HEAT CYCLING COMPETITION TIRES
Typically, racing and competition tires need "breaking in" to optimize their performance. This can be done using heat cycling, a process where competition tires are heated and then cooled repeatedly to create a stronger compound bond. This yields better traction and more responsive handling.
You could break in your tires at the track but this means wasted sessions (and money) and excessive tire tread wear before the rubber compound has stabilized. Heat cycling machines generate the heat needed to break in a race tire without the physical stresses and wear applied to it on the track. Additionally, preemptively heat cycling allows the proper 24-48 hour cool down period before you even head to the track once.
TIRE SHAVING COMPETITION TIRES
Another method to maximize the performance of your track and competition tires is called "tire shaving". This process shaves off the outermost layer of the tread area, accessing the tire’s best performance characteristics without having to wear them to that point.
Shaving tires reduces tread squirm which improves steering response and heat build-up, lowering the risk of tread blistering. Tread blistering occurs when too much heat causes the tread to bubble up and tear away, prematurely ending the life of a tire.
Shaving track and competition tires is largely unnecessary as most DOT-approved models are engineered with minimal tread depth. Tire shaving is most beneficial for ultra-high performance and summer tires that are not designed exclusively for track use and usually have a deeper tread, around 10/32". When shaved, they are usually reduced to between 6/32-4/32".
Unlike heat cycling, shaving tires is intended solely to maximize performance, not the longevity, of the tire as the tread is removed before use.
America's Tire does not offer tire shaving. We do not endorse it as it may void the warranty and coverage of your Certificates purchased with your tires.
AIR PRESSURE FOR COMPETITION TIRES
Air pressure is a key factor in tire performance, especially for track days. The air pressure in your tires changes the shape of the contact patch which directly impacts handling and performance.
Unfortunately, there is no one air pressure reading that guarantees the best performance for every vehicle and its tires. You must experiment with your tire’s air pressure to find the optimal level. Start by adjusting up or down by 2 psi and run timed test laps to see what seems to work best. Remember to check your air pressure after every session at the track as heat generated while racing will cause pressure to increase dramatically compared to at rest.
Note: while it may seem tempting to increase your contact patch (and therefore traction) by underinflating your tires, running underinflated for long periods can cause excessive heat buildup, which could result in tire damage and possibly even tire failure. At the opposite end of the spectrum, overinflated tires have a much smaller contact patch, providing less traction.
If you adjust your air pressure for the track, remember to adjust your tires back to their recommended settings before returning to non-track or competition surfaces like roads and highways.
INSPECTING YOUR COMPETITION TIRES
The key to the safe operation and usage of any tire is a safety inspection! This is especially true of competition and track tires because they are operated at the highest levels of performance.
Before using your tires, make sure your equipment meets your series requirements. Most competition tracks, circuits and series have bylaws in place to regulate the minimum safety requirements of tires, wheels and valve stems.
Also, check your track tire’s tread depth. Since they come with a more shallow tread depth than passenger tires, it’s important to keep an eye on them to make sure you don’t have balding tires. We recommend using a tread depth gauge if possible. The “penny test” that is popular for competition tires is not completely accurate and accuracy is important, particularly at the competition level.
During your tread inspection, check for cuts or punctures that could lead to air loss or tire failure. It’s also important to check for visible tread splices which are caused by extreme forces of acceleration and braking and should be addressed immediately. Driving a tire with visible tread splices can lead to tire failure. If it becomes open or torn, the tire should be removed from service and replaced immediately.
America's Tire offers a wide range of tire and wheel services. If we can’t help you repair your flat or damaged tire, we can offer you a huge selection of tires at affordable prices.
STORING COMPETITION TIRES
An overlooked aspect of maintaining racing tires is proper storage during the off-season. If possible, tires should be removed from the vehicle, aired down completely, and stored on their sides in a cool, dry environment. Seal them away from the elements in a black plastic bag. Ideally, competition tires should be stored in a climate-controlled environment, with temperatures between 40-90 degrees Fahrenheit.
Have more questions about your track or competition tires? We go into further detail on our blog about prepping your tires for track day. Or, feel free to give us a call or stop by your neighborhood America's Tire. Make an appointment online to save time in the store!