10-14-2009, 08:40 AM
emayer wrote:
Eric-
TIRE PRESSURES IN THE RAIN
For both autocross and road racing, increase tire pressures 6-10 psi from what you would normally run in dry conditions. Hydroplaning occurs when a wedge of water develops between the tire and road surface. This wedge can actually lift the tire off the road and eliminate traction. Increasing the pressure "rounds" the profile of the tire by decreasing the deflection of the tire. That's a good thing in the rain. This results in a smaller contact patch- - narrower and shorter. It also helps keep the grooves in the tread open so they can channel the water out from under the tire.
George Busch
Quote:Here's a general question for the gurus- how should we adjust tire pressures given the cooler temps? I left my physics book in the fireplace.....
Eric-
TIRE PRESSURES IN THE RAIN
For both autocross and road racing, increase tire pressures 6-10 psi from what you would normally run in dry conditions. Hydroplaning occurs when a wedge of water develops between the tire and road surface. This wedge can actually lift the tire off the road and eliminate traction. Increasing the pressure "rounds" the profile of the tire by decreasing the deflection of the tire. That's a good thing in the rain. This results in a smaller contact patch- - narrower and shorter. It also helps keep the grooves in the tread open so they can channel the water out from under the tire.
George Busch
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