Tire Temperature Gauge - How much faith?

[mcurtis137]

I have a 2026 CT5 BW with the Cup 2 tires. Recently in the Bay Area we have been experiencing unusually cold but dry weather, meaning that during my 30 mile freeway commute I am seeing temperatures as low as 43 but closer to an average of 48.

I have noticed that after about 15 minutes on the freeway the tire temperature gauge will go from cool to normal (PSI from about 32 to 36.)

Would you interpret this as meaning the tires are fully functional at this point despite outside temps in the mid 40s?

I am a risk averse driver, so I am looking more for peace of mind than a greenlight to drive aggressively.

This is not my only car but obviously would like to drive it when conditions permit.

Thanks!

 

[coffee_time]

43° on cup 2s is.. not what I would do.

 

[1Evil55]

Just don't drive it like you stole it and you'll be fine. Adding snow/sleet/rain into the mix and I'd slow down a little more. Having grown up and learning to drive through snow is a life lesson similar to swimming. My youngest is learning to drive now, legally with a permit. After the recent snow we had I couldn't wait to get her out to a local parking lot where she originally had one of her first drives but this time to do donuts! Well sort of. It was a perfect opportunity to give her the experience and lesson without fear of injury to others.

 

[mfcentex]

It seems to always take 15-20 minutes to warm up my tires to Normal. I take it easy when it's Cool. In the summer, I consider Normal ready to go. Traction won't be as good with colder road temps.

 

[mcurtis137]

It seems to always take 15-20 minutes to warm up my tires to Normal. I take it easy when it's Cool. In the summer, I consider Normal ready to go. Traction won't be as good with colder road temps.

In your opinion, if the tire temperature gauge is showing as "normal" should this be treated the same regardless of outside temps? Like it doesn't matter if it's 45 degrees or 75 degrees? That's what I am trying to get at with how much weight I give the temperature gauge on its own vs. other factors.

 

[1Evil55]

Tire temp readings are only as good as outside surface temps. If it's 40F and your tires show normal temps, the ground is still near frozen and I'd drive like it.

 

[mcurtis137]

Tire temp readings are only as good as outside surface temps. If it's 40F and your tires show normal temps, the ground is still near frozen and I'd drive like it.

Makes sense, thank you

 

[wfdeacon88]

I was curious last week about this same thing... Some input from AI for what it's worth..

"Yes, the tires will gain SOME grip as they warm from driving… but the ambient temperature still heavily limits the maximum grip available.

Summer tires do not fully “come alive” in cold ambient temps — even when the tread warms up on the temperature gauge"

 

[rdollie]

I would interpret it as the tires are X degrees above ambient temperature which is independent of whether the tires are safe to use. As far as I've seen, there's no setting to tell the car you're driving an all season, r-compound, or a hybrid like the TPC spec Pilot Sport 4S tires. The TPC with as much r-compound as they haven't are dodgy in those temps and an actual Cup tire is a workout for the sphincter!

 

[Z51L9889]

I just recently moved back to my hometown in Ohio from Florida. I've only driven the car twice since then in cold temperatures, and the lack of grip is very noticeable with the OE PS4S tires. I had all-season tires installed today. As expected, the grip levels are a night and day difference.

The lack of grip in cold weather with summer tires is definitely an issue, but the bigger potential problem is damage to the tire itself. The rubber compound in summer tires essentially acts like a plastic in cold temperatures and loses most of its flexibility. Even a small pothole or slightly raised manhole cover that you drive over every day in the summer with no issue can cause significant damage to the carcass of a summer tire when the temperatures are below freezing. I have several friends that unfortunately learned this lesson the hard way.

 

[T.O.Blackwing]

Consider also that the critical temperature for grip isn’t the temperature inside the tire but it’s temp at the last millimeter where the rubber meets the road.

 

[FLYARMY]

I just put my 22-5BW away for the winter. Won't take her out till April. I only have 7500 miles on her and the tires looked like slicks from day one.

 

[BigShark]

Yeah I'd trust the gauge for tire warmup but like others said, cold pavement is still cold pavement regardless of what your tire temp shows.

 

[Argent86]

Consider also that the critical temperature for grip isn’t the temperature inside the tire but it’s temp at the last millimeter where the rubber meets the road.

good point. likely also sidewall temp. Summer only tires really puts us all-season cold rain weather drivers at caution. or seriously on jacks 1/4 the year. Parked in the garage until Spring.

 

[mfcentex]

I've been watching the ambient temperature over the last month. With "Normal" tire warmth, the tires have limited traction under 65 (outside temp). A few times I saw "Normal", the tires would get loose pretty easy in second gear (4BW 6MT). They seem to hook up well through second gear in the summer. I would be ready (or take it easy) when the temp is below 70.

Now, I'm starting to understand the All Season needs. I've got 9+ months of over 70. A lot of areas have less than 6.

 

[NorCal Blackwing]

I have a 2026 CT5 BW with the Cup 2 tires. Recently in the Bay Area we have been experiencing unusually cold but dry weather, meaning that during my 30 mile freeway commute I am seeing temperatures as low as 43 but closer to an average of 48.

I have noticed that after about 15 minutes on the freeway the tire temperature gauge will go from cool to normal (PSI from about 32 to 36.)

Would you interpret this as meaning the tires are fully functional at this point despite outside temps in the mid 40s?

I am a risk averse driver, so I am looking more for peace of mind than a greenlight to drive aggressively.

This is not my only car but obviously would like to drive it when conditions permit.

Thanks!

FWIW, I live in Napa Valley and the AM temperatures are often in the high 30s or low 40s. The car is drivable in those temps on PS4S. If you're using the car mostly for a commute and not for track you might want to consider 'trading down' to the PS4S for daily duty and keep the Cup2s for track days? I have not found these tires wanting for grip on back-roads when I want to 'get on it' in the spring, summer and fall.