Best Tires for Drifting

Having fun has become an integral part of the locomotive industry since the introduction of sports cars. And drifting is a part of this. Drifting is practiced by motorists and other daredevils when they are faced with a corner. Even though drifting slows down acceleration, it has become an enviable culture. Drifting of cars or motorcycles mostly happens on empty tracks or spacious parking lots. You need a vehicle that matches your expensive drifting tires. And the advisable vehicle is the sports car. Sports cars have a robust configuration for the rear wheels. You need low resistance and rolling tires if you aim to engage in a drifting game. Drifting tires come with unique features such as the ability to withstand pressure and heat. But keep in mind that drifting tires cost more than regular tires.

Buying Guide; Best Tires for Drifting

A. Summer Rubber Compound

Choosing tires that will work in hot temperatures is the first and most important thing to consider when shopping for drifting tires. The temperature of the rubber increases when you are drifting quickly. This happens even when the air and the track are cold. Buying drifting tires that were not designed for hot temperatures will result in catastrophic failures like burning or explosion. For this reason, we recommend you buy summer tires for drifting. Some drivers might want to consider buying all-season drifting tires. These types of drifting tires are designed to give the driver an elevated driving experience over a while and weather. They can even be used in cold unfriendly weather conditions. On the downside, in high temperatures, these types of drifting tires lose their ability to perform. It’s for this reason that they are only recommended for a street drive and not on a track.

B. High-Performance Tires for Street Drivers

High-performance tires are designed to help street drivers with high performance. These tires are designed with stiffer sidewalls. At the limit, these sidewalls make them much more controllable. On the downside, high performance drifting tires are designed for street driving only. But again they are completely usable for everyday drifting. This gives them an advantage over regular drifting tires.

C. Ultra-High Performance Tires for Both Street and Track Drivers

The ultra-high performance tires are the next tires that are up the performance ladder. Just like their name suggests, they offer overall performance than normal high-performance tires. These are much more responsive. They also give much more information, through the steering wheel. Both on the street and on the track they have much higher levels of grip and traction. Their sidewalls are much stiffer and durable. And for better control, they are equipped with a sticky compound.

D. Maximum Performance for Drifting Enthusiasts

These drifting tires will do you street justice. On the other hand, they are also perfect for racing on the track. They offer better vehicle handling and superior performance by employing racing tire technologies. They are also designed with rigid sidewalks for better cornering. For enhanced grip and hold, they are also equipped with sticky rubber. They give mind-blowing driving focus and experience. During drifting, they hold down pressure and heat which prevents exploding.

E. Extreme Performance for Autocross and Tracks

These are designed with extra sticky treads and extra rough and stiff sidewalks. Their major function is to be used on radical drifting. This offers better car responsiveness, control, and accurate handling. With these tires, the driving experience is enhanced at the highest speed. And in the drifting arena, they are the longest-lasting tires. If we are talking resistance to heat and pressure, they also surpass all other brands or designs. On the downside, instead of on the streets, they only work best on track. They also have minimal hydroplaning resistance.

Top 6 Best Tires for Drifting of 2021

1. YOKOHAMA 285/30R20 99Y XL ADVAN APEX V601 BW

Top Pick

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Features

• load capacity of 1929 pounds
• Universal fit type
• 45 aspect ratio
• 20 inches of rim diameter

The YOKOHAMA ADVAN APEX V601 BW is a product of YOKOHAMA Tire Corporation. Similar to other brands, it is famous for being affordable while offering quality to your driving experience. It further lets you enjoy your driving experience with its comfortable and noiseless design. While performing your drifting skills, it will offer your vehicle a perfect hold. This feature offers stability and control over your car. With the YOKOHAMA 285/30R20 drifting tires, the response of your car will be fast and accurate.

Pros

• Has the capability of perfect handling when fitting
• It also has a better grip and holds when drifting
• It also works perfectly in rainy weather conditions
• Tread wear assurance is worth 25,000 miles

Cons

• Doesn’t fit on very large vehicles

2. MICHELIN 180/55ZR-1773W Road 5 Touring Radial Tire

Top Pick

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Features

• Weighs 6 pounds
• Radially constructed
• Universal fit type
• the load capacity of 3029 pounds

The MICHELIN 180/55ZR-1773W Road 5 Touring Radial Tire is a product of MICHELIN Corporation. Both amateurs and professional drivers recommend this universal acclaimed tire. It is loved by enthusiastic drivers around the world despite its higher asking price. It is a drifting tire that offers a superior wet weather grip. This model tops competitor tires because of its patented MICHELIN X5T Evo siping. This technology is accompanied by the latest 2CT and 2CT+ tread compounds. The MICHELIN 180/55ZR-1773W drifting tire is super controllable at a limit. This is because it is designed with outstanding responsiveness and sticky rubber.

Pros

• The handling ability is outstanding
• Grip and traction is exceptional
• High-speed stability is excellent
• Wet traction and braking is very good
• 30, 000-mile tread wear is excellent

Cons

• It cost a lot more than other drifting tires of its size and type

3. Continental ContiSportContact 5 Drifting Tire

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The Continental ContiSportContact 5 Drifting Tire is a product of Continental Corp, a company with more than 100 years in production and development. This is another premium maximum performance drifting tire that performs outstandingly. The versatile and easy-rolling profile of the Continental ContiSportContact 5 adapts perfectly to any surface. It also has excellent responsiveness. The reaction to the steering is lightning fast.

Pros

• The Continental ContiSportContact 5 has an outstanding responsiveness
• Grip and traction are of high levels
• At the limit, they are easily controllable
• Wet traction, grip, and braking are also excellent

Cons

• The Continental ContiSportContact 5 doesn’t come with a treadwear warranty

4. Yokohama Geolander 275/65R18 116H AT GO15 Redial Tire

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The Yokohama Geolander AT GO15 is another excellent Drifting Tire from the YOKOHAMA Company. It is one of the best budget-oriented drifting tires on the market right now. At a fraction of the price of its premium competitors, it offers an amazing driving experience. On the level of the best premium maximum performance drifting tires, it offers excellent responsiveness. The Yokohama Geolander AT GO15 also has an amazing grip and traction. The grip and traction help in controllability while drifting your vehicle.

Pros

• Handling ability is excellent
• It is very good for wet weather conditions
• Traction and grip is excellent
• Outstanding high-speed stability.

Cons

• Reports of wearing after being for a couple of thousand miles

5. Bridgestone P245/45RF 17 Potenza RE97AS Run Flat Tire

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The Bridgestone Potenza RE97AS Run Flