First off let me say that this is a great site, and I have been a big fan of the S2000 for some time now. In the next few months I will finally be in a position financially where I can afford a brand new one. That being said, I have a few questions for you guys. I have done a lot of homework on this car and the way it behaves throughout the seasons. Being that I live in NY, I get four. This car would be my only means of transportation, therefore making it my daily driver.

Many people have commented that the tires on the car do not perform up to par in cold conditions. Obviously snow being one of them, but thats a given. What about just cold days that are bone dry. People have commented that cold roads do not offer as much grip. Is this saying that you just need to let the tires come up to tempature longer? Or do summer, high performance tires just not perform well when the road is cold.

I can live with two seats, small storage and rely on other people if it snows, but if there is no snow or rain on the ground I don't want to have to worry about the car stepping out on me just because it is cold outside. Any comments would be greatly appreciated.

 

[QUOTE]Is this saying that you just need to let the tires come up to tempature longer? Or do summer, high performance tires just not perform well when the road is cold.

 

Well, I spun my car and got in an accident in cold weather on pretty dry roads. With more experience I'm much more sure of the car and am a better manual transmission driver. The car is powerful and rear wheel drive. Any car with that setup will pose certain problems if you are not careful in winter conditions. If you're concerned you can always do what a lot of board members do and that is to switch to winter tires in winter and spring. I haven't heard of too many problems with that setup -- only with the stock summer tires.

http://forums.s2ki.com/forums/showthread.p...threadid=155735

 

If you are going to drive in all four seasons you need dedicated winter rubber.
However yesterday it was sunny,dry,and 7 degrees above zero and I drove to work with the oem S02's and had no issues. You just can't drive like you're in a race for life.

 

I have driven rarely on very cold ground with stock S-02's and had no problems. Water though I have heard could be a problem. So even if u dont worry about the cold ground think of the water then. I would say to be on the safe side put your money into some tires that r good for water/summer/cold ground this way u r not full winter or full summer...u r more middle ground. This would probably be best. If you really wanna be safe do winter and snow tires but during summer could lose some performance feel....but this is your choice

JP

 

I would say that you absolutely need snow tires in NY NY if you are going to drive during the winter.

Buy a slightly used set if cost is an issue, but you need them.

Most here in Toronto put the tires on long before the snow comes because you're screwed with the SO2s if you're out and snow surprises you.

I *barely* got the car home when I took my snows off too early last winter.

 

Thanks guys, certainly appreciate the feedback.

 

A stock S2000 has an incredible amount of grip and incredible steering response with the stock Bridgestone S-02 tires. But beware of cold tires! These are Summer Performance Tires and take time to heat up, especially on cold days. The compound is for warm weather only, and once the weather gets significantly cold - slightly above freezing is cold enough - the tires essentially loose almost all of their grip. Cold tires are definitely a recipe for trouble when combined with any sudden moves. If you drive really smooth (good advice anytime with this car) and are cautious certainly it can be done but don't over estimate you ability or the car's capability or it can bite you.

 

SO-2

That is:

Summer Only to you!

What part of Summer Only don't you understand?

 

Anytemp under 60 will reduce the performance of the stock summer only tires. You need a winter tire if you're going to drive in cold weather.