Warming Up Your Cold Tires

Initial Tire Warming Phase: Extreme Cold Conditions

When tires are extremely cold, the warming process must follow a specific sequence. The first priority is to get temperature into the brakes through controlled acceleration and braking, not through weaving maneuvers. During this initial phase, approach every input with extreme caution.

Key characteristics of the initial warming phase:

• Heavy braking to generate brake temperature

• Minimal turning inputs

• Very cautious throttle application

• Little to no weaving initially

Inducing Understeer on Cold Tires

Inducing understeer on cold tires is an extremely useful technique during the warm-up process. In the first corners, deliberately apply throttle mid-corner to create understeer. This technique serves multiple purposes: it prevents overstressing the cold rear tires and allows you to build temperature gradually without risking a spin.

Apply this technique consistently through early corners with very minimal weaving, as the tires are still too cold for aggressive lateral inputs.

Building Longitudinal Temperature

On long straights, focus on building brake temperature through repeated acceleration and braking cycles. This process develops longitudinal temperature in the tires before introducing more aggressive lateral movements. The sequence is critical: first get temperatures on the brakes, then build longitudinal temperature, and only later introduce more aggressive weaving as the tires warm up.

The danger of premature weaving:

• Tires are too cold and may cause an immediate spin

• Aggressive scrubbing on super cold tires will actually damage the tires

• Risk of destroying tire integrity before the race even begins

Progressive Weaving Technique

As tires reach medium temperature, weaving can become progressively more aggressive. You'll notice the transition point when the tires begin to respond positively to lateral inputs. At this stage, the tires will benefit from weaving, and the risk of damage decreases significantly.

Continue to combine weaving with acceleration and braking cycles. When you accelerate aggressively, you generate temperature on the rear tires. When you brake, you get temperature on all four tires because the brakes warm up and that temperature spreads out to the tire.

Testing Grip Levels

As the warm-up process continues, progressively test the grip levels by:

• Increasing weaving aggression gradually

• Braking harder into corners

• Continuing to induce understeer initially, then transitioning to full throttle

• Approaching corner speeds closer to race pace

Monitor the car's response carefully. When the car begins responding predictably to inputs, you can be way more aggressive with the weaving and braking. The feeling of the car getting up to temperature is a critical sensory cue.

Final Warm-Up Phase

In the final stages of tire warm-up, transition from inducing understeer to full acceleration through corners. At this point, accelerate as hard as possible to generate even more temperature on the rear tires. Continue the braking and accelerating cycles, but be mindful not to overheat the tires.

Test grip levels by taking corners progressively quicker, approaching actual race pace. Some corners that will eventually be taken flat may still require lifting in the early stages, even with warmed tires. The goal is to reach the starting grid with tires at optimal temperature without overheating them.

Formation Lap Considerations

When multiple formation laps are available, you can afford to be more progressive with the warming process. Use the additional time to methodically build temperature through the proper sequence: brakes first, longitudinal temperature second, and finally aggressive weaving as the tires reach working temperature.