Best Racing Tires: Boost Your Speed and Performance

With its superior traction and good ride stability, the Mickey Thompson Racing Radial Tire is our top pick as the best racing tire. 

When it comes to being also being fast in the corners, Toyo PROXES R888R Automotive-Racing Radial Tire offers balanced performance at a much more affordable price.

You've got questions. The Drive has answers.

A. The tire size should be included in the owner's manual. You can also check the specifications on the sidewalls of your existing tires to find out the size required.

A. The speed rating indicates the speed that a tire can safely handle. It is generally indicated in the tire specifications through the letters M to Z. Tires with a higher rating also handle better at lower speeds.

A. They're safer. High performance racing tires are safer because they resist heat buildup, especially on hot summer days. Tires normally heat up as you drive. Overheated tires can wear out prematurely and are more likely to explode. The best racing tires increase steering response and decrease stopping distance on dry and wet surfaces.

Better handling. Performance tires are made from soft rubber, which improves their road surface grip. They make it easier to steer around tight corners. They are also lighter and make cars go faster, which is better for drivers. Racing tires with wide grooves prevent hydroplaning by expelling water beneath them.

Great speed. The higher the speed rating of a racing tire, the better its performance. For example, a tire with a “H” speed rating is approved for speeds up to 130 mph. An all-season racing tire with “H” and “V” speed ratings can go up to 149 mph. Some tires have speed ratings ranging from “V” to “Y” and are approved for speeds up to 186 mph. 

Better traction. Racecar tires are wider and have treads that grip better. Their large surface areas help them stick to tracks perfectly. This means you’ll be able to brake easily, especially at shorter braking distances. The tires maintain superb traction, even in wet weather.

A. Warranty. Most manufacturers provide tread warranty and defect protection. A few offer a road hazard warranty, which is helpful if you get a flat tire. It’s best to get tires with a warranty because you won't have to pay for it separately. But take time to scrutinize the warranty. Some warranties come with many conditions that may prevent you from getting reimbursed. Manufacturers also conduct thorough checks to verify if your warranty claim is valid. 

Tread Wear. Generally, racing tires have a shorter tread life because they endure harsh driving conditions. You can refer to the tread-wear grade to get an idea of how long your tires are likely to last. The grade indicates a tire's relative wear rate. The higher it is, the longer it will take for the tread to wear down. You can also use the UTQG (Uniform Tire Quality Grading) system to check a tire’s treadwear, traction, and temperature resistance. Tire longevity is usually influenced by your driving habits, the climate, road conditions, and the manufacturer’s tread-wear estimate. 

Tire Size. For safety purposes, it's best to choose the right tire size. Improperly fitting tires are a hazard because they exert additional pressure on the tire heel. They may also get detached when you're driving, causing road accidents. You can check the tire specifications on the sticker found inside the driver’s door or in the car manual.

A. Before buying new racing tires, check the load rating and make sure that it can support the load of the vehicle without any problems.

Racing tires are not meant for wet and snowy conditions. It is best that you use other all-season tires in that type of weather to ensure safety.

All tires make some noise at higher speeds due to the flow of air through the treads, as well as the stickier compound and how the tread blocks are arranged. It is best to choose a less noisy model if you are looking for a quiet ride.

A. To get the best performance out of the vehicle in all driving conditions and to ensure that it handles properly, it is best to use the same type of tires on all wheels.

A. Under $200: It's difficult to find race car tires in this price range. But there are a few gems with superior cornering, braking, and traction capabilities. 

$200 and up: Many of the tires here are ultra-high performance and extreme performance. Some are specifically designed for supercars and exotics. The tires have good handling abilities, incredible grip, and excellent tread wear. Most are all-season tires.