how long do slicks last
 

our car has been very inconsistent lately. ive been told even though the tires show a lot of tread left with age the compound goes out of the tire.they are over 3 years old but they dont have but about 65 runs on them 31x13.5 hoosier stiff sidewalls. any ideas?
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Re: how long do slicks last
 

Do they still pick up rocks when on gravel road (pits)?

When the rocks stop sticking, you're losing your compound. We've ran with 3 year old tires in the past. As long as they still produce a lot of smoke in the box and pick up rocks, you might be okay. If not, it's time for a change.

Re: how long do slicks last
 

Ted, over time, because of the heat cycles, yes tires can go away even with the few runs that you have on them. If they are three years old, the tire would not be the same as it was new.
Chuck

Re: how long do slicks last
 

mike we race at bristol and they are very few rocks to be picked up.but our driver does do a long burnout so i think maybe that might have something to do with it. we have lost 3 to 4 hundredths in just 60 ft time alone. weve checked everthing on the rear and front suspension and everything looks good. im going to order two new slicks and we will see what happens. thanks ted

Re: how long do slicks last
 

I put new rubber on the car at every National Event race. If you wanna go fast consistently, that's what you do.

Re: how long do slicks last
 

Over that period of time, the compound will have "gone away". You can try soaking them like the circle track racers do, and then do a really big burnout. Or you can go buy a new set of slicks, and make things much easier on the car, the engine, and the driver. As well as the person dialing the car.

Re: how long do slicks last
 

I replace my slicks every year regardless of how many runs they have. In the past I have replaced them mid year if I see my car getting unpredictable.

Re: how long do slicks last
 

They still sell that treatment that would "nenew" old slicks? I think it was called "Formula-????" can't quite remember? I know NOTHING beats FRESH rubber...but wonder if that stuff ever worked...in terms of seeing results on the time slip?

Re: how long do slicks last
 

I spent years in the tire industry, in plants building tires for Goodyear. Rubber compounds work the same for street tires as race tires, just much different compounds to start with.

First, yes the tires age and die, even without being ran. Every time you heat them and cool them(make a pass), they cycle and age. Longer they sit, the more oils that come out of the compound naturally. Stored in a cool dry garage, with no sunlight, they will age much longer than in a hot trailer, or worst, in sunlight.

Example, the roundy round group will scuff the tires, then put them back on later, if they find the "stickers" are not the perfect answer. As this hardens them a little, they change the wear cycle.

Second, the compounds to "refresh" a tire can work, but they are a short term fix. Might help get you thru a race weekend, but after they are used on the compound and then cool and dry out, they are worse than they were before a race.

good luck, and as others have said, nothing beats new rubber!

Re: how long do slicks last
 

I tried a product called track bite once. You are suppose to roll it on and wrap the slick with saran wrap and let it sit for a while and soak in. It didn't really work that great for all the trouble I went through.

I now laugh at myself for trying everything to avoid buying new tires because I now know that fresh tires make a huge difference in how my car performs. If I have to skimp on something it isn't tires.