Go Kart Tires
Choosing the Right Go Kart Tires
Choosing the right go kart tires for the weather and track conditions is crucial if you want to be successful racing go karts. Choosing the wrong type of go kart tire can lead to drifting and sliding, difficult handling, and accidents. Discover how to select tires that will increase your enjoyment and success when racing go karts. Even cheap go karts can be fast if you mount high quality tires.
The Right Go Kart Tires are Crucial for Racing Success
If you race go karts and want to win, knowing the facts about go kart tires is one of the most important criteria for being successful. Kart racing through turns at bullet speeds requires not only good tires, but the right type of go kart tires. Without the correct type of go kart tire you will soon find yourself drifting through turns and dropping further back from the leaders.
Grooved Go Kart Tires (also known as Rain Tires)
Go kart tires come in two types, grooved and slick. Grooved tires, also called rain tires, have treads and are used when track conditions are wet. Racing in wet conditions will slow down the go karts even with rain tires, but racing is pretty much impossible without them. Slick tires and water do not mix well. With a good set of grooved tires it can still be a lot of fun to race, even in wet conditions.
Rain tires have treads, or grooves, that help displace the water. The grooves also reduce sliding in wet weather because there is less tire rubber that comes into contact with the road. They also have a special mixture of rubber and other compounds that help it resist tire wear and increase grip.
Slick Go Kart Tires
Slick karting tires, having no tread, are used when track conditions are dry. They are designed to provide excellent grip to the track during dry racing conditions. Using a slick go kart tire with wet weather will cause the go kart to slip and slide all over the track. Since these tires have no tread there is more rubber that comes into contact with the road. This enables the go kart to stick to the track better, making it possible to drive faster through sharp turns without drifting or sliding.
The slick go kart tires have special compounds mixed with rubber that make it resistant to wear, giving it a longer lifespan. This special mixture also ensures good grip on the road. There are many good tire brands available. Some brands may be slightly better than others, but the only sure way to find out which is best for your kart and track conditions is to do some testing. Popular brands of go kart tires include Bridgestone, Dunlop, and Mojo, but there are other good manufacturers as well.
Tire Pressure is Important
Once you have the right go kart tire for the right track conditions the only other thing you need to be constantly aware of is the tire pressure. Correct tire pressure will help decrease wear, ensuring that the tire will last as long as possible. It will also increase performance and track grip. Slick tires will normally require anywhere from 14 to 16 psi (pounds per square inch). It’s important to remember that the hotter the tires get, the higher the psi will be. This means that on very hot days the pressure can rise as much as 3 psi and possibly more.
In addition to hot weather, go kart tires will heat up from simply racing around the track. It’s important to be aware of the weather and track conditions so that you will be able to add or reduce tire pressure as needed. Cold weather will decrease tire pressure so it’s usually best to inflate the tires as much as 4 or 5 psi more during cold weather than you would during hot weather.
When Should Go Kart Tires be Replaced?
When go kart tires become overly worn they should be replaced. It’s usually not difficult to know when to change them because your ride will begin to feel less smooth, especially through turns. You may also notice less track grip along with excessive drifting or sliding in the turns. Additionally, go kart tires are made with tiny holes that can help you determine when they’re overly worn. If you examine these holes and see that they are not very deep it’s a good indication that it’s time for new go kart tires.
