Leading tire manufacturers including BFGoodrich, Kumho, Nitto and Yokohama offer
competition type tires that qualify as DOT legal for street use. Autocrossing,
race days, driving schools and other racing venues demand this category of tire
for maximum performance. However, like any high performance part, these tires
require careful break-in to achieve the full benefit of their construction.
A competition tire is built with a highly sophisticated tread compound. This
compound is capable of sustaining traction throughout a much wider temperature
range, but is also extremely sensitive to the first heat cycle of its use.
During this cycle, if controlled precisely, the tread compound stretches as it
heats, breaking the weaker, shorter molecular bonds within the rubber. The
benefit of this process is a tread compound that lasts longer and provides
better traction. However, if the first cycle is not performed correctly, the
tread may develop irregular compounding, leading to poor wear and inconsistent
traction.
In the past, many racers tried to “heat cycle” their own tires with mixed
results. In addition to the inconsistency, there was the inconvenience of
mounting and dismounting the tires before using them to race (after the first
heat cycle, a competition tire must be rested 24 to 48 hours to reform the
molecular bonds). In response to customer requests, Discount Tire Direct now
offers heat cycling service.
The Discount Tire heat cycling system ensures consistent results by maintaining
key conditions during the process: vertical scrubbing and “soft” temperature
curve. Using rollers of proprietary design and placement, the system generates
uniform heating and temperature build up throughout the tread by rolling the
tire and exerting vertical scrubbing force only. This condition is not
achievable while the tires are on a vehicle due to
camber.
No lateral force is applied. A soft temperature curve,
where the tire is gradually heated and then cooled over a specified time
(ambient temperature must be consistent as well), is maintained and monitored
during the cycle. In this way the entire tread is heat cycled uniformly
throughout its depth and width.
At completion, the tire receives a Discount Tire Heat Cycle stamp. This service
costs $15 per tire. All competition tire manufacturers recommend heat cycling
service. In the time it takes to freight the tires, they have “rested” long
enough to be race ready.
