Do I Need To Break In My New Tires?

One of the more common questions that drivers often have when they purchase new tires is whether or not they have to "break in" their tires? Is this just a myth, or is there some validity to it?

I would argue, and many other tire experts agree as well, that yes, you need to go through a break in period with any new tires you buy. It doesn't matter if they are touring or high performance tires, or even the lowest cost cheap tires.

And when you stop to think about it, it makes sense. The design and material make-up of any car tire is composed of many different rubber compounds, steel and various types of fabric. They need time to "gel" together if you will. They also need time to cure.

As tire manufacturers produce any type of tire, they do it in special molds. To prevent the tire from sticking to the mold they will use unique lubricates. As you drive your vehicle on the road this lubricate is slowly eliminated from the tread.

How Long Is The Break In Period?

The good news is that this break in period is only a couple of hundred miles. During this time you just need to be aware that the traction and handling capabilities of the tires will be reduced somewhat. You certainly do not want to test out the cornering g forces until you get past the break in period.

As your new tires get a little tread shaved off from the road surface, it begins building more traction and grip. Just like the race cars you see on TV every week.

So keep this in mind when you replace your old tires with new ones. Give it 200-300 miles before you see how well they perform. You will like the results much better.

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