Minimum street tire tread for track

FogCityM3 · 02-09-2013, 01:03 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, 02:01 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, 04:54 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, 07:43 AM

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

Mike Benvo · 02-09-2013, 07:48 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, 10:25 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, 11:43 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, 06:19 PM

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

jphughan · 02-10-2013, 10:15 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, 02:37 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, 04:46 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, 01:03 AM	#1
FogCityM3 Lieutenant Drives: M3 (E90) Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: San Francisco Posts: 487 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, 02:01 AM	#2
roastbeef First Lieutenant Drives: e46 325 Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: orange county, ca Posts: 327 iTrader: (0)	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. __________________

02-09-2013, 04:54 AM	#3
smmmurf Lieutenant Colonel Drives: 2009 M3 Sedan 6MT Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Pleasanton, CA Posts: 1,978 iTrader: (7)	4/32 even wear is plenty for a two day weekend event in the dry Wet will be compromised a bit __________________ M3 Sedan LCI - AW/Black - 6MT - no moonroof - no folding seats - RAC RG63 - clear bra by Omega Werks SFR SCCA Spec Miata Champion & driving coach (NASA, NCRC, PTech, private)

02-09-2013, 07:43 AM	#4
surlynkid Lieutenant Drives: 2013 E92 M3 Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: League City, TX Posts: 554 iTrader: (1)	4/32 is plenty. Don't Hoosier S6 start at 4/32? You'll be fine. __________________ Stoptech 380mm/355mm \| Pagid RS-29 \| Akrapovic EVO - CF tips \| Benvo Tune \| MS UDP \| AA air filter \| Apex EC-7 18x10 square 275/35-18 \| 90mm Turner Studs \| GT4 Brake Cooling \| GT4 Power Steering Cooling \| Performance Steering Wheel \| CF Mirror Caps \| CF Spoiler \| Varis System 1 Full CF Diffuser \| Extended Paddle Shifters \| Schroth Quick Fit \| Vorshlag Camber Plates \| AiM Solo DL

02-09-2013, 11:43 AM	#7
llis snarkarina Drives: M3s Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Colorado Posts: 1,017 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2013 BMW M3 [5.00] 1998 BMW M3 (GTS-2) [0.00] 2002 530i [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! __________________ 2013 E92 ///M3 ZCP 6MT » 1998 E36 ///M3 [GTS-2] Toot Sweet Racing

02-09-2013, 06:19 PM	#8
05Mdriver Major Drives: 414hp Sedan Join Date: May 2010 Location: pa Posts: 1,204 iTrader: (39) Garage List 2008 BMW M3 [5.00] 2005 BMW M3 [5.00]	I went to the njmp track with 3/32... ran 3, 20 minute sessions with no issues ! __________________

02-11-2013, 02:37 PM	#10
ben@tirerack M3Post Supporting Vendor Drives: 740i Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: South Bend, IN Posts: 728 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. __________________ _______________________________________________ To credit the forum, click through one of the banners in my signature and the top of the page, or call me direct at 877.522.8473 ext 660. Email:ben@tirerack.com

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