When it comes to racing, your tires are one of the most important aspects of your car. They can make or break your performance on the track, so it's important to choose the right ones for your car and driving style. In this article, we'll take a look at how to choose racing tires for your car.

What wheel size is best for racing?

The sweet spot for most of our muscle cars and track cars is 17- or 18-inch wheels. This isn't just my opinion, but that of many industry insiders. The 12- or 13-inch rotors usually chosen by the road racing crowd fit in these wheels just fine, and don't need the additional clearance given by a 19-inch or larger wheel.

How do I know which tires are right for me?

The first step in choosing the right tires for your car is to understand what differentiates tires from one another. Tire pressure, for example, is a key factor in tire performance. Too much pressure and the tires will be too hard, reducing grip and making the car difficult to handle. Too little pressure and the tires will be too soft, causing them to overheat and wear out quickly.

Do tires make a difference in racing?

Depending on whether you'll be driving on a twisty road-racing circuit or Decker Canyon, a set of sticky tires can be worth 50, 100, or even more horsepower. Slippery tires won't allow a car to translate its power advantage into cornering force and acceleration.

Do bigger tires make you go faster?

Do larger tires make your speedometer go faster? The answer is no. The accuracy of the speedometer and tire size are intimately related. Upgrading to a bigger tire, either by adding more rubber or increasing diameter, will result in a slower indicated speed than your actual speed.

Do smaller tires increase speed?

Yes, small wheels spin faster, but it doesn't matter. It's all about the rotational moment of inertia. The moment of inertia is simply how difficult it is to move an object. The heavier something is, the more difficult it is to move.

Are thicker tires better?

Both types have advantages and disadvantages: wider tires will provide greater traction than narrower ones on a dry road, but the danger of aquaplaning will be higher with wide tires. In the winter, narrow rims are preferable under severe conditions since they have greater surface pressure against the road.

How thick should my tires be?

New tires are generally available with tread depths of 10/32" or 11/32". Some truck, SUV, and winter tires may have tread depths deeper than other types. When tires reach 2/32", the US Department of Transportation advises that they be replaced; several jurisdictions require this to be the case.

Conclusion

Picking the right tires for your car and driving style is crucial to getting the most out of your performance on the track. Be sure to consult with experts or do your own research to find the perfect set of tires for your needs.