How to Select Performance Racing Tires

If you select the right performance tires for racing, you will immediately notice a huge difference in the traction of your car and its handling. Performance tires are specially made for racing conditions and are a must-have for any automotive racing. To select the right tires, however, you should evaluate the specifications of your car, the type of racing you plan to do and a number of other factors.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Check the rules for the type of racing you plan to do. If you will be competing in amateur or professional organized races, it's important that your car fit the regulations for that race. Many racing organizations specifically exclude certain types of performance tires in their eligibility requirements.

2. Determine how much money you have to spend. Performance racing tires cost significantly more than conventional tires, and they are available at a wide range of prices.

3. Check the specs of your car to determine what size tires you should buy. This information is usually found in your user's manual or on the vehicle information sheet in your glove compartment or driver's side door. Proper fit is important when you select new tires.

4. Choose performance tires based on the type of driving conditions you expect. People who live in a cold climate and don't want to replace their tires when the seasons change should consider all-season performance tires. These tires will not handle as well as conventional tires or snow tires in inclement weather, but they will be more useful than summer performance tires.

5. Shop for tires made for the type of racing you do. Some tires are specifically designed for drag racing, and others are designed for road racing. You can shop online with such retailers as Harlow Racing Tires & Wheels and Frisby Performance Tire (see Resources below).

Tips & Warnings

• If you are using your car only for racing, summer performance tires are often the best choice because they are the "stickiest," meaning they have the most traction. These tires are not great for everyday use year-round, however, because they are useless in inclement weather.
• Talk to an expert in performance racing tires to find the best tires for your particular car and driving style. The size, tread and tire compound of racing tires vary between tires and manufacturers to produce optimal handling in different situations.
• Be prepared to replace performance tires often with regular use. Because performance tires are so "sticky," they also wear significantly faster than conventional tires.

Resources

• Racing tires at Harlow Racing Tires & Wheels
• Racing tires at Frisby Performance Tire