ZL1 in Cold Weather Report

[The Stig]

OEM tires aren't rated to be driven in temps below 40 degrees. If you're planning to use your Z during the winter I really would suggest investing in a set of winter tires.

[Sven59]

Originally Posted by URBAN LEGEND

Yeah ok. Believe that. I have those tires on both my cars. And they will bite you if not up to temp. I can't believe you wrote that.

And both of my rockets live indoors.

Can't believe that I wrote that the MPSSs perform better in the cold than the GYs? I along with many other ZL1 owners have attested to the fact the Michelins are much better in the cold.

[2012-1822]

So someone already mentioned this. But yeah, some people can't swing a second set of wheels and tires especially for those in the south where you might want them less than 7 total days in a year if that.

Honestly, last winter when I had the car I did drive a couple of times in the 20's, several times in the 30's, and a bunch of times in the 40's. The truth of the matter is that 40 degrees is not the magic number. It has been my experience, 20,000 miles worth, that 60 degrees is that magic number, That's where I lose traction. So anything colder than that is whatever. I can't just say I won't drive my DD when it hits 59 degrees.

I need tires. Have a decision to make. Was going to go down to my local shop and get them to order a set of stock. Despite all the performance thumbs up many guys have given the MPSS I just don't like the way they look. Kind of ugly. How much does that matter? I guess I'll have to figure that out and make a decision.

[URBAN LEGEND]

Originally Posted by Sven59

Can't believe that I wrote that the MPSSs perform better in the cold than the GYs? I along with many other ZL1 owners have attested to the fact the Michelins are much better in the cold.

Not what I said at all. I'll exit now. No need for me to go any further. Have a good day.

[ZED SLED]

Meanwhile, back at the ranch.... My AWD Equinox shod with Blizzaks goes like a mofo

[white ZL1]

Originally Posted by strych9

It is irresponsible to drive that car with those tires on the roadway with freezing temperatures. I don't get it. Why would you?

I hope I never see a post of yours indicating that you've done even 2mph over any posted speed limit.

Originally Posted by BigBoyBlue

Some people stretched pretty far to afford a $60k car. Personally, I had no idea about the tires potential to break apart below 40 degrees until driving in that weather. I actually think it was irresponsible for GM to put these tires on in the first place. Is this only a summer car? Pisses me off that my salesman didn't warn me either.

Anyone with any common sense wouldn't have stretched themselves that far.
They don't break apart below 40, but I think you know that.
And I think it's irresponsible for folks to not be educated consumers. An educated consumer would have done some research, asked some questions, and gathered information before a $60k purchase. To expect a salesman to tell you much of anything other than where to sign is irresponsible.

Originally Posted by OldScoolCamaro

....meh, they advertised summer only tires. That's what it's got. They stick like glue in the heat. There's an advisory about driving them below 40 degrees. The car is dangerous in colder conditions. What's the issue.

That every cup of coffee has to have a "CAUTION: HOT" warning on it.

Originally Posted by URBAN LEGEND

Guess what? That's any tire. On car or bike. Common sense prevails. Always.

Unfortunately common sense is rapidly becoming less common.

Originally Posted by Sven59

Guess what my MPSS tires don't do it.

Guess what? Your MPSS's will still get even a stock ZL1 sideways quite rapidly next time you decide to "goose" it when it's 30 degrees outside.


Some of the responses and comments in this thread are ridiculous.

[rvnmaniac]

Temperature this morning was 9 degrees F. The end of last Sep i purchased a set of Continental DWS. No problems here at all in the cold. It was as some have already stated a lil hard to shift the first 10 minutes of the ride. This was the coldest weather i ever driven the ZL1 in. Can't fathom how anyone can buy a car that costs as much as ours and not know the info on the summer tires during the winter months. Just my .02.....

[Sven59]

Originally Posted by white 2SS/RS

I hope I never see a post of yours indicating that you've done even 2mph over any posted speed limit.



