Conversation With Michelin Re: PSS Minimum Temps

[Retro69]

I recently put a new set of Michelin Pilot Super Sports on. We continue to have cold temps here in Utah but dry roads so it has been killing me leaving the car in the garage. I decided to call Michelin Tech Support and ask what they recommend for minimum ambient temperature in which to drive. I got a couple of interesting answers.

Firstly they told me that at 44 degrees that performance of the tire will begin to degrade. This was pretty much as I expected as most of the other summer-only tires come in at about 40 degrees as well. Then came the really interesting data.... They have a bulletin from GM for GM vehicles which come with PSSs. The bulletin calls for a minimum of 20 degrees. Wow! Quite a difference. I'm guessing maybe GM figures with traction control they can be safely driven in colder temps???

I think C7 Corvettes come with PSSs. Anyone have any data on that? And if you own one, does the owner's manual speak of such a thing? Inquiring minds want to know! (And want to drive their cars )

[Destructo09]

I've heard that the compound the vettes come with is a different compound that the other tires. I really have no info to back this up other than what my buddy told me. He owns a 2014 C7 and bought some DWS tires with wheels for winter in the triangle of NC.

I run summer tires and a coworker with an STI has had no major problems with PSS tire this winter.

[Rudy@Tirerack]

Tire Rack does not recommend them below 40 . Ultimately they are getting harder the colder they get so grip will decrease. If you happen to get caught in even a light snow you will have serious traction issues.

[ST1LE]

Originally Posted by Retro69

I recently put a new set of Michelin Pilot Super Sports on. We continue to have cold temps here in Utah but dry roads so it has been killing me leaving the car in the garage. I decided to call Michelin Tech Support and ask what they recommend for minimum ambient temperature in which to drive. I got a couple of interesting answers.

Firstly they told me that at 44 degrees that performance of the tire will begin to degrade. This was pretty much as I expected as most of the other summer-only tires come in at about 40 degrees as well. Then came the really interesting data.... They have a bulletin from GM for GM vehicles which come with PSSs. The bulletin calls for a minimum of 20 degrees. Wow! Quite a difference. I'm guessing maybe GM figures with traction control they can be safely driven in colder temps???

I think C7 Corvettes come with PSSs. Anyone have any data on that? And if you own one, does the owner's manual speak of such a thing? Inquiring minds want to know! (And want to drive their cars )

This is pretty standard as even the Goodyear temp warning said the same thing, but added that they could also crack in near 20 degree temps.

I think it is very impressive that Michelin states the performance only BEGINS to degrade at 44. With the GY's this happens at much warmer temps, but also perform better than the PSS in warm climates(track use).

[Z Madness]

Originally Posted by Destructo09

I've heard that the compound the vettes come with is a different compound that the other tires. I really have no info to back this up other than what my buddy told me. He owns a 2014 C7 and bought some DWS tires with wheels for winter in the triangle of NC.

I run summer tires and a coworker with an STI has had no major problems with PSS tire this winter.

I've heard this too. Rudy from Tirerack, any insigh? Corvette PSS sticker compound?

[Retro69]

Originally Posted by Z Madness

I've heard this too. Rudy from Tirerack, any insigh? Corvette PSS sticker compound?

I've always been skeptical about OEM tires being the same as what you buy from the tire shop. However, when you do replace the OEM tires with the same make and model tires how can the car manufacturer's recommendations apply if the tires are different?

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[racesloth]

I have been driving my SS everyday this winter with Michelin PSS (255frt, 315rear) with temps a low at 24F in the morning - streets white with frost. No issues. Sometimes I even push it a little to see when they will break loose. I love the PSS much better than my Nitto Invos

[racesloth]

Just drove home in light snow outside temp 34F on the highway bumped it up to 110 - no issues. PSS rock.

[Rudy@Tirerack]

Originally Posted by Z Madness

I've heard this too. Rudy from Tirerack, any insigh? Corvette PSS sticker compound?

The modern Corvette's that come with Super Sports are runflat tires. So they are different that what most of you guys are running. They also have a TPC spec which means they are designed to GM's specifications. Unfortunately GM or Michelin does not share what exactly is changed about the tire.

[Retro69]

Originally Posted by Rudy@Tirerack

The modern Corvette's that come with Super Sports are runflat tires. So they are different that what most of you guys are running. They also have a TPC spec which means they are designed to GM's specifications. Unfortunately GM or Michelin does not share what exactly is changed about the tire.

So does this mean that when it comes time to replace these tires one would end up with the same tires or something different?