Technical Information
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 nominally section height (inches), section width (inches) and bead diameter (inches).
N.B. Certain rules call for maximum overall width to include rims.
Fitment/direction of rotation
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:
| CROSSPLY | ||
|
All tyres must be fitted to the designated wheel diameter only. For example: 180/55R17 - 17" RIM ONLY, 195/60R420 - 420 mm (16.5") RIM ONLY |
||
| Formula Ford | ||
| Inward/Outward | ↑ | Inward/Outward |
| RWD | ||
| Inward/Outward | ↑ | Outward/Inward |
| FWD | ||
| Outward/Inward | ↑ | Inward/Outward |
| ARAMID D89/D96/D92/D93 | ||
| Inward/Inward | ↑ | Inward/Inward |
| RADIAL | ||
|
All tyres must be fitted to the designated wheel diameter only. For example: 180/55R17 - 17" RIM ONLY, 195/60R420 - 420 mm (16.5") RIM ONLY |
||
| No drive arrows | ||
| Outward/Outward | ↑ | Outward/Outward |
| Drive arrows | ||
| Drive axle | - | Non-drive axel |
| Motorcycle | ||
| Outward/Inward | - | Inward/Outward |
Tyre care
Tyres should be stored in a controlled environment with cool temperatures above 0°C 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, or use our service facilities at events or at our Birmingham base.
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 40 psi (2.7 bar). If the tyre does not seat, deflate it, re-centre the beads, relubricate and reinflate to 40 psi. If again seating is not achieved "place assembly in a SAFETY CAGE" and slowly inflate to a MAXIMUM of 65 psi. 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.
Personal preference adjustment is then necessary but pressures should not be reduced significantly from those recommended without reference to DUNLOP.
Pressures do vary from one category to another, e.g.
| Inflation Pressure Guide | ||
| Category | Pressure | |
| Single Seater | Front & Rear: 18psi (1.2 bar) | |
| Saloon Car (FWD) | Front 27psi (1.9 bar) | |
| Saloon Car (FWD) | Rear 26psi (1.8 bar) | |
| Touring Car (FWD) | Front 21psi (1.4 bar) | |
| Touring Car (FWD) | Rear 23psi (1.6 bar) | |
| Sports/GT/RWD Touring Car | Front & Rear: 22psi (1.5 bar) | |
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 Dunlop Motorsport Division on any fitment outside the recommended rims.
Advice
Always available on suitable fitments, compounds, patterns and construction suitability. Please click here to contact the Motorsport division.
Fitting service (UK only)
Our Motorsport division services over 100 events per season, and at each, a F.O.C. fitting is available for Dunlop Motorsport products, while tyres can be delivered to any of these events for you.
The right to charge is reserved for balancing, valves and special services such as grooving - and will depend on work load.
A fitting and grooving service is also available at Fort Dunlop by appointment only. Please click here to contact the Motorsport division.
Ordering (UK only)
If you are in doubt as to which tyre you will need, contact Motorsport Division for advice. Reordering is even simpler, just quote size, compound, construction and pattern. A next day delivery service is available at minimal extra cost. The opening of account facilities is encouraged subject to the usual credit checks, and Mastercard and Visa are both welcomed.
Inflation pressure conversion:
PSI to BAR: divide by 14.7
Bar to PSI multiply by 14.7
CORRECT TYRE SELECTION, FITMENT AND MAINTENANCE IS ESSENTIAL FOR SAFETY.
The policy of Dunlop Tyres Ltd. is one of continuing development. Consequently we reserve the right to change or amend specifications without prior notice. For further information please contact Dunlop Motorsport: motorsport@dunloptyres.com
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