Do you really need to “break in” new tires?
The tire industry is always talking about new tires and how to preserve the longevity of your tires. BUT are tires like new engines and do they need to be broken in? Let’s break down the science behind why some sources say yes and explain the importance of ultimately giving your tires a chance to become one with your car.
While new tires don't necessarily require a formal break-in, some recommend you drive cautiously during the initial 100 miles or so. This allows the tires to acclimate to your vehicle and ensures an even distribution of the materials used in the manufacturing process.
Everyday Tire Break-in Guidelines
We recommend exercising caution during the initial 100 miles or so. This allows you to familiarize yourself with the feel of the new tires and how they respond to your steering, braking, and acceleration inputs.
When dealing with your everyday tires—distinct from track or off-road varieties—the main difference lies in their utility. These tires are typically not geared toward sportiness or aggressive driving.
Performance Tire Break-in Strategies
We know, the temptation to engage in spirited driving, leaving fresh tire marks, may be strong when you install new tires for your sports car. But this might not be the best approach for breaking in competition, performance, or summer tires. Stick to our outlined Do's and Don't section above for tips on how to handle your new UHP tires.
If you are trying to lower your tread depth for overall handling and steering response improvements, we recommend other more effective methods to optimize your new tires. They are worth considering if achieving peak performance straight from the street to track is a priority.
Off-Road Tire Break-in Recommendations
These tires are engineered for robust use in challenging terrains, off-road tires often find their place on heavier vehicles bound for adventure. Whether navigating trails or urban streets, it's crucial to exercise caution with brand-new off-road tires.
Whether you prefer large rocks that turn slippery or mud holes fit for an off-road adventure, taking it easy during the first 100 miles is crucial. This means gentle starts, stops, and turns to ensure a proper break-in before pushing the tires to their limits off-road. After this initial period, feel free to hit the trails and unleash the full potential of your off-road tires.
The tires are fresh, now you have new education around the topic - the recommendation is for you to drive “normally” without hard braking or acceleration as it can cause the tire to slip on the wheel and cause the assembly to become unbalanced. Can you do that?
