Well on most standard economy tires everyone knows the trick with using a penny to measure tread depth or just by using a tread depth gauge. However slicks obviously don't have tread, so how do you measure when they should be replaced or are overly worn. The same idea goes for some r comp tires where they have very little tread. I have read about people even shaving them. In these cases how do you check this ?

 

there are still wear markers..... even though most slicks are done for before the wear markers get all the way worn.

 

The wear markers are little holes across the tire. When they are smooth to the point where the holes are almost gone, then you know its fry time.

 

Your going to get a couple of different answers to this question. Some on here say there only good for 12-16 passes. May be I'm to cheap but I can't believe that.

I know your going to hear that not all classes of cars running slicks can run them till the wear spots are gone.

On rota's car yea I know it only made around 600WHP with a wheelie bar, got his best 60ft with over 30 passes them.

I believe Eggums ran the same set of slicks most of the season.

We rotated the slicks on rota's car every few passes.

I'm sure John from M&H will chime in here soon.


If the 12-16 passes is true, unless your one of the top 3-4 cars running for a national championship, what does it matter?

Don't over think this...

 

Slicks can last for a couple seasons in many cases. Some racers are VERY picky on their 60fts and the slightest change in their 60ft and times, they are changing tires.
There's racers who are consistently in the high 1.5s to low 1.6s and when their 60fts change by .05 to .1, thats a big deal to them. Theyre changing tires already.

BUT for the average racer, who isnt in competition. Who are getting 1.6 to 1.8 60 fts and dont mind the .1-.2 variation in each run, the slicks will last for a long time with that type of performance.

Just like regular tires, once certain areas are VERY worn like on the edge before the sidewalls, its good to assume that the rubber is thining out and you've already worn out a good amount of rubber. Most FWD setups whether you're making 120hp to 900hp, should get at least a 1.7-1.8 60ft. If your 60fts are getting inconsistent and slower, thats when you need to get new slicks.

 

Thank You Wil.

John

 

good explaination

 

i was also wondering about that. good advice

 

i usually replace mine when i can afford new ones, not when they need to be replaced.

 

what about safety wise. What do the wear markers look like ?

 

Wear markers are a small hole/indentation along the contact patch of the slick.

 

About 15 hits on my MH's and they look great Hope for about 100 more hits on em, yeah im cheap.