AD08R's - how cold would you let the weather get?

[Krikkit]

As above really, currently have a set with great tread in the garage, but the standard tyres on my clio are wearing low (still legal, but 3mmish).

Obviously the AD's will be better in the wet, but is there a cliff of temperature where they're a liability? With the mild weather at the moment I wouldn't be worried, but if there's a cold snap I'm wondering if anyone has any experience once it gets down towards 0.

[E-bmw]

Krikkit said:

Obviously the AD's will be better in the wet

How is it obvious that they will be better in the wet, we don't know how much tread they have or what your road tyres are?

[Kedlestone]

Have been running mine in all weather from the spring to the present day and had no issues. Granted the car is a weekend toy, but I have done the odd weekday trip also.

[Gompo]

Ran R888s all year round from 2009-2013 (so saw a reasonable amount of snow), didn't really struggle at any point was just aware of the weather. This was on a DC2 Integra though, so generally fairly decent traction.

[QBee]

All summer track tyres are designed to be best in the dry, where the tread can warm up and give excellent traction.
In winter, and in particular in the recent frequent unexpected standing water/river across the road conditions, you are better off with a set of tyres that is A rated for wet driving.

Yes you will get good grip with R888s or AD08Rs in the dry in winter, as soon as the tyres warm up. In summer that takes about two miles, so in winter allow a bit longer.

What they won't cope with so well is hitting a river across the road at 70 mph. For what it is worth, R888Rs seem to have an E rating for wet grip, AD08Rs a B rating for wet grip, as far as I can see, which suggests that your assertion that the AD08s would be better is a reasonable one.

[majordad]

Hm ! I wonder. The rating for wet weather is purely a measure for water dispersion, not grip. Both compound and pattern affect grip, you can't take them in isolation.

[QBee]

Agreed, fair point.

So far my only test has been to fit "A" wet rated Rainsport 3s to my Saab 9-5 Aero. I have absolutely no hesitation in pushing it pretty hard in corners in the rain, and have felt total confidence when hitting lakes and rivers at 70 on the A1 in the dark in a downpour (ie with absolutely no warning I was about to hit them). The car has always kept straight and has never aquaplaned.

Do any of those things in similar conditions in my, admittedly lighter weight, TVR Chimaera on "E" wet rated Toyo R888s and I suspect I would be collecting pieces of car off the armco. It certainly feels skittish and not to be trusted.