Jump to content
Click here if you are having website access problems ×

Tyre Softener


revilla

Recommended Posts

My T1Rs have gone hard. I'm in the process of swapping to R888Rs. I'm going to get the wheels powder coated and get the tyres swapped at the same time.

However ... The place I ordered the tyres from has let me down and I'm now short of time to get it done before the Fish & Chip run!

I'm not happy to push it on the tyres as they are, and I'm not bothered about longevity of these tyres now as they're going.

I'm thinking of treating them with tyre softener to give me a bit more grip in the short term.

I have no previous experience of this. Does it work? Is it safe? Will the tyres last a return trip to Wales and a blat round the loop?

What do people reckon?

At previous experience?

Cheers, Andrew

Link to comment
Share on other sites

How hard and how old are they? Road tyres are often quite hard, but they should still be OK unless they're very old. 

Tyre softener normally works by breaking down the compound so does in fact damage the polymer. The ones I remember don't last too long and neither do the tyres once they've had it used on them!

For me the key would be how old are your tyres? Are they really that hard, compared to what they would normally be after a fair use? 

I've had tyres in the past that have seemed hard but when checked with a Shore meter actually are not far off what they ought to be. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I think 7/8 years old. They don't seem to have a traditional 4 digit date code anywhere. They were quite hard indeed when I got them, but just recently they've really struggled for grip. Really hard not to lock up under braking. In all that time and about 35,000 miles they've worn down from less than 10mm when new to about 8mm now! So pretty hard. Decision to swap is already made. I just want to get one last fling out of these before they are scrapped. Just recently I've found it really hard blatting with others as the car has just lost its bite when braking and cornering. I just can't stay with people. The brakes are working fine and progressively, no issues there. I've got no problem with engine performance. It's just I'm having to brake earlier and more gently and take corners more slowly and I still end up coming out of the corner in a four wheel slide watching those in front disappear into the distance (and those behind laughing at the pub stop!), which it never used to do. They've definitely aged.
Link to comment
Share on other sites

In all honesty I'd recommend you get them changed ASAP. At 7/8 years they're obviously well beyond their best and if they're as you say then doubly so. 

Softening them is only likely to hasten an unfortunate end. 

Surely you can get a new set fitted in time for the 18th? Maybe a cheap set that you can replace with 888s later? 

I suppose Clint would say "Do you feel lucky?" Well do you? *wink*

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hi Andrew

I have recently changed to 13in wheels and have my set of 15in 10 spokes in the shed (I think I remember you posting you have 15in wheels?). They have Goodyear Eagle 195/45s  on them from 2017. I did a track day on them in May this year and they were good. 
 

You are welcome to borrow them if it enables you not to miss the F&C run. I'm in Guildford, so possibly en route?

I have to collect my car from Millwood on Friday 17th so heading over on the train after lunch that day and then on to Chepstow. If it may be of interest, PM me and we'll try to work something out - others are here and may be able to assist with the pit stop if I have left already.  
 

Dan
 

 

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hi Dan,

 

That's a very kind offer thank you!

 

Sounds a better option than messing around with tyre softener for sure.

 

I don't think a detour to Guildford would work out on the day, so I think I would have to come down in advance to collect them. At least that way I'll have a chance to drive the car on them first.

 

I'll drop you a BM.

 

Thanks again,

 

Andrew

Link to comment
Share on other sites

An update... I cancelled the original tyre order when they finally admitted they couldn't give me a delivery date. Ordered a full set from Demon Tweeks via eBay, delivered next day (today). Trial fitted one, fit under wings is identical to T1Rs so all looks good. Wheels and tyres now in back of car for early trip to City Powder Coaters, Birmingham who say they can turn the wheel refurb and tyre swap around within the day. So fingers crossed I'll make it to the club meet tomorrow night with refurbished allows and new tyres a full week ahead of the F&C run and no tyre softener in sight! Thanks for the advice and offers of assistance.
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...