What Is Tire Additive?

Tire Additive is a chemical compound applied to RC tires to change how the rubber interacts with the track surface. Its main job is to increase or tune grip levels, but depending on the formula and conditions, it can also stabilize or even reduce traction.

At its core, Tire Additive works by softening or conditioning the rubber, allowing the tire to conform better to the track surface.

Types of Tire Additive by Racing Style
Different racing surfaces and classes require different types of Tire Additive. Using the wrong one can completely change how your car drives.

1. Carpet Racing Additives
• Typically light to medium strength
• Designed to increase traction without overheating the tire
• Often used with controlled application times
• Too much can cause the car to feel “edgy” or traction roll

2. Clay / Dirt Racing Additives
• Usually stronger formulas
• Designed to soften tires quickly and increase bite
• Helps on dry, slick tracks where grip is low
• Can make tires greasy if overused

3. Asphalt / On-Road Additives
• Range from mild to aggressive
• Used to increase forward bite and corner speed
• Some are designed for high-temperature conditions
• Often paired with tire warmers

4. Spec / Controlled Additives
• Some tracks mandate a specific Tire Additive
• Designed to keep racing fair and consistent
• Usually limited in application method and timing

5. Traction Reducing Additives (Less Common)
• Used in high-bite conditions
• Helps calm the car down and prevent traction rolling

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How Does Tire Additive Affect Your Car?

Tire Additive directly changes how your car behaves on the track by altering grip levels.

Key Handling Changes
1. Increased Grip
• More corner speed
• Better acceleration
• Shorter braking distances

2. Steering Response
• More additive on the front tires = more steering
• More additive on the rear tires = more rear grip and stability

3. Balance of the Car
• Front-heavy application can cause oversteer
• Rear-heavy application can cause understeer

4. Consistency Over a Run
• Proper Tire Additive use keeps the car predictable
• Improper use leads to grip spikes or fade

5. Tire Wear
• Strong Tire Additive can increase wear
• Overuse can “cook” the tire and reduce performance later in the run

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How Do You Apply Tire Additive?

Applying Tire Additive correctly is just as important as choosing the right one.

Step-by-Step Application
1. Clean the Tires
• Remove dust and debris
• Use a tire cleaner or motor spray if needed

2. Apply Evenly
• Use the bottle applicator or a brush
• Cover the entire contact patch
• Avoid soaking the tire excessively

3. Let It Soak
• Typical soak time: 5-30 minutes
• Depends on track conditions and additive strength

4. Wrap or Leave Open
• Some racers wrap tires in plastic to increase absorption
• Others leave them exposed for a milder effect

5. Wipe Off Before Racing
• Always wipe tires with a clean cloth
• Removes excess residue and keeps the track clean

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When To Change Tire Additive

Tire Additive is not a “set it and forget it” tuning option. You should adjust it based on conditions.

Situations That Require a Change
1. Track Condition Changes
• Dusty – Use stronger Tire Additive
• High grip – Use less or switch to milder formula

2. Temperature Shifts
• Cold track – More aggressive Tire Additive
• Hot track – Less aggressive to avoid overheating

3. Car Handling Issues
• Lack of steering – Add more to front tires
• Rear sliding – Add more to rear tires
• Traction rolling – Reduce overall application

4. Race Length
• Short runs – Stronger, faster-acting Tire Additive
• Long mains – Balanced, longer-lasting application

5. Tire Wear
• As tires wear down, they may require less Tire Additive

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What To Check After Changing Tire Additive

After adjusting Tire Additive, always evaluate the car to avoid chasing the wrong setup changes.

Key Areas To Monitor
1. Tire Temperature
• Overheated tires feel greasy and inconsistent
• Indicates too much Tire Additive

2. Car Balance
• Check for sudden oversteer or understeer
• Adjust front/rear application accordingly

3. Lap Time Consistency
• Fast but inconsistent = too aggressive
• Slightly slower but stable = often better

4. Tire Wear Pattern
• Excessive wear = too much softening
• Uneven wear may indicate imbalance in application

5. Interaction With Setup
Tire Additive changes can mimic:
• Camber changes
• Shock setup changes
• Roll Center adjustments

Always confirm Tire Additive is correct before making mechanical setup changes.

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FAQ

Q: What is the main purpose of Tire Additive?
A: The main purpose of Tire Additive is to increase and tune traction by softening and conditioning the tire surface.

Q: Can I use the same Tire Additive for every track?
A: No. Different surfaces (carpet, clay, asphalt) require different Tire Additive formulas for best performance. Always check with the local fast drivers to see what they are using.

Q: How long should Tire Additive soak into the tires?
A: Most racers use between 5 and 30 minutes depending on conditions and additive strength. Always test to see what works best for you.

Q: Should I apply Tire Additive to all four tires?
A: Yes, but you can adjust the amount between front and rear to fine-tune handling balance.

Q: Can too much Tire Additive hurt performance?
A: Yes. Overuse can cause tires to overheat, feel greasy and lose consistency.

Q: Do I need to reapply Tire Additive between runs?
A: Usually yes. Tire Additive effects wear off after each run.

Q: Is Tire Additive allowed at all tracks?
A: Not always. Some tracks have controlled or banned Tire Additive rules, so always check regulations.

Q: Does Tire Additive replace good setup?
A: No. Tire Additive enhances performance, but it should work alongside a properly tuned car.

Back to the RC Suspension Tuning Guide.