RComp tire initial break in heat cycle
 

Hey all,

I have a new set of Federal RSR595 Rcomp tires installed on my track wheels.
I know that the initial break in heat cycle is important for durability and performance of the tires. Hoosier recommends 4-7 laps at progressively increasing speed to then pit out at max tire temp and let cure for 24 hours.

Well only having one set of track wheels/tires, I would not want to cut short my track day after 7 laps:( I do have a set of 18 in street wheels and Firehawk Indy 500 tires but I would like to keep those in decent shape for street driving...

I guess my question is (and this might have been already debated): can I warm up the tires enough during spirited street driving? I don't have a tire temp gauge. maybe I could sneak in AMP or WHP for a few laps he he:D

I never heat cycled my Nitto NT-01 or Maxxis RC-1 and they did ok for me and lasted what I felt like was a long time and they were consistent during that life. I don't think.you could get them.hot enough with any "legal" street driving, and I think.it would be hard to find a place to run them with the cornering forces needed to heat them up. Maybe a Hoosier is different, but I think for a 100tw tire I think.you'd be fine without the heat cycling.

I don't think this is necessary on treaded tires. Slick R-comp tires yes run up 10 medium fast laps the come off track, and let them cool.

If you have the opportunity to break them, it might be worth it, but it really depends on the tire - some benefit from break in and for others it doesn't really matter.

But you can definitely just use them without a break in.

And as Steve said, you are unlikely to get the tire up to full temp on the street without taking some huge risks.

Check with Federal and ask them if heat cycling helps this particular tire. If it does, Tire Rack offers a heat cycling service for a small fee before they ship them to you. This way, they arrive broken in and ready to use.

When Spec Boxster used Toyo RA-1's, many drivers shaved them and had them heat cycled prior to use. The Toyo RR that we use now doesn't gain a lot from break in so most drivers just mount them and go racing.

All of this changes when using a full race slick (non-DOT) like a Hoosier - they definitely need a break in.

I think all tires benefit from a heat cycle/scrub-in to remove the mold release agents, gently heat the tire, and then let it rest for 24 hours. These tires are 140 TW so still a street compound. Taking a spirited run followed by 24 hours of rest will result in the best performance they can give. I HC/Scrub-in all my tires and have seen improved consistency and longevity with NT-01, RS-3, RE-11, RE-71R, Hankook Z214.

* These tires are nothing like Hoosier R7 and are not nearly so sensitive to the 1st HC, but it will do no harm.