Anyone with any common sense wouldn't have stretched themselves that far.
They don't break apart below 40, but I think you know that.
And I think it's irresponsible for folks to not be educated consumers. An educated consumer would have done some research, asked some questions, and gathered information before a $60k purchase. To expect a salesman to tell you much of anything other than where to sign is irresponsible.



That every cup of coffee has to have a "CAUTION: HOT" warning on it.



Unfortunately common sense is rapidly becoming less common.



Guess what? Your MPSS's will still get even a stock ZL1 sideways quite rapidly next time you decide to "goose" it when it's 30 degrees outside.


Some of the responses and comments in this thread are ridiculous.

What I stated was coming out of my warm garage at 40 degrees out on the same road the GYs would easily spin the MPSSs do not. Of course I could break them loose if I tried. I was saying the MPSSs are better in the cold than the GYS. More importantly the MPSSs don't have the same temperature warnings.

[BigBoyBlue]

Originally Posted by papsz

This is a touchy subject to me as I live in the frozen north, I will just say this...it's flawed to build a car in Canada, load on a rail to ship to all parts of the country including the north, then when problems occur post a bullitin to DEALERS who don't relay the info to prospective buyers, for god's sake, there are people who are on these tires who have not been informed of the tire issue, driving daily and are completely unaware of the danger of their tires breaking apart. After my car was shipped in Jan. (drivin, loaded, unloaded, dealer tested), the dealer still didn't inform me until I noticed chunks of rubber lifting at 250 miles. Could you imagine the damage and/or injury if a tire exploded at 75 mph...I just don't get the logic.

This is how I feel 100%. I only found out about the problem after I bought the car. It isn't in my owner's manual either, but was added as a separate addendum which is very inconspicuous.

Like I said, I've had max performance summer tires on my last 3-4 cars and I recognize that I need to be very careful on the throttle. That does not mean that I should have known that these tires could blow out in the cold. When I lived in Wisconsin and New York, I had dedicated winter wheels. In Maryland, I've made the decision to keep these tires on the car, as it doesn't snow much. My grip has been what I thought it would be. The tires only "skip" when I am slightly aggressive on the throttle. I have no problem with that. OEM Tires put on a production car in North America that can blow up below 40 degrees or 20 degrees? That I have a problem with.

I'll live with the GY's this year and then buy some Michellins when the tread is gone.

For the contrarian who said I should have done research on my purchase, that is true. I did the research, just not focusing on the tires. I never heard of tires put on a production car that can experience catastrophic failure at what I would call fairly moderate temperatures (it's cold, but not excessively). I am not someone who thinks that everything is a lawsuit. I am a big proponent of "caveat emptor", but not in this case. Neither the dealer or Chevrolet went out of their way to point out a potential hazard that can cause death. That is irresponsible!

Here's an example: If the dealer and Chevy were aware that the brakes may experience catastrophic failure if driven above 75 mph, should they not make it VERY VERY clear to us that this event may occur? Would the same people on the forum reason that "driving above the speed limit is dangerous and people should already know that it is hazardous. You should have done your research"? I highly doubt it.

The other ridiculous fact is that Goodyear tells us that the tire should be stored above 40 degrees. Most garages are not heated. Should I bring the tires into my bed and cover them? These tires should not be on a production car, especially not one that is only $60k. With a Ferrari? I get it.

GM and my dealer dropped the ball on this.

[ZED SLED]

The bulletin states to store over 20 deg and to not drive at below 40. The issue is with moving the tire at below 20, including airing them up. Just sitting motionless in a garage or driveway likely doesn't affect it.

[TomF1]

Originally Posted by BigBoyBlue

This is how I feel 100%. I only found out about the problem after I bought the car. It isn't in my owner's manual either, but was added as a separate addendum which is very inconspicuous.

Like I said, I've had max performance summer tires on my last 3-4 cars and I recognize that I need to be very careful on the throttle. That does not mean that I should have known that these tires could blow out in the cold. When I lived in Wisconsin and New York, I had dedicated winter wheels. In Maryland, I've made the decision to keep these tires on the car, as it doesn't snow much. My grip has been what I thought it would be. The tires only "skip" when I am slightly aggressive on the throttle. I have no problem with that. OEM Tires put on a production car in North America that can blow up below 40 degrees or 20 degrees? That I have a problem with.

