Minimum street tire tread for track

FogCityM3 · 02-09-2013, 12:03 AM

Might be a completely dumb question, but couldn't find any similar opinions so far..but how much tread is acceptable to run on a track with PSS's... I currently have 4/32nds left, but was wondering whether that was enough to survive a track day driving school (beginner group no passing/aggressive driving). Thx in advance

roastbeef · 02-09-2013, 01:01 AM

someone with more experience than me will speak up, but i would say that you definitely need more tread than 4/32nds. the measurement is generally towards the center of the tire, and during aggressive track driving, your tires are going to be punished more around the edges of the tires in the front and rears.
i'd venture to speculate that you'll be seeing belts around the inside edges of your tires if you spend a day at the track with that little tread left.

smmmurf · 02-09-2013, 03:54 AM

4/32 even wear is plenty for a two day weekend event in the dry

Wet will be compromised a bit

surlynkid · 02-09-2013, 06:43 AM

4/32 is plenty. Don't Hoosier S6 start at 4/32? You'll be fine.

BPMSport · 02-09-2013, 06:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smmmurf

4/32 even wear is plenty for a two day weekend event in the dry

Wet will be compromised a bit

+1

Just tracked mine with less than that but it was dry out.

Time for some 295's soon

FogCityM3 · 02-09-2013, 09:25 AM

Awesome...thx for the advice guys!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike Benvo

+1

Just tracked mine with less than that but it was dry out.

Time for some 295's soon

llis · 02-09-2013, 10:43 AM

Depends on the track, too. Some tracks are hard on tires, others are kinder. If you run on these, be sure to examine your tire shoulders after each run. If you start to see cord, you're done. If you are in doubt, consult with your driving instructor. They're there to help!

Have fun!

05Mdriver · 02-09-2013, 05:19 PM

I went to the njmp track with 3/32... ran 3, 20 minute sessions with no issues !

jphughan · 02-10-2013, 09:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by llis

Depends on the track, too. Some tracks are hard on tires, others are kinder. If you run on these, be sure to examine your tire shoulders after each run. If you start to see cord, you're done. If you are in doubt, consult with your driving instructor. They're there to help!

Have fun!

This. Definitely keep an eye on your tire tread, in addition to your tire pressure and retorquing your wheels if possible between sessions. If you're in a novice session that doesn't even allow passing you'll probably be fine, but can't hurt to make sure. Enjoy!

P.S. Usually cars that go on track are required to pass a tech inspection beforehand, and that form should specify that organizer/track's requirements for things like remaining brake pad material and tire tread. Doesn't yours?

**ben@tirerack** · 02-11-2013, 01:37 PM

Shallow tread is better in some ways for track. The shorter tread blocks will squirm less, so there will be less chance of getting nasty irregular wear.

As noted above, make sure to read the rules on what is required for tech inspection, and if you're running with shallow tread in the wet, watch out.

Also, as a general rule, follow the old adage of slow in/fast out. The most common way to murder street tires on the track is to go bombing into corners too fast and tear up the outside front tire.

Bonus is that the tires are nearing the end of their useful street life, so there's minimal loss if you do happen to cord them.

FogCityM3 · 02-11-2013, 03:46 PM

Great advice! appreciate it

Quote:

Originally Posted by ben@tirerack

Shallow tread is better in some ways for track. The shorter tread blocks will squirm less, so there will be less chance of getting nasty irregular wear.

As noted above, make sure to read the rules on what is required for tech inspection, and if you're running with shallow tread in the wet, watch out.

Also, as a general rule, follow the old adage of slow in/fast out. The most common way to murder street tires on the track is to go bombing into corners too fast and tear up the outside front tire.

Bonus is that the tires are nearing the end of their useful street life, so there's minimal loss if you do happen to cord them.

