How To Use Dunlop Race Tyres

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Fitment Advice

CONDITIONS OF USE
Dunlop's motorsport tyres are specially designed and compounded for competition use only. They are not suitable for everyday road use - although a small number are designed for rally use which may include use on public roads under strictly controlled conditions. No warranty is given on Dunlop's motorsport tyres due to conditions under which they operate.

TUBELESS MOTORSPORT TYRES
All recently desigend race tyres are of tubeless construction and should be fitted to steel or alloy wheels within correct tolerances. Cast alloy wheels should be treated to ensure they are not porous. Special bolt in valves are recommended for use with tubeless tyres.

RACE TYRE MARKINGS
Size markings, e.g. 280/675-18 show nominal tread width (mm), overall tyre diameter (mm) and bead diameter (in inches). Dimensions being taken from an inflated tyre under unloaded conditions. For post historic tyres the markings (e.g. 600/1200-15) are nominal section height, section width and bead diameter in inches.
N.B Certain rules call for maximum overall width to include rims.

FITMENT/DIRECTION OF ROTATION
All Dunlop race tyres have a compound and construction code stencil on one side of the tyre sidewall. The recommended position of the stencil is as follows:



ALL TYRES MUST BE FITTED TO THE DESIGNATED WHEEL DIAMETER ONLY:
e.g. 180/55R17 - 17" RIM ONLY
205/60R420 - 420mm (16.5") RIM ONLY

TYRE CARE
Tyres should be stored in a controlled environment with cool temperatures above 0 degrees celsius and in darkness. High temperature, direct sunlight, proximity to high voltage electric motors or welding equipment should be avoided if possible. Tyre life will be improved if tyres are "scrubbed" in before using them "in anger". Tyres should be quickly and briefly brought up to operating temperature without hard acceleration, braking or cornering and cooled off again.


TYRE FITTING
Always have your tyres fitted by a competent reputable tyre dealer who understands the special requirements of competition tyre fitting.
Fitting should always be carried out with extreme care to avoid damage to the bead area which is of critical importance in tubeless tyres. The use of a tyre fitting machine is strongly recommended to avoid damage to wheel or tyre.
Wheels should also be closely checked for cracks, chips, and rust patches which may prevent air tight seals or be of hazard.
Tyres should not be inflated over 40psi (2.7 bar). If the tyre does not seat deflate it, re-centre the beads, relubricate and reinflate to 40psi. If again seating is not achieved "place assembly in a SAFETY CAGE" and slowly inflate to a MAXIMUM of 65psi. If a problem still exists, check the wheel dimensions for accuracy. Failure to use a safety cage could, if a tyre burst or wheel failed, result in serious injury.

TYRE PRESSURES
No firm rules exist re: ideal tyre pressure - "ideal" varying with driver, car and circuit. Sufficient pressure must be used to avoid structural problems, "tuck" under or roll when cornering or turning on the rim.
Pressures do vary from one category to another.



TYRE WARMING
Where allowed by regulation, all tyres should be warmed before use to minimise deflection whilst cold. please contact Vintage Tyres for guidance as tyres can be overwarmed.

UNSEATING
Certain tyre fitment on wide wheels rely on wheel safety devices to ensure the beads do not move inwards and cause tyre deflation under high speed running. Advice must be sought from Vintage Tyres on any fitment outside the recommended rims.

ADVICE
Always available on suitable fitments, compounds, patterns and construction suitability. Our staff are always pleased to assist. Visit our contact or tyre selector page to reach us.

ORDERINGIf you are in doubt as to which tyre you need, contact Vintage Tyres limited using our tyre selector page for advice. Re-ordering is even simpler, just quote size, compound, construction, and pattern. A next day delivery service is available at minimal extra cost. We accept Visa and Mastercard.

INFLATION PRESSURE CONVERSION:

PSI to BAR: divide by 14.5
BAR to PSI: multiply by 14.5