I'll live with the GY's this year and then buy some Michellins when the tread is gone.

For the contrarian who said I should have done research on my purchase, that is true. I did the research, just not focusing on the tires. I never heard of tires put on a production car that can experience catastrophic failure at what I would call fairly moderate temperatures (it's cold, but not excessively). I am not someone who thinks that everything is a lawsuit. I am a big proponent of "caveat emptor", but not in this case. Neither the dealer or Chevrolet went out of their way to point out a potential hazard that can cause death. That is irresponsible!

Here's an example: If the dealer and Chevy were aware that the brakes may experience catastrophic failure if driven above 75 mph, should they not make it VERY VERY clear to us that this event may occur? Would the same people on the forum reason that "driving above the speed limit is dangerous and people should already know that it is hazardous. You should have done your research"? I highly doubt it.

The other ridiculous fact is that Goodyear tells us that the tire should be stored above 40 degrees. Most garages are not heated. Should I bring the tires into my bed and cover them? These tires should not be on a production car, especially not one that is only $60k. With a Ferrari? I get it.

GM and my dealer dropped the ball on this.

The warning bulletin DOES NOT say the tire will blow out in the cold.

"The rubber used in these tires loses flexibility and may develop surface cracks in the tire tread/shoulder area at colder temperatures. Driving the vehicle, when the temperature is below -7°C (20°F), may result in surface cracks in the tread area of the tire. Surface cracks are cosmetic and will not result in a loss of air."

The tires themselves do not cause any danger. There is no catastrophic failure. People using them in unsafe conditions is what causes danger.

You say they shouldn't put summer only tires on a production vehicle. And your entitled to your opinion, but I disagree.

My opinion is cars without real snow tires shouldn't be allowed on the road in winter. And should be confiscated till spring.

(I had a co-worker die on his way to work in a little bit of snow, summer performance tires. I got the call from the police and had to call his parents. The really sad part was the innocent lady he killed when he crossed into oncoming traffic.)

[2012-1822]

BigBoyBlue has a lot of good points.

I never for one second thought I'd stir up this crap storm with my post. It was simply informational and sharing an experience.

As far as salesmen telling you about any car, these guys aren't experts at these models typically. I've seen salesmen move in and out of different types of dealerships and different types of businesses. There was a fellow I knew, he was a salesman, didn't matter the business. Yes cars for a while, mattresses, whatever. He moved around to where ever the grass looked greener.

In fact the salesman that sold me my car flat said, unsolicited, that I probably knew more about the car than him. Little did he know, I didn't research the car all that much. Just knew I wanted a Camaro and this one was bada$$.

[BigBoyBlue]

Originally Posted by TomF1

The warning bulletin DOES NOT say the tire will blow out in the cold.
(I had a co-worker die on his way to work in a little bit of snow, summer performance tires. I got the call from the police and had to call his parents. The really sad part was the innocent lady he killed when he crossed into oncoming traffic.)

1. That is very sad news on the co-worker and the women he killed. May god have mercy on their souls That said, speeding kills many more people every year and I guarantee that there is NO ONE who buys a ZL1 or SS and doesn't occasionally speed. We all do things that put ourselves and others in danger. Lets not cherry pick our morality.

2. I didn't say the bulletin mentions tires blowing out. I thought I read that people reported on this board, the Shelby board, and a Vette board about blow outs. I could be wrong. If it's just the cracks, I can live with that.

3. I just wish someone would have told me about the tires before the sale because it is a real PITA. I only found out about the problem from joining this board.

[29er]

pretty simple to understand people.
summer=running shoes
winter=winter boots.
try going on the ice , with your running shoes... no flex BECAUSE it's design to work in summer. why trying to drive the car when it's cold and complain about it. just buy yourselves a set of >>>WINTER<<tires! or just store your zl1's. simple