Tyre Temperature & Performance

The optimal range for tires is around 75 to 80 degrees Celsius. If you’re within this range, you’ll have the best possible grip and responsiveness. However, if your tires are too cold or too hot, you’ll struggle to get the most out of your car. I use Coach Dave Delta to monitor my tyre temperatures, but there are free options like EzioDash on iOS and Sim Racing Dashboard on Android.

The difference in lap times can be quite significant if your tires are too cold or too warm. You simply won’t be able to get the most out of your tires or your car in non-optimal racing conditions. That’s why you’ll see me restarting my session every once in a while, to ensure I have the optimal tire temperature. Sometimes, the difference can be as much as half a second per lap.

Unfortunately, it’s not possible to see race track temperature in the qualifying, only in the race. So, you need to jump into the race, see if the weather changes and then try to adjust your Time Trial laps, or you can just use tire overlay and see if the tires are getting too hot, or too cold.

Tyre Managment In Races

In racing, tire management is just as crucial as raw lap time. Sharp, sudden steering inputs can put excessive strain on your tires, leading to overheating and quicker wear. To keep your tires performing at their best, especially in warmer conditions, focus on smooth, controlled steering. On the flip side, in cooler conditions, you may need to drive more aggressively to bring your tires up to temperature. Adjusting your driving style to suit the track temperature can make a big difference over a race stint.

Dirty Tyres and How To Handle Them

Your tires only get dirty if all four wheels leave the track. When that happens, you’ll experience a temporary loss of grip and need to adjust your driving accordingly. Even if you don’t go fully off, running wide into dusty areas or marbles can still reduce grip for a few corners. In the past, dirty tires would affect your performance for two to three corners, but thanks to the latest update, they now clean up after just one. That said, the first braking zone after going off still demands extra caution.

So what should you do if your tires get dirty? First, brake a little earlier than usual to account for the reduced grip. Second, be smooth and gentle with your throttle input, going too hard too soon can cause a spin or make you overshoot your braking point.

The main takeaway is that proper tire temperature management and handling dirty tires effectively can significantly impact your lap times and race consistency. Your tire condition reflects your driving style, so staying aware of how you drive is crucial. By refining your technique, you'll not only preserve tire performance but also maintain optimal heat levels throughout your stint.

Tyres - Temperature and Dirty Tyres

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