Run-in new tyres before track day?

[neil1003]

Getting new front tyres tomorrow, but would quite like to do a track day next Sunday - I'll probably have about 300 miles on the new tyres then.

Do you reckon that's too soon to be doing a track day on those tyres, and they need to be ran-in a bit more first?

Thanks.

[GreenV8S]

Tyres with more tread tend to generate more heat when worked hard so you will need to be keep a carefull eye on the temperatures. If they overheat you can lose tread very quickly and they won't grip well either.

At the very least, make sure your new tyres have been through a couple of heat cycles to complete the curing process. After this they will grip better and generate less heat.

[Pies]

Heat cycles=#I assume this is heat up cool down twice

But how hot and how cold do you take the heat to,and how do you tell the temps,short of carrying a thermometer around

cheers

[j14nsx]

In the States, tyre dealers such as Tirerack, can heat cycle the tyres before you get them. Why don't we get this kind of service in the UK?

[joust]

Pies said:

Heat cycles=#I assume this is heat up cool down twice But how hot and how cold do you take the heat to,and how do you tell the temps,short of carrying a thermometer around cheers

I carry one of these around
www.maplin.co.uk/products/module.asp?CartID=040229112541995&moduleno=36598

A good trackday thrash will get them up to around 45 degrees C...

J

[GreenV8S]

Pies said:

Heat cycles=#I assume this is heat up cool down twice But how hot and how cold do you take the heat to,and how do you tell the temps,short of carrying a thermometer around cheers

You need to get the tyres up to about 50 deg C, which is hot to the touch but not burning, and then let them cool down naturally over several hours. The first time you do this has the most effect, and each time you repeat it cures the tyre a little bit more. Once or twice is enough though. It isn't easy to do in cold weather, and above all you need to make sure you drive appropriately for the conditions and don't involve anybody else. But assuming you pick a safe place and time to do it, what you do is drive the car moderately hard for twenty minutes or so using firm acceleration, cornering and braking. Not enough to slide or squeal the tyres but close to that point. The warmer and grippier the road the easier it is to get the tyres up to temperature and this time of year I think you will struggle. But find a good dry road and it is possible.

[Incorrigible]

Brand new tyres on a track day