I'm running Dunlop Star Specs on my car. I remember reading that if they are exposed to freezing temperatures they will harden and the compound will suffer/change.

My car is parked outside all year, and over the next few nights it will start dropping to 34-36 degrees at night. During the day it is high 50s, low 60s.

When should I take them off and throw winter tires on? I'm not in a rush because I can still enjoy them during the day when the sun warms things up, but I don't want to damage the compound and make them unsafe, or have less grip.

-TK

 

Compound is not meant to work in below 40* weather.

I would do start of November / end of April tire swaps. You are in the range to swap out now.

 

Thanks Smike!

My Dunlop Winter Sport 3d's should be here next week.

Does the compound actually weaken or change when exposed to sub 40* temperatures even if it is just sitting, or is it only not meant to be driven in that temperature range? I am changing them anyway but I would just like to know the truth about this.

 

Not change. But the compound will have significantly less grip in that weather, on dry or wet. If very cold, the tread could crack in the blocks.

 

i noticed my star specs have a lot less grip starting in the 50's. even more so than previous summer tires i have ran.

 

Typically we advise around Thanksgiving - mid April is the norm for most areas. Temps consistently below 40 deg and it's time to take the summers off.

 

Thanksgiving/Easter

/thread