FAQ

DRAG TIRE QUESTIONS

Are drag tires street legal?

No! Even if you cut your own grooves they are not street legal.

What is the largest drag tire I can put under my car?

There is no guideline. However, some racing classes have rules limiting tire size. You will have to use a tire size that can best utilize the space that is available without interfering with the sheet metal, suspension components, etc.

What is the approved rim range for Mickey Thompson slicks?

The approved rim range for race tires is the tread width plus or minus 1.
Note: The sidewall measurement will change with rim width. The rule of thumb is 4/10ths of an inch, over all, for each 1 inch change in rim width.

How much will a Mickey Thompson drag slick grow?

Over all diameter will affect the amount of growth that you will have. There are many variables that contribute to tire growth as well. Unless otherwise noted, Mickey Thompson drag slicks are considered a low growth tire. Mickey Thompson slicks will grow approximately 1 to 1-1/2 @ 150mph

How do I measure a drag tire for proper fitment?

Measure diameter and section width to ensure proper clearance with sheet metal, suspension components, etc. Remember to leave room for tire growth, at least twice the growth factor. A good rule of thumb for side clearance is to leave yourself at least 1/2 to 1 inch from side to side.

Does Mickey Thompson offer slicks in different compounds?

Like all racing tire manufacturers, Mickey Thompson offers different compounds. In most cases, we do not offer choices, compounds are specific to size and application.

What is the advantage to running a stiff sidewall tire? If there is no stiff sidewall slick in my size what can I do to stiffen the sidewall of my slick?

The advantage of a stiff sidewall is less tire wrap or sidewall distortion, thus reacting better at launch.
Note: This is good for heavy cars, or cars with a suspension, that can absorb the initial launch. If you are running a fixed suspension car like a dragster or an altered, you would need the tire to absorb the launch, thus a softer sidewall.
There are two ways to stiffen the sidewall:
1. Run tubes to help support the sidewall.
2. Matching the tread width with the wheel width, or going 1 wider on the wheel width, will stiffen the sidewall.

Do I have to run tubes in my slicks?

You should run tubes in any tube type tire, some M/T race tires are tubeless. Tube type tires will leak air through the sidewalls. As pressure drops, heat increases and the chance of tire damage or failure is increased. Tubes will also aid in absorbing some of this heat.

What size hole do I need in my wheel to accommodate Mickey Thompson racing tubes?

Most racing wheels come with the proper hole size. If your wheel won’t accept the valve stem, you must drill the wheel to 5/8. Be sure to debur the hole and clean the wheel before mounting the tire and tube.

If I have a wide race wheel with the valve stem hole close to the outside flange will my Mickey Thompson racing tube still work?

All Mickey Thompson racing tubes have a center valve stem. Some wide wheels have a valve stem hole that is nowhere near the center of the wheel. This can make it difficult to mount your tube, if your tube is new here are some things you can try: First inflate the tube with a small amount of air to make sure the valve stem is pointing up. Secondly: Over inflate the tube (within reason) to stretch it out some. This will enable the tube to stretch and should allow the tube to fill all voids of the tire. If you should still have problems after attempting these two steps, than Mickey Thompson suggests the following: Drill another hole in the racing rim 5/8 in diameter near the center of the rim. Mickey Thompson strongly suggests you consult the rim manufacturer before doing this. Remember to clean the rim and debur the hole, we also suggest that you place duct tape over the original hole inside the rim, should you choose to do this.

I have a soft spot on the sidewall of my drag tire, and I have tubes, what is causing this?

Two possible causes of this are wrong tube size, or faulty tube installation.

Should my Mickey Thompson slicks be balanced?

Yes. We suggest static or Bubble balancing. Dynamic or Spin balancing, a bias ply slick will work best only if the slick does not deform. In racing the tire goes through many changes in shape. Launching, the tire wrinkles and squats. As the car goes towards the top end, the tire begins to egg shape. A static balance assures the tire is balanced around the circumference as it deforms.

Are Mickey Thompson drag slicks directional?

Mickey Thompson bias ply drag slicks are non directional. New tires that require running directional will have rotation arrows to signify this. Radial tires are directional.

How do I get maximum performance out of my Mickey Thompson slicks?

Check air pressure every pass. Do not overheat in burnout. Rotate as needed. Replace tires if weather checking appears.

How long will my Mickey Thompson drag slicks last?

This will vary from car to car. Inconsistent 60? and 330? times caused by tread wear or carcass break down will be your signals to change the tires. Your tires have wear indicators in the tread to give you an idea of how much rubber is left on the tire. Cars that launch hard can cause the carcass material to break down. You should inspect your tires every 30 passes. More frequently in high horsepower cars.

TRUCK TIRE QUESTIONS

What are the differences between a radial and a bias belted tire?

The body plies are perpendicular to the bead on radial tires. On bias and bias belted tires, they are at an angle (bias) to the bead, which greatly increases sidewall strength and durability. The belt on a bias belted or radial tires improves tread stability and helps reduce rolling resistance which is the radial tires main feature. M/T’s construction sandwiches the belts between the body plies, which improves ride and virtually eliminates belt and ply separations. Sandwiched belt construction is unique to M/T tires only.

What are some benefits of using a radial tire?

Radial tires offer two primary benefits:

• Reduced rolling resistance for better mileage and tread life.
• Weak sidewall to absorb road feel.

Why would I choose to use a wide tire? Why would I choose a narrow tire?

Wide tires offer a unique look which many people desire. Beyond looks, wide tires are used where flotation and stability is desired. Narrow tires are used where traction, primarily in muddy conditions, is desired.

The Sidebiter® sidewall on the Mickey Thompson Baja tires are unique in their appearance. What functions do they serve?

1. Protect the sidewall from damage by rocks, branches, twigs, curbs, etc.
2. Aid flotation and traction when in soft terrain.
3. Increase gripping tread by up to 50% in off road applications.

What is the maximum weight it should take to balance my tire?

The industry standard is approx. 2% of the tire weight. Our standard is approx. 1% of the tire weight. Tires with excessive balance weight can be replaced under our adjustment policy within the first 10% of tread wear.

Why do some tires wear so fast and unevenly?

1. Improper air pressure.
2. Wrong rim size.
3. Improper alignment.
4. Weak or worn suspension components. Note: Some stock front suspension components cannot handle the abuse of wheel and tire combos that are much larger than the o.e.m.
5. Over load.
6. Improper balance. Note: It is a good practice to have the tire and wheel assembly balanced each time you rotate your tires.

What is the best way to maintain maximum performance from my tires?

Use proper rim size. Maintain proper air pressure. Rotate the tires every 3000-5000 miles (if possible). Maintain proper alignment and replace worn front suspension components.