Tires are comprised of many layers of rubber, steel
and fabric. Due to these different components,
your new tires require a “break-in” period to
ensure that they deliver their normal ride quality
and maximum performance.
As tires are cured, a “release
lubricant” is applied
to prevent them from sticking in their mold. Some
of the lubricant stays on the surface of your
tires, reducing traction until it is worn away. Five
hundred miles of easy acceleration, cornering and
braking will allow the mold release lubricant to
wear off, allowing the other tire components to
begin working together.
It is also important to note that your old tires probably
had very little tread depth remaining when you felt
it was time to replace
them. As any autocrosser or
racer who has tread rubber shaved off of his tires
will tell you, “low tread depth tires respond quicker.”
Don’t be surprised if your new tires are a little slower
to respond (even if you use the exact same tire as
before). Their new, full depth brings with it a little
more tread squirm until they wear down.