When are tyres overworn?

[Tiff]

The wear on my CR500's is approaching the end of their legal road life - but how much longer can I use them on the track for? and still get the same grip?

I'm specifically talking CR500's here, I know there are a million views on other tyres out there.

[Sheds Moderator]

In the dry I'd imagine till they are visually bald. OTOH if you run down to 0.2mm and there's a shower, you'd better be thinking about stopping soon.

[caterhamnut]

I stand to be corrected here, but I think it is also down to the thickness of rubber left rather (or as well as) the amount of contact area/tread/slick etc. The more the tires wear down, the less rubber in the construction etc, means that the tires overheat much more quickly and that sees a big drop in performance.

 

I guess this is partly why race teams get rid of tires after only a little use - still loads of life left for playing, but past it for racing - also due to heat cycles etc.

 

However, keeping tires that are no longer road legal for track days makes sound financial sense - we have got a second set of very tatty alloys which we rotate our used road tires onto to use on track - this is particularly good practice for airfield days, slalom events etc, where the tire wear might be higher due to the rough surfaces. I take the attitude that out and out pace/grip is not a priority in these events, rather learning about the car/handling etc - in these cases less than optimum tires make it more fun.

However, for things like the Seven Mania weekend at Spa that I did, I want the best tires I can get (afford!) in the best condition!!

 

'My First Race - SPA' pictures

here

60,000miles in 3years

 

Edited by - angus&tessa on 23 Jun 2004 10:51:53

[Wahey]

Fully agree with Angus.

 

I have three sets of wheels, one road tyres, one good condition track tyres for setting good times or in the wet and one set for learning car control.

 

The last set stays on until the canvas is through. They do 'go off' quickly though so only any good for sliding.

 

Rich