02-09-2013, 12:03 AM	#1
FogCityM3 Colonel 499 Rep 2,400 Posts Drives: M3 (E90) & Porsche GT3 RS Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: San Francisco iTrader: (0)	Minimum street tire tread for track Might be a completely dumb question, but couldn't find any similar opinions so far..but how much tread is acceptable to run on a track with PSS's... I currently have 4/32nds left, but was wondering whether that was enough to survive a track day driving school (beginner group no passing/aggressive driving). Thx in advance
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02-09-2013, 01:01 AM	#2
roastbeef Lieutenant General 11583 Rep 12,723 Posts Drives: E92 M3 Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Orange County, CA iTrader: (4)	someone with more experience than me will speak up, but i would say that you definitely need more tread than 4/32nds. the measurement is generally towards the center of the tire, and during aggressive track driving, your tires are going to be punished more around the edges of the tires in the front and rears. i'd venture to speculate that you'll be seeing belts around the inside edges of your tires if you spend a day at the track with that little tread left. __________________ Instagram; @roastbeefmike
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02-09-2013, 03:54 AM	#3
smmmurf Colonel 309 Rep 2,189 Posts Drives: E92 M3 DCT 353k+ miles Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Half Moon Bay, CA iTrader: (7)	4/32 even wear is plenty for a two day weekend event in the dry Wet will be compromised a bit
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02-09-2013, 06:43 AM	#4
surlynkid Major 115 Rep 1,470 Posts Drives: 2013 E92 M3 Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: League City, TX iTrader: (1) Garage List 2010 Porsche GT3 [0.00] 1988 Toyota 4Runner [0.00] 1995 Toyota T-100 4x4 [0.00] 2013 BMW M3 [0.00]	4/32 is plenty. Don't Hoosier S6 start at 4/32? You'll be fine. __________________ Stoptech 380mm/355mm \| PFC08 / Pagid RS-29 \| Akrapovic EVO - CF tips \| Benvo Tune \| MS UDP \| AA air filter \| MCS 2-way with 700/1000lb springs \| Solid bushings and adjustable links \| RD front swaybar \| Apex EC-7 18x10 square 275/35-18 NT01 \| Turner Race Studs \| GT4 Brake Cooling \| GT4 Power Steering Cooling \| Alekshop Oil Cooler \| Performance Steering Wheel \| \| CF Spoiler \| Varis System 1 Full CF Diffuser \| Extended Paddle Shifters \| Schroth Quick Fit Pro \| Turner Steering Rack Stops \| Vorshlag Camber Plates
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02-09-2013, 10:43 AM	#7
llis octane chick 79 Rep 1,187 Posts Drives: ex-M Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Colorado iTrader: (1) Garage List 2013 BMW M3 ZCP [10.00] 2003 BMW M5 [0.00]	Depends on the track, too. Some tracks are hard on tires, others are kinder. If you run on these, be sure to examine your tire shoulders after each run. If you start to see cord, you're done. If you are in doubt, consult with your driving instructor. They're there to help! Have fun!
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02-09-2013, 05:19 PM	#8
05Mdriver Colonel 349 Rep 2,348 Posts Drives: TT Flat Six Join Date: May 2010 Location: pa iTrader: (99) Garage List 2007 Porsche Turbo [10.00] 2008 BMW M3 [10.00] 2005 BMW M3 [10.00]	I went to the njmp track with 3/32... ran 3, 20 minute sessions with no issues ! __________________
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02-11-2013, 01:37 PM	#10
ben@tirerack M3Post Supporting Vendor 87 Rep 964 Posts Drives: 740i Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: South Bend, IN iTrader: (0)	Shallow tread is better in some ways for track. The shorter tread blocks will squirm less, so there will be less chance of getting nasty irregular wear. As noted above, make sure to read the rules on what is required for tech inspection, and if you're running with shallow tread in the wet, watch out. Also, as a general rule, follow the old adage of slow in/fast out. The most common way to murder street tires on the track is to go bombing into corners too fast and tear up the outside front tire. Bonus is that the tires are nearing the end of their useful street life, so there's minimal loss if you do happen to cord them. __________________ _______________________________________________ I have accepted a new position at Tire Rack and am no longer in the sales department. gary@tirerack.com is available to assist with M3 questions.
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