When choosing a tire for your go-kart, it is important to look at the size of the wheel. You may be surprised to learn that the right size tire can increase the speed of your go-kart by a lot. Fortunately, there are several ways to prepare your tires for use. Read on to find out more. We’ll cover how to prep the tires for the larger wheels, as well as what to look for in tire pressure.
Size of a go kart tire
First, how to read the size of a go kart tire. This important information can be found on the outer side of the tire. It will be outlined with three numbers: height, width, and rim diameter. To learn how to read a go kart tire, see the dedicated article below. Here are some examples of the different tire sizes:
You should also know that go kart racing wheels are usually 5″ or 6″ in diameter. Moreover, the width of the wheels will depend on the type of racing you are going to engage in. You must ensure that the tire width matches the width of the wheel. Otherwise, you’ll risk damaging your go kart’s tires. For best performance, choose tires with high traction. You should also consider the tire’s weight, as a low-pressure tire will be too heavy.
The tires on a go kart are usually smaller, so they can bend while turning. In contrast, larger tires are typically put on the rear, for cornering and acceleration. These tires differ in diameter and width. A good rule of thumb is to use a wide tire for the rear. You should also consider the type of terrain the go kart will be driving on. For more information, check out the Gokart Tire Guide.
Tire pressure
When putting bigger wheels on your go kart, you must first find out the recommended tire pressure for your kart. The higher the pressure, the higher the risk for your tires to overheat and break faster. Moreover, your kart will be unstable. There are various guidelines for karting tire pressure, but the best method is to test a set of tires in different conditions and write down the results.
To get the correct pressure, you must place a small tire gauge on each wheel valve stem. The device resembles a metallic pencil with a sliding measuring device. To find it, you need to unscrew the valve stem cap on the wheel. Look for a green cap. The tires are nitrogen-filled. If the tire valve stem cap is green, it is safe to add air.
While it is tempting to install a set of bigger wheels on your go kart, it is important to remember that the larger wheels only make your go kart look more aggressive. If you intend to use it for street racing, consider getting slick or turf saver tires instead. You should also consider the grip level of the tires. In general, the stock tires are 145/70-6 in the front and 22×11-8 in the rear.
Tire prep
One common mistake made by go kart owners is not properly preparing the tires before installing larger wheels. If you do not do this step correctly, you will end up ruining your tires and voiding their warranty. Tire prep is a simple process that should be done indoors and under dry conditions. To do this properly, you need to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Listed below are the steps you need to take.
The first step in tire preparation is selecting the right tire. If you have Maxxis T-3 tires, you may want to upgrade to Hoosier D40-A tires. These tires have a tougher blend of rubbers that are better for prep. The Hoosier D40-A is a good option for most go karts, and it has been revamped in the last few years. It now competes with Maxxis Pink and Firestone tires.
The next step in tire prep is to prepare the inside of the tire. The size of the tire is determined by the track conditions, kart count, and overall track preparation. In cooler months, you might want to choose tires that are between 75-100cc. In warmer months, 50-75cc tires will work just fine. Make sure to prepare the tires properly so you can have the best experience possible.
Steady sidewalls
If you plan to race your go kart on a track, you should make sure that its tires have stiff sidewalls. This is because tires that bend when cornering are dangerous. In addition to having a stiff sidewall, you should consider the speed rating of your tires. You may want to get tires with a high speed rating, because you will want to corner fast.
Another important factor to consider is toe. When you toe a kart, you create friction at the contact patch. This friction produces heat inside the tyre and contributes to excessive wear and tear. In addition, it wastes engine power and contributes to excessive heat in the tyres. Toe can be adjusted with tie-rods. When they are properly set, the tyres will last longer and perform better.
In addition to sidewalls, you should also consider the suspension system and the stability of the kart. Without these, your kart may roll, which is dangerous. Other things to consider when tuning your go kart are the wheelbase and front-end set-up. This is important for optimal handling. When you change directions, you may lose front grip, flicking the rear end into a slide.
Another important aspect of tire balance is wheel track. The wheel track is the distance between the wheels on each axle. When it is well-balanced, steering and stopping should feel equally on both sides. If one side of the car is easier to steer than the other, this is a sign that the wheels have uneven spacing. If the sidewalls are too high, the steering will be uneven.
Changing tire pressure
Changing tire pressure when putting bigger wheels onto a go kart may seem like an easy task, but it’s not as simple as it might seem. First of all, the pressure on your go kart’s tires will be affected by ambient heat. The higher the ambient heat, the more the tires will heat up and lose grip. Therefore, the ideal tire pressure should be 10PSI or higher. You can experiment with this pressure by copying someone else.
When you first add bigger wheels to your go kart, it’s best to check the tire pressure while the wheels are cold. If possible, wait until the tires have cooled down to ambient temperature, which may take about two hours. You can also perform this test while the vehicle is parked in the shade. If you’re testing in extreme heat, make sure to stop for a while to let the tires cool down before continuing.
It’s best to check the tires’ pressures every few months, as they tend to lose air with each 10degF drop and rise in temperature. Tire pressure will change by 2% or more for every 10degF change. If the temperature in your area dips by 20 degrees in a single day, your tires may lose up to four PSI in a short period of time. Fortunately, the temperature should rebound to its original pressure once the cold spell is over.
Changing wheel size
If you want to change the wheel size on your go kart, you have to take apart the wheel first. You can do this with a screwdriver or an Allen key. First, you need to remove the wheel from the hub. It will make the process of changing the tyre much easier. Then, you have to remove 3 bead-lock screws to remove the wheel. If necessary, replace the screws.
If you want to change the tire size on your go kart, you must make sure that it matches the rim. You can change the size of the tire to make it more grippy. But, be careful not to touch other variables. Take a photo of your kart before and after you change the tires. Also, record everything, including tire pressure and temperature. Also, record your lap time and how the kart felt.
Before you change the tire size on your go kart, you should check the tire pressure first. Some people use a lower pressure on the left tire than the right. If your go kart has off-road tires, you can use a lower pressure. This won’t ruin your kart’s frame. To learn more about tire pressure, read the article below. Once you’re sure the tire is the right pressure, you can begin to change the rim size.
About The Author
Mindy Vu is a part time shoe model and professional mum. She loves to cook and has been proclaimed the best cook in the world by her friends and family. She adores her pet dog Twinkie, and is happily married to her books.