[soupRsteve]

i have heard some varying opinions on the temperature sensitive tires on the gt350.

some say that they just don't perform under 40 degrees, other say you will destroy them if you drive under 50 degrees.

can anyone clear this up?

thank you

 

[barstowpo]

I was driving in Orange County earlier this week. Temps were in the 60's. Drove home to the desert where it was 39 degrees. Felt like I was driving in the rain. It was the first time I have seen the traction control light.

 

[Copyless]

I have driven mine several times in 35-50 degree temps without an issue, now the 350R does have tires that are not designed for cold weather application, so I think that maybe your information is correct but you have the wrong car. I would say the one you have read or heard about is the "R" model and not the GT350, but the GT350R.

 

[robrippy]

It is the R model tires that do not fair well under 40 degrees. I believe those are Sport cup II tires.

 

[Larrybob]

Page 42 of the GT350 Supplement to the Mustang Owners Manual states "We do not recommend using the original equipment tires when temperatures drop to 45F or below."
Communicating with other owners it seems the soft compound becomes hard and you are at risk of losing it if you drive the car hard. Going to attempt to get comment from Michelin.
Certainly something to consider.

 

[GT_Dave]

I was driving my Gt350 today in 18 - 20 degree weather. Just need to stay off the accelerator a bit more, otherwise the car is drivable.
I'm more concerned about the oil temperature not able to get above 170.

 

[Krogen]

Page 42 of the GT350 Supplement to the Mustang Owners Manual states "We do not recommend using the original equipment tires when temperatures drop to 45F or below."
Communicating with other owners it seems the soft compound becomes hard and you are at risk of losing it if you drive the car hard. Going to attempt to get comment from Michelin.
Certainly something to consider.

I also read this. Seems it applies to both GT350 and GT350R. It's not surprising for summer tires. Check out some of the tire websites for more thoughts on summer vs. all-season tires. If I were to get stuck in cold temps with my Shelby, I'd try putting the mode selector in "weather."

 

[barstowpo]

It is my understanding that the R tires can be damaged it temps drop below freezing.

 

[Michael P]

Tires are very temperature sensitive. Below 40-45 degrees you will have a hard time building any heat into the tires and their grip will almost be like driving in slush. On the street, you probably won't be able to build enough heat-especially if the ambient temp is much lower than 40--to get the grip back. Watch your tire temps on the gauge settings to see if you are building any heat. Three weeks ago, I was on the track and started at 29 psi as Ford recommends and my pressures never got above 38 psi and the ambient temp was 80. I wasn't aggressive as I would be in my other car, but still took some time to get the temps up Good luck