Wheels and tyres for a track day

[theboyfold]

I've got a Clio 182 which I'm keen to take on to the track. The advice that I've heard is the tyres and wheels are the things that take the most damage during the day. So I was looking to get some 2nd hand wheels and tyres for the day. I didn't want to spend too much so have been looking through eBay and there are some Renault 19 16v wheels which are going cheap.
So I've got a few questions and would appriciate some advice.

My tyres are currently 205/45 x 16, should I get exactly the same size or would 195/50 X 15 be ok?

Will I need any spacers if the wheels aren't the same size or is this dependant on the wheels?

Apart from the stud pattern, what else do I need to
look out for?

Thanks in advance!

[edc]

If you are going smaller make sure your brakes will fit. Make sure you use the correct bolts, pitch and length. You won't need spacers unless the offset is much different or unless the wheel design fouls the brakes.

[JonRB]

Don't forget that different wheel & tyre sizes may well have a different rolling circumference, in which case your speedo and mileometer will be incorrect. Not too much of a problem on track, but may have issues on the drive there and back (speedo) and misrepresenting the mileage on the car when you come to sell it (mileometer).

There is a website somewhere that helps you choose different wheel / tyre combos that help you keep the rolling circumference the same but I can't find it right now.

[theboyfold]

Cheers for the help guys, I was planning on driving there and back on the standard wheels and swapping them at the track.
As for speeds on the track the Road Angel should take care of that job, not too sure what I can do about the miles though.
Would be great if you could find that website!

[JonRB]

Google is your friend

Try this one:
www.web-cars.com/math/tiresize.html

[GreenV8S]

For a first track day I suggest you take it gently and concentrate on developing your technique rather than maximum tyre squeal, it will make things easier on the tyres, brakes and driver. If you take this sensible approach then wear and tear on the car will be minimal, there's no need to take spare tyres and so on.

Make sure that the car is in A1 condition to start with (plenty of life left in the brakes, fresh brake fluid, fluid levels all OK, tyre pressure and condition OK, plenty of tread left) and monitor the fluid levels, brake / tyre wear and temperatures throughout the day to pick up any small problems before they turn into big ones.

[theboyfold]

GreenV8S said:

For a first track day I suggest you take it gently and concentrate on developing your technique rather than maximum tyre squeal, it will make things easier on the tyres, brakes and driver. If you take this sensible approach then wear and tear on the car will be minimal, there's no need to take spare tyres and so on. Make sure that the car is in A1 condition to start with (plenty of life left in the brakes, fresh brake fluid, fluid levels all OK, tyre pressure and condition OK, plenty of tread left) and monitor the fluid levels, brake / tyre wear and temperatures throughout the day to pick up any small problems before they turn into big ones.

Sensible advice, just what I was after! the car is only a few months old and I want to make sure I don't do any damage to it and advice had been that the tyres take the most hammering.
not fussed about being the fastest on the track or getting maxium 'squeal' from the car, just want a drive that I can't achieve on the road.
ps: Going to a novices day so hopefully won't get in the way too much!!

[JonRB]

theboyfold said:

Sensible advice, just what I was after! the car is only a few months old and I want to make sure I don't do any damage to it and advice had been that the tyres take the most hammering.

The tyres only take a hammering if you drive unsympathetically and/or exceed their limit of adhesion a lot (ie. lots of squealing, smoke, slides, etc.)

Driven sensibly, there is no reason why you should trash them. Yes, wear will be higher which means you will get less mileage out of them before having to change them and they will wear less evenly (ie. on a clockwise circuit your front-left will show higher wear) but the cost of one or more tyres replaced early is far less than the cost of a second set of wheels and tyres.

[denisb]

Back to the question.

195 50 15's are a VERY good size to pick because they are popular, easily available and generally the cheapest 'performance' size you can get.

Some people might come up with some cobblers about reduced footprint etc etc etc but there is going to be negligible difference.

If you go for a track orientated tyre (eg Toyo Proxes R888's) then they are are going more grip in the dry than you ever thought possible.

Good luck and have fun.

[theboyfold]

Thanks for the advice, I'm waiting on some wheels on eBay at the moment, which are that size...