In competitive racing, the difference between a podium finish and mid-pack can come down to one thing: tire performance. Whether you're running sprint races or endurance events in the FARA USA series, properly maintaining and setting up your Hankook competition tires is essential to unlocking consistent grip, cornering stability, and lap time improvement.

Here’s a practical guide to help you get the most out of every set:

1. Start with Proper Tire Storage

Before tires ever touch the track, make sure they’re stored correctly. Keep them in a cool, dry, and dark environment. UV rays and heat degrade rubber over time, avoid leaving them in direct sunlight or near heat sources in your garage or trailer.

Pro Tip: Store tires in plastic bags to minimize air exposure and preserve compound life between events.

2. Always Heat Cycle New Tires

New Hankook racing tires benefit significantly from a proper heat cycle. This process stabilizes the chemical structure of the compound and improves durability.

How to Heat Cycle:
Gently bring the tires up to racing temperature during a short on-track session (about 10–15 minutes), then allow them to cool completely for at least 24 hours before using them in competition.

3. Nail the Right Tire Pressure

Tire pressure is arguably the most influential tuning element you have. Track temperature, ambient weather, car weight, and driving style all affect optimal pressures.

• Start with Hankook’s recommended cold pressures for your compound and class.

• Measure hot pressures after your first session, aiming for a consistent reading across all four corners.

• Adjust incrementally (0.5–1 psi at a time) to fine-tune grip and tire wear.

Pro Tip: A small change in pressure can significantly affect tire behavior—document your setups for each track.

4. Monitor Tire Temperatures

Using a tire pyrometer (not just a pressure gauge) helps you understand how your tires are interacting with the track surface.

• Check temperatures across the inner, middle, and outer tread.

• Uneven temps might point to alignment issues (camber/toe) or incorrect tire pressure.

Goal: A consistent temperature spread from inside to outside usually indicates a well-optimized suspension and tire setup.

5. Rotate & Inspect Frequently

Even on short sprint weekends, tire rotation can help even out wear and extend life. Always inspect for:

• Flat spots or blisters

• Cracks or sidewall damage

• Unusual wear patterns (which could indicate suspension or alignment problems)

6. Use Tire Warmers (If Allowed)

Pre-heating your tires with warmers helps you start with optimal grip from the green flag. This is especially beneficial in cooler conditions or during time-sensitive qualifying sessions.

7. Know When to Replace

No matter how well you maintain your tires, there’s a limit. If you’re noticing longer braking zones, slower corner exits, or visible wear indicators disappearing, it's time to swap them out.

Your tires are the only connection between your car and the track. Treating them with the same attention you give to your engine or suspension setup can result in faster lap times, greater consistency, and safer, more enjoyable racing.

At Fara Tires, we’re here to help you get the most out of your Hankook competition tires, from expert recommendations to fast, race-ready delivery. Need help choosing the right compound or setup? [Reach out here] or stop by the paddock during the next FARA USA event.