Stephen Bernard wrote:
>>I was talking with "Hoosier Tom" at the National Tour and he
>had said that Tire Racks heat cycling was just a sticker and
>a waste of money.... <<
Stephen,
TireRack is a loyal auto-x sponsor and has done a lot of good for us. I
strongly doubt what you write here. Please keep this kind of opinion off the
list.
>My understanding is that they have to get to a certain temperature
>and that temp has to be maintained for a certain time along with
>stretching and pulling the tire ala driving hard left and right.
>So when you think about it an Auto-X is the perfect place to heat
>cycle them. A small non points event and 3 runs should do it
>nicely then let the tires sit for 24 hours before driving on them.
>Just a thought.
I think you are wrong here as well. My understanding is that its the gradual
increase in temp up to operating temp followed by 24 - 48 hour cool down
that is an ideal initial heat cycle. This allows the rubber molecule chains
to be gently broken and then reform and align. An auto-x does 3 rapid cycles
up to and possibly above the ideal temp. The resultant rapid multiple
breaking and reforming of bonds probably does not produce a long wearing
tire.
Regards,
Alan
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