There are quite a few differences between racing wheels and conventional street tires. For instance, racing tires are softer, have a shorter lifespan, and often lack the robust tread found on street tires. This design is integral for optimum performance and reaching high rates of speed.
Choosing the right type of tire is crucial for both safety and performance. And with the wide variety available, selecting the right type for your needs can seem daunting. Here are a few facts to consider when buying components for a high-performance vehicle.
Tread Pattern
Tread patterns vary according to the type of racing you’re doing. Circuit racing is the most common, and it involves numerous vehicles traveling wheel to wheel on a racetrack.
There’s also rally racing, which requires certain types of Jeep parts to ensure top performance. Unlike circuit racing, rally racing takes place on a closed road course. It can involve all types of conditions, from snow to dirt to sand to gravel.
Wet vs. Dry Weather
When it comes to circuit racing, drivers must select either wet or dry weather tires. Wet weather types have deep treads to ensure the tires can properly grip slick roads. The deep grooves in the rubber help dispel water away from the tires for optimum traction.
Dry weather tires are completely smooth and are only suitable in good conditions as a result. However, these tires offer excellent grip in dry conditions. They can also withstand the very high temperatures common when racing.
Types of Racing Tires
Dry and wet weather tires are both types of circuit racing tires, as are multipurpose tires. On the other hand, gravel and tarmac tires are suitable for rally racing. Here are a few of the differences to consider:
Gravel Tires
Gravel tires are ideal for driving over loose surfaces, such as gravel. However, the unique tread pattern can maintain its grip when driving over mud and dirt. In the same respect, gravel tires have reinforcements to withstand punctures, which could occur if a sharp piece of gravel or rock comes in contact with the sidewall.
Tarmac Tires
Tarmac is a road material composed of tar and crushed rock. While not as harsh as gravel, tarmac still requires the proper tires to navigate successfully. Tarmac tires don’t have the same aggressive tread as gravel tires, but they do have grooves in the rubber that make them suitable for wet and dry conditions. They can also deal with a minor amount of dirt and gravel on tarmac roads.
Multipurpose Tires
Multipurpose tires combine the benefits of dry and wet weather surface racing tires. They’re not equipped for fully wet conditions, but they can handle some moisture on the road. However, because they also feature a slick surface, they can handle the hot, dry surfaces that are standard with circuit racing. Multipurpose tires are also recommended for races without pit stops, as they can hold up longer than tires designed exclusively for dry conditions.
Whether you’re in the market for new racing tires, a fuel injection kit, or some other vehicle component, having the right information is key to making a good selection. That way, you can rest assured that your vehicle will be able to perform with the best no matter the road conditions.