Colder morning temperatures + summer tires = no joke!

[VT_BMW_M4]

I'm pretty new to BMW and the M. I got my M4 at the beginning of June and while I owned a 1991 Acura NSX years ago this is, by far, the highest level performance car I've ever owned.

So, here in Baltimore it is pretty hot most of the summer. Well this morning I pulled out of my neighborhood as usual, but it was a bit cooler than it has been. I didn't think anything of it, as it was still in the high 60s. Regardless the thought didn't' cross my mind that I was on cooler tires.

I proceed to pull out onto Route 1 which is normally busy, and I get on it as usual, the back end will usually kick out a little and the stability control will bring it back in, and manage to do a complete 180 across 2 lanes of traffic into the entrance lane of my neighborhood . Luckily when I turned there was a gap in oncoming traffic. Traffic did have to slow down to avoid me but there was plenty of room thankfully. Plus, I completed the full 180 and didn't hit the curb. I wish I could claim any of it was skill and not compete luck!

Just thought I would share as it is funny/terrifying at the same time, and reading threads here, you guys were not kidding about these tires needing to be warm for grip. It also cemented my thoughts of needing all season tires this fall/winter. My wife has a X3 M40i. I will just ride with her if we get snow, or work from home.

I was also in MDM stability mode for anyone wondering. It took me a minute to realize it was the tires plus lack of skill.

[Jockey]

Up until moving to Utah, I've driven summer tires on my M3 year round (was living in Virginia). It's all about being gentle with the throttle. And yes, temps in the 40s with moisture on the roads. You just have to realize the car does not have the same capabilities with those surface temps but it's still fine to drive.

Unfortunately, it's only a few more weeks for me here before the winter tires have to go on.

[G35POPPEDMYCHERRY]

idk; I get a lot of grip even in 18 degrees F if I just drive conservatively. Then again this is just putting around town. merging or quick accleration will lead to tire spin

[JamesGames]

You just need to chill on the driving / accelerator man. 60F temp gives no reason for your car to be doing all that, especially with MDM on. Be safe out there

[farg]

When the bell goes off at 37 degrees it's telling you the tires have turned into hockey pucks

[phoenx]

Originally Posted by farg

When the bell goes off at 37 degrees it's telling you the tires have turned into hockey pucks

Yea man this happened to me during euro delivery in the alps and it was sketchy as heck.

[VT_BMW_M4]

I'll chalk it up to a f-up and learning experience. I probably did put a little more throttle than I normally do trying to get in front of an oncoming car, but it certainly shocked the S*#t out of me when it let loose.

I just thought I would put it out here because I've really only driven with pretty hot summer temperatures, and I can only imagine these tires in sub 40F weather. I do love this car though.

[hellokitty]

Yup, if it’s under 70 degrees outside, let the tire warm up before doing some pulls.

[MNhv]

You def f'ed up LOL. There's no reason for the car to do that at 60 degrees. I've driven in 45 degree weather without any issues with PSS. You gotta lighten up the lead foot!

[CachacoF80]

I guess I'm a very conservative driver from reading posts like these. Full spin in 60F? One has to try hard and floor it, no?

[danchee]

61F and wet here tonight. No cars getting on the on ramp at 1am so stepped on it much harder than usual, and no spin even in Sport+ mode, turning into the down slope on ramp. Traction control didn't even blip.

Either the road had oil on it or your tires are past useful life (it could have lots of tread but have been sitting in the hot sun for extended period of time damaging the rubber).

[themightyshrek]

Currently running Cup2s.
If it is wet OR cold, I can still drive ok, just have to pay attention and don't use sudden moves or gas.

If it's wet AND cold (40°F or less)...well, it's like driving on ice with summer tires. Especially when leaving from a stop.
Also, it if the tires are cold and outside is cold too (40°C or less), I get a little spin before leaving from a stop. But you can control that with how much gas you feed in, etc.

Due to some unexpected circumstances (had to take a different route and it snowed unexpectedly in April), drove with my Cup2 in the snow. No biggie, just I wouldn't do it if I had the choice.

[Kilabyte]

Look at the bright side, you didn't hurt anyone, yourself or the car, that's the best lesson.

I guess I won't trust MDM as much as I did to this point.