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Heat Cycling Semi-slicks


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So I'm reading about the heat-cycling stuff from tirerack.com (http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiretech/techpage.jsp?techid=66&), and I didn't spring for this option from tirerack.com.

I read this little description of it too: http://www.ehow.com/how_6595419_heat-cycle-tires.html

I don't really have the cash to dump on a track day just to run the tyres once, so would be considering just getting them warm on the street.

 

Does anyone have actual advice or experience with heat cycling? Especially as it pertains to an S30.

 

Oh, I'm talking specially about Hankook 275/40R17s if that makes any difference.

 

Thanks,

 

Dave

Edited by thehelix112
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Ideally, you bring the tire up to operating temp, let it cool and sit for 24 hrs before running it again. I've done it by finding an empty parking lot and running in circles, and also by accelerating and braking hard multiple times. Either way seems to work as good as the tirerack heat cycling, where they run it against a roller. None of these methods work as well as running it on track, then switching tires and letting the tires sit for a day, which of course is the most involved method.

 

However, in my experience the gains of heat cycling are pretty small. There is probably some benefit, but not worth the time, trouble, and expense for most people. Usually I just take it easy on a new set the first session I run them, bring them up to temp slowly, and make sure I don't overheat them in that first run. This seems to give 80-90% of the benefits without the trouble.

 

jt

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jt,

 

Thanks man, that makes sense. I reckon I'll give the empty parking lot a go, can't hurt :)

 

I was surprised to not find any other topic about this this given the number of people here who track their cars. Do proper slicks not need heat cycling? I can't imagine thats right given the little I understand about how it works, but you never know. Or is the general consensus inline with jt's opinion that its kinda unnecessary?

 

Many thanks,

 

Dave

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I tried once by driving up a canyon road. Turns out you have to go REALLY fast on a canyon road to put heat in the tires, so I would call my attempt at it unsuccessful. I would do what John suggested, but I'd ride the brake and gas at the same time. That way you don't have to risk getting arrested. Might use up some brakes, but that's not too big an expense.

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Jon,

 

Was that heat-cycling the A005s you used to run? I can see it being difficult to get slick-type heat on a canyon, but maybe it'd be doable for semi-slicks. I only say that coz I know where canyon roads are, and have NFI where an unused parking lot is. If anyone has favourites of theirs in LA somewhere that'd be great. :D (PM me I'd reckon).

 

I'm not sure I follow the link between brake on and not being arrested though?

 

Thanks for the input,

 

Dave

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