tkerrmd

I just called tire rack to order a new set of Michelin Cup tires. the salesman asked me if I would like them "heat cycled" before they were shipped?
He told me michelin recommended this and the tire would be more durable if done at $15 per tire.
Of course I said ok, is this a known fact and does anyone else do this or am I just nieve?

thanks

tom

A930Rocket

My understanding is that they run the tire on a machine for a few minutes (5,10,15?). Anyway, it's not enough to really heat cycle them IMHO.

RickBetterley

Can't say that I know for sure that Tire Rack 'run(s) the tire on a machine for a few minutes (5,10,15?). Anyway, it's not enough to really heat cycle them IMHO.' but I have never before heard a negative comment about their heat cycling service. I thought it was effective (and certanly convenient).
Of course, with my shaved Toyos we don't need to heat cycle any more.

Bull

The Michelin reps tell me that for MPSCs, heat cycling is not critical and is worth about .1-.2 secs a lap.

Porshaphile

FWIW...I corded the OEM Michelins on my '06 with 3000 miles on them in 2 track days last April. Tire Rack suggested I have the replacement OEM set heat cycled, which I did. Currently have 10 track days since April and they are fine. Plenty of tread, shoulders are worn, but not excessively and they still stick like glue! Only negative is they really squeal while cornering, which the ones from the factory didn't. They stick like glue, but just squeal. My mechanic said I would probably get through this year's DE season on this one set since they were heat cycled, and he was right.

38D

Heat cycling will help the tire last longer, but will not make you go any faster. If anything, a heat cycled tire is marginally slower than a sticker tire (like a tenth or two).

mooty

i have run mpsc both heat cycled by tirerack and mpsc that aren't heat cycled. i see no difference in tire life, stickiness or lap time.

multi21

I've had MPSC heat cycled and not heat cycled. My experience with these R compound tires and others is that they do last longer when cycled. Tire Rack used rollers to generate heat into the tire and then relax to have the polymers rebond before shipping them out.

Gary R.

For the extra $60 per set i'm having my next set done, it can't hurt and the added cost is inconsequential in the overall scheme of things...

tkerrmd

thanks for the input, seems close to 50 50 on opinions. I followed Garys plan above. I "assume" michelin has some type of data to support this practice?

thanks again

tom

TD in DC

That is exactly what I have heard from a few tire experts. Essentially worthless. The best way to heat cycle is to do it yourself.

Gary R.

I agree with you 100% Todd, but that first heat cycle will cost me $2000.00 + shipping from CCW..

Bull

I wouldn't generalize too much about heat cycling, as it the importance of doing so varies by manufacturer and by model within each manufacturers line. Tire Rack's "Tech Center" has information supplied by the manufacturers of R Compound tires, including heat cycling. Here is what Michelin says about the MPSCs:

"Michelin has noted an improvement in tire wear with heat cycled tires and that they may come up to operating temperature slightly quicker than non-heat cycled tires. Additionally, Michelin has also noted a marginal improvement in lap times (maybe .1-.2 sec in a 38-40 sec autocross environment) on some cars. The improvement is not always obvious".

"Heat cycling can be performed mechanically at The Tire Rack before the tires are shipped or by driving on them after they have been installed. It is important to remember that the 24 to 48 hour "resting" period for the tire following heat cycling is an important element to the process' success".

tkerrmd

Bob, good info and that was what I was told that there is further "curing" after the first cycle and it is only after the initial cycle and then a 24-48 hour period. so unless you want to run the tires once and let them sit the initial cycle offter seemed to make sense to me.

Bull

The guys I know who run Hoosiers and don't buy from TireRack usually do one run on the new tires, then take them off and let them sit while they run on their near end of life tires. That way, they are ready for the next event.