I am going to do a few DEs this summer and was wondering if anyone know the min tread depth to pass inspection. I have a set of new rears sitting in my office but want to wear the current rear set down a bit more before installing the new tires.

BTW, I am not at the wear bars yet...

 

I won't pass a car on the wear bars... but I try to use common sense - if it's a 1 day event, you need less tire than at a 3 day event. Also skill level and the nature of the track plays a role.

 

also if its wet out

(Seattle rains till Aug, then starts again in Sept)

 

Typically the inside edge of the rears wear out faster, so look at the wear bars indicators all across the width of the tire.
You can be into the wear bars as long as you’re not seeing belt on any of the tire then your fine.

If you are into the wear bars, just be conscious of that and inspect your tires after every session. I do this regardless anyways.

 

Wear bars done mean much for track use. You will either cord the inside or outside of the tires depending on your alignment.

As others have said, just watch your tire. Also, if you can, you should flip them on the rims to extend their life.

-td

 

If you cord it, you will know for sure
last Saturday one of the instructors was having way too much fun on the skid pad and completely peeled the tread right off one tire..... boy was he feeling silly

 

I have about 1/16 to the wear bar evenly across because this has been a street car on Sumis. Just wondering if I need to just get the new tires put on..

 

I wouldnt...I think an old set you are use to will be fine rather than a new set which might offer a little more grip after the mold release comes off, but might offer less until its off

 

Chao... post pics of the tires. Should be able to get good feedback based on that.... it really gets hot on the track and you will def wear them down pretty fast.

 

That's silly - what about all those people running slicks? Those tires don't even have wear bars!

Obviously, if it's raining, it's a different story as there should be tread on the tires...

 

+1

I would bring the extra set of tires to the track just in case you cord the inside edge or outside edge (depending on the track). Otherwise, I would run the current ones until they are completely worn to a safe point.

 

That is up to the sanctioning body and/or the hosting track. Nothing is specifically mentioned on the PCA Minimum Requirements site (link).

Its usually on the tech Inspection form either numerically specified or in plain text “Tires in good condition (all 4 match)”.

You can try getting in touch with the DE Chair or Registrar for the group ahead of time.

 

Those running slicks or dot-r tires may or may not have wear bars so you can't make the statement they don't since the wear bars are inverse. Instead of running to a wear bar, there is a hole cut into the tire at various locations across the tire to measure tread depth to indicate wear in relation to the amount of tread before cording.

Personally, as long the street tire isn't bald or the dot-r/slick isn't showing cord then it's fine. I have never denied somebody at tech b/c of tires nor have I seen anybody come through with unacceptable tires.

 

They do, actually. They have little holes to use as wear indicators.

 

Or you could just quote what I posted right above you