In NJ we are still seeing 70', but it is hitting low 40's at night. When should I put on my winter tires, I don't want them shredding, but I can start on some days to feel the "summer" tires are not sticking...

 

When it snows.

 

Correct, as long as there's no snow / ice on the roads. It could be zero degrees with dry roads and your summer tires would work just fine.

 

Summer tires do not perform as well as winter tires at 50 degrees F or lower

 

Ditto that.........35 degrees and wet on 'Z' rubber starts to get interesting
Understand.....it's not only that you not only need a more open tread (and narrower tire IMHO) but just as important is Z rubber has reduced grip in the cold (and definately in the cold & wet).

 

its like driving on hockey pucks

 

When it's consistently below 45F you should put them on. The summer tires are crap on cold pavement!

And for anybody that's tried it, I found it interesting how much the winter tires will squeal on warm pavement! I found this out, don't ask my why I was doing it, but holy cow I couldn't even make a 10MPH corner without them squealing like all hell!

 

Corey - these guys pretty much summed it up. Below 35, time for the snows. More can be read at:

http://www.tirerack.com/winter/tech/faqs.html

 

Thanks, everyone...especially TireRack for the tires themselves(best price around)

I guess since we are having 70' days, I'll wait a few weeks. I longged for my old boxster yesterday it was so nice out...

 

Sorry for the bum advice... I had always taken my cars out of winter storage for a spin on a nice sunny winter day, both in NE and Minnesota. I be more careful in doing so in the future, thanks!