How can I tell when slicks are worn vs just need a different driving style?

[Donald_G]

I’ve been running a set of used slicks on my Formula Ford for a few test days, and I’m starting to notice the grip fall off isn’t as predictable as it was when they were fresh. How do you guys judge when a tire is truly gone versus just needing a different driving style to manage the degradation?

[Aaron49]

I’ve noticed the grip fade creeping in after a few laps, not the clean drop you get when they’re fresh. It feels like the rubber just loses some bite and then can be twitchy in a way that isn’t easy to predict.

[PatrickC]

We kept a tiny notebook: lap times, braking distances, and the point where the rear started to talk back. When those signals shift after 6 to 8 laps, we figure that session’s done for that set.

[Gregory63]

I tried tweaking pressure and trying different apex paths to coax a more consistent breakaway, but the results were muddy. Sometimes it got a little better, sometimes worse, and the trend never settled.

[Robert13]

Are you sure the issue isn’t something else creeping in like suspension preload or aero balance shifting with heat?