Go Kart Tires
Go Kart Tires
If you want to improve your go kart racing success you must buy decent go kart engines and the correct type of go kart tires for the weather and track conditions. If you purchase an incorrect type of tire it’ll put you at a huge disadvantage to the other go kart racers. And nobody wants to be in the back watching the faster go karts go cruising past. If you want to improve your go kart success and end up in victory lane more regularly you have to understand the specifics about go kart tires.
Two Styles of Go Kart Tires
Go kart tires are available in two styles, grooved and slick. Slicks are intended for dry race tracks whereas grooved tires, known as rain tires, are made for damp and wet course conditions. Another important factor is tire pressure. This can also play a significant part in your overall success as a racer. Depending on the weather and track conditions the pressure in your tires should be adjusted correctly if you expect to have success as opposed to experiencing nothing but frustration.
Go Kart Tires – Pressure is Important
It is vital to understand that psi will increase in hotter weather and drop, sometimes drastically, in colder weather. If you start a race with tires set at 15 psi, the pressure can increase to 18 psi, and possibly even higher, in exceptionally hot weather. In colder conditions the amount of pressure will decline. To be successful and increase your enjoyment in the sport you must be aware of the track conditions so that you will be able to use and maintain optimum tire pressure in your go kart tires. As a general rule, when the temperature has dropped, it is best to fill your go kart tires with 1 psi to 5 psi more than when temperatures are unusually high.

It’s also important to watch your tires very closely before, during, and after each race. Once go kart tires get too worn they should be replaced immediately. It is normally a simple task to recognize when tires need to be replaced since your ride will be rougher, the traction will worsen (especially around the turns), and you will usually begin to drift through corners. If you are still in doubt as to when to change them look at the small tire holes. All go kart tires have tiny holes that become shallower as the tire rubber wears out. Whenever these tiny holes grow to be too shallow it is time for a new set. Knowing which go kart tires to use and how to maintain them properly can increase their lifespan and effectiveness.


