What Are Drifting Tires?
Drifting is a sport that requires the driver to drive at relatively high speeds while cornering to allow the tires to skid and slide along relatively large distances. But this sport is quite merciless and degrading for regular tires. Which is why the world has invented special drifting tires, and it gets better.
The best drifting tires typically feature shallow and almost bald tread patterns, with wide grooves, strong midribs, and hard vulcanized rubber that lends strength and durability. When drifting becomes a daily norm for racers like you and me alike, regular tires can falter and fail to provide the performance required. Which is why tires especially optimized for drifting are necessary if you want to get anywhere in that sport.
Drifting tires, as unique and exclusive as they may sound, are not that hard to find, but finding the best tire that will give maximal performance and durability is the tough part. Stay tuned to find out our top five favorite picks.
What Kind of Tires Are Used For Drifting?
Not regular ones, that’s for sure. In general, look for front tires that have a wide and aggressive tread pattern. These are usually in V-shapes or with wide and deep grooves and sipes. The midrib is usually modified to withstand more pressure and stress and to be immune to burning and heat damage. The sidewalls are usually strengthened to provide a firmer grip on the ground and to reduce friction.
The tires at the back, i.e., the ones that actually drift, usually have a shallower tread, and sometimes none at all. This promotes easy maneuverability, reduces friction and heat, and leaves lesser rubber on the tarmac.
Apart from the tread pattern, durability also plays a major role. Drifting can reduce the tires' tread pattern, and can be unhealthy for the material. Make sure that the rubber you use has been specialized to withstand stress and pressure, and will not be prone to burnouts.
What Size Tires for Drifting?
Any size that fits your vehicle best would work. But for a premium quality drifting experience, tires that are wider in size and lower-profile are best. Drift racers need wider tires, as they promise a better grip and more surface area. This would be best for users who wish to keep the car more balanced and stable. As for lower-profile tires, they reduce the force required by the car to produce the torque that spins these tires.
Apart from that, drift tires should usually be optimized to meet your needs. If you are aiming for a higher acceleration, then narrower and smaller tires would work best. However, for acquiring a top speed, taller tires fare amazingly well.
It is also important to ensure that your tires fit your vehicle. Don’t buy tires that are good at drifting but bad at fitting well. In general, look for those that you are most comfortable with.
How Is Bad Drifting For Tires?
Drifting can be unhealthy for the tires, especially their tread patterns and performance. Drifting can cause wearing down of tread patterns, and grooves which were once deep and promising become worn down and shallow. Which is why it is necessary to buy tires that have shallower grooves, to begin with, to reduce the amount of friction and excessive drag produced.
Drifting can also cause excessive heating in the tires, which can then either cause them to melt and smoke, or catch fire altogether. Tires that are made of heat-resistant material are best for drifting and are safer and securer. In general, only buy tires specialized for drifting for the best experience.
Where to Get Drift Tires?
Finding Drift Tires online should be a breeze. There are hundreds of websites and brands that sell used and new drift tires. However, the real issue is finding a good brand. We understand that when you spend a lot of time and money on something, you want it to be of excellent quality.
Which is why we have compiled a list of five of the best drifting tire brands for your own convenience.
- Falken Drifting Tires:
Falken Tires have been on the market since 1983, and they certainly haven't spent their 35 years of establishment in vain. Falken Tires means growth, development, and keeping up with the turn of the universe, and they've done that quite extremely well.
Falken Drifting Tires feature an excellent quality tread pattern that will take a lot of effort to wear down. Their technology is incredibly innovative, and we're really not that surprised. - Federal Drifting Tires:
Federal Tires are twenty times better than any tire we've seen in the market, and you'll soon know why. These tires feature higher stability and a firmer grip, due to the sidewalls being rigid and firm.
The tread designs are engineered to provide maximal performance and are mostly V-shaped. We absolutely loved these, and you will too. - Kenda Drifting Tires:
Kenda means "born of pure water" and when it comes to offering purity and exclusiveness, Kenda Tires has certainly lived up to that name. They have a wide collection of tires that can be optimized for heavy drifting. These feature extremely unique tread patterns and a death grip on the road. - Nexen Drifting Tires:
Nexen Tires have seen the bend of the online market, and their 71 years of experience in the field has shaped them up to be outstanding and prevalent. Their line of drifting tires features wide and linear grooves, deep sipes, and a midrib as strong as their promise, and durability that will secure your tire's performance. - Dunlop Drifting Tires:
Of course, how could we leave them out? The Dunlop Drifting Tires are perhaps the only ones that we had known for quite some time, and we have our reasons. The tires have been designed with unique and exquisite tread patterns that ensure a secure and safe grip on the road, and material that reduces tarnish and lends some mercy to the otherwise merciless asphalt.