how long do slicks last

[Pvt Parts]

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

[Alan Roehrich]

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.

[RacingRicki]

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.

[ss wannabee]

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?

[Kegracing]

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!

[RacingRicki]

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.

[Glenn Hayes]

Originally Posted by ss wannabee

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?

Pro Blend "Hot Lap" tire conditioner. I know that they make undetechable traction compounds that can be applied to the inside of the tire .....