Although tyres might be the smallest point of contact a car has with the ground it is rally and performance driving where they can mean the difference between competitive time or a spin off the road. It is just as important to choose the correct tyre for the conditions as any other part of car preparation.
Surface is usually the first consideration. Different surfaces such as gravel, tarmac, and snow require different tread pattern and compound considerations. For gravel, tires usually have more aggressive tread to increase traction and clear debris, while tarmac tires are specially designed to have a smoother tread pattern to increase the amount of rubber in contact with the road.
Along with tread pattern, the rubber compound is also important. Generally, softer compounds give better traction–especially in cold conditions–but they tend to wear out quicker. In contrast, harder compounds last longer and are better able to handle heat, but they may take longer to provide optimal grip, meaning their potential for traction is not fully realized. Because of this, many teams will select different compounds based on the expected conditions and stage length.
Making minor adjustments to your tyre pressure is another area where you could improve performance. For example, lowering the pressure below the recommended setting could increase the contact patch and improve traction on loose surfaces. If you are driving on smooth surfaces like tarmac, you will likely want to increase the pressure to reduce rolling resistance and improve responsiveness.
Most casual drivers don’t understand how much temperature affects performance driving. For example, tires must reach certain temperatures in order to perform optimally. This is why drivers are often seen weaving before a stage or race; to build heat into the rubber tires.
Tyre choice should not be decided independently. Suspension setups and even the weather on the day can influence which tire performs better. This is why teams test and prepare tire configurations.
Understanding how tire choice impacts grip, durability and handling is valuable knowledge for any driver, whether it’s a weekend hobby or a more serious level of competition.