly and back more times than I can count. It’s an easy drive as long as you plan for the NJ, Philly, Baltimore, and DC metro area traffic. Once you are south of the DC metro area, it’s pretty much a piece of cake. As for the tires, you will be fine as long as there is no snow or ice on the ground. If outdoor temps are in low 40’s, make sure to keep speed low until the tires are warmed up and then you are good to go.

[TopJimmy]

Originally Posted by barzzzznj

TopJimmy which tires did you drive on? Did you drive in the colder months?

The stock Pirelli’s do fine. I even ran Toyos once.