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Can you use "summer tires" in cold weather or are they just not recommended in snow?

I have an 04 BMW 325i. It came with the stock Continental touring tires. They're nothing special. It's about time for new tires anyway so I wanted to upgrade to a "summer tire" for handling purposes. Now I don't plan on driving in snow but can I use this tire when the weather gets down to single digits? Will these tires grip the cold pavement?

Public Comments

1. It should grip, but of course, be careful if there is ice on the roads. Check the tires when you buy, summer tires with M+S on it should be ok for your needs M+S means Mud and Snow......
2. John, Here's a very good site to compare your standard tires with about any brand and type you wish: tirerack.com. Open any particular tire that may intrest you and click on the word: Survey under the picture of the tire. You'll see a list of tests which the particular tire is subjected to. If you don't have much rain or a flake of snow where you live higher performance tires will work fine except for the rapid tire wear.
3. as long as the tread is good your tires will be good in any type of weather.
4. A summer touring tire, that doesn't bear the M&S mark designating it as an all-season, will perform poorly in cold weather, and if you have it on the road at the first hint of snow won't even make it up your driveway. Touring tires are for summer weather only. The tread compound is not flexible in cold weather. However, if you get an all-season tire, you won't have a problem. A good all-season (not the Wal-Mart special) will perform well for the type of handling you need.