Breaking In Your New Tires

Tuesday, June 22, 2010 by Roger Laughlin
A question we often get from our customers is, “Do I need to break in my new tires?" The answer is yes! It is highly recommended that you follow a break-in procedure whenever you purchase a new set of tires.

Easy cornering, braking, and acceleration for the first five hundred miles usually works best. Braking in your new tires this way allows the various components (rubber, steel, and fabric) used in the construction of the tire to slowly work together and to perform their duties within the tire to deliver maximum performance and ride quality.

In addition, it allows the lubricants used to release tires from their molds to wear off the surface of the new tire. Until this lubricant wears away, your new tires will have a reduced level of traction, especially in wet conditions.

By following the tire break-in procedure outlined above, you will set your new tires up for the best possible performance and to deliver results to meet your expectations! For more information on tire break-in and other related tire topics, please visit our web site.

Comments on Breaking In Your New Tires

Tuesday, September 28, 2010 by Jim Pfoh:
Hi. I recently put 4 BF Goodrich Long Trail TA's (235/75 R17) on 2007 F-150 4x4. I have some mild vibration in the steering wheel. The shop re-calibrated the balancing machine and rebalanced the tires but I feel the vibration at slower speeds. They said it's the way the tire reacts to the road in this truck. I had Hankook DynaPro AT's and I never felt this before. There is about 250 miles on the new rubber. Will this mellow during the break in period or should I have them swap for OEM tires, or will that even make a difference. Your input is greatly appreciated. Thanks Jim
Tuesday, September 28, 2010 by Roger:
Dear Mr. Pfoh, Unfortunately vibration does not improve as the tires break in. There are many possible causes. We have created a vibration Diagnosis Flow Chart that may be of help to you in finding a solution. http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiretech/techpage.jsp?techid=49&
Friday, August 19, 2011 by Sam:
I recently bought a new set of tires, had them mounted and balanced and now the car feels very loose. It feels like I'm in a boat when I switch lanes at high way speeds. Would breaking in the tires solve this issue?

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