Drift Tires Explained: Size? High Grip? Air Pressure?

Drift tires are a tricky part of your drift car set up to get right. Get your tire choice and settings wrong and you won't have much fun.

>> Tire Size

When it comes to choosing the right size tire for your drift car, you have to make sure your car is going to have enough power to spin them. Make sure it's not too big in diameter or width because it takes more power to spin them.

17" wheels and tires look cool but if you have them on a non-turbo AE86 sprinter, then you'll find it hard to spin them. I'd go with some 15" tires instead. I actually still use 15" on my Cefiro about 205/55/15 are ideal) and 16"s sometimes. 17" and above are OK for modded turbo cars with low profile tires.

>> High Grip vs. Low Grip

Again it depends on the car. If it's a high powered turbo car and you are an advanced driver not scared of high speed drifting, then high grip tires are good.

Popular high grip tires here in Japan are Yokohama Neova. For beginners, usual normal cheap tires are good for praticing in as they are easier to spin and if you're not going too fast, can stop you if you need. Just make sure they have grip ;)

>> Tire Pressure

Tire pressure depends on the type of tire you're using and your own personal preference. The general rule I follow is for new or near-new tires, you can put more air pressure in them (around 25psi when cold) and they will last a long time and slide nicely.

For old tire that have been sitting or used for a long time, you need to use a little lower air pressure or your tires will de-laminate very quickly. De-laminating is when the tread peels off in one piece piece. If you run around 22psi when cold in your older tires, they won't de-laminate as quickly.

After a few laps of drifting, check your tire pressure and you'll notice they pressure will have increased by about 4-5 psi. If your pressure gets above 35 psi, you should let some air out or you could burst it.

>> Other tips

Don't keep drifting until your tire bursts. It makes it hard to drive your car back to the pits and jack the car up to change it. You can also damage your car's spoilers etc.

If you notice one side of your tire wearing faster than the other, you can always rotate them to get more life out to them.

Live fun, Drift safe!
Stu - www.DriftInJapan.com