When it comes to getting started on the racing circuit, one of the biggest expenses can be tires. When you are just getting started on the racing circuit, purchasing used racing tires, commonly referred to as scrubs in the racing community, can be a great way to get the racing tires you need to get started. When purchasing used racing tires, carefully inspect the tires to ensure you are purchasing ones you can use.

Tip #1: Check the Date Codes

First, check the date code when you look at used tires. The date code is easy to locate on the sidewall. Make sure the date code is no more than five years old. When considering the date code, you also need to consider when the tire went through the heat cycle for the first time. If the tire has not gone through a heat cycle yet, you can probably still use the tire, even if they are a couple of years old. If the tire has been through a heat cycle, then the tire only probably has another year left while still being safe to drive on.

Tip #2: Find Out How Many Heat Cycles the Tire Endured

The second thing you need to do is learn about the heat cycle for the tires. When it comes to learning about the heat cycle, you are going to have to rely on the previous owner to let you know how many the tire has gone through.

Race tires can only handle going through so many heat cycles. The exact number of heat cycles that your tires can handle depends on the brand and type of race tires. This information is publicly available. You are only going to want to purchase used race tires that have some heat cycles left on them so that you can safely get some use out of them.

Tip #3: Check the Wear

You need to check the amount of wear on the tires. You need to make sure that they don't have any flat spots on the tires. You don't want to purchase used race tires that have flat spots or uneven wear. Avoid tires with this type of wear, as you will get much use out of an unevenly worn tire.

Tip #4: Inquire About Storage

Finally, ask about how the tires were stored. Make sure the tires were not stored in below-freezing temperatures, as below-freezing temperatures can cause your tires to crack and cause internal damage to the tires.

If you are just getting your feet wet with racing, buying used racing tires is a great way to get some practice, or even a few races in, at an affordable rate. You need to know what qualities to look for so you purchase used tires you can actually use.

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