RsxFlyBy

With it becoming even colder I would like to ask everyone how long it takes to properly warm up the tires to avoid losing traction?

I realize that this is sort of an open ended/ unanswerable questions because of the variables that are in play such are ambient temperature, type of tires and varying speed. Just under sort of normal conditions how long does it take for the tires to reach ideal operating temperature?

I remember in my first S2000 getting a little slide from the tail in the cold around a corner that I know I had taken before but I had just gotten into the car and probably a tad too anxious.

Also, I think that this may be something that most people don't even think about but it plays a huge factor in the amount of grip one has and thus the number of liberties you can take with traction. There is a reason they have a warmup lap in F1, right? Thanks all!

wineboy

As you mentioned, there are a lot of variables to consider. I'm on Dunlop Star Specs and live in northern California. I dont drive when it gets below 45F. But above that temp, I scrub the tires (weave back and forth) for about 30 seconds and that seems to get the tires closer to operating temperature quickly and then just drive normally.

INDYMAC

All season tires should warm up after 5-10 miles or so in cold temps (below 40F). The tire composition is designed to do just that. If you want a real number for the temp that you are driving in, then do a test run and stop after different mile increments to check tire pressures. When they start to increase, then the tires are warming up. What tire pressure rise that is optimum for the tire composition of your all season tires will depend on your experience, unless the manufacturer advertises such a number or temp.

Jim@tirerack

If you are not tracking the car it really won't matter. Secondly it will depend on the type of tire and the tmeps outside like you mention. There is never going to be a set distance. You are correct about a warm up lap as well.
Another thing is that the performance tires will loose 30% of their traction at 45 degrees.

INDYMAC

Thanks Jim. I have RE-01R's on right now, so I haven't been driving my car when temps are below 40F. What temperature and above outside would allow for 100% traction for summer performance tires? Do you know?

Jim@tirerack

Below 45 degrees and the tires are loosing 30% traction. They are not going to heat up.

INDYMAC

Thanks Jim. 45F is now my new lower limit!