Understanding Heat Cycling

A competition tire is built with a highly sophisticated tread compound, capable of sustaining traction throughout a much wider temperature range, but also extremely sensitive to the first heat cycle of its use. 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. Besides the inconsistency, there was the invenienceof 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). The Discount Tire heat cycling system uses rollers of proprietary design and placement.

The system generates uniform heating and temperature build up throughout the tread (a condition not achievable on a vehicle due to camber). A soft temperature curve, where the tire is gradually heated and then cooled over a specified time (ambient temperature must be consisten as well), is maintained and monitored during the cycle.

In this way the entire tread is heat cycled uniformly throughout its depth and width. In the time it takes to freight the tires, they have "rested" long enough to be race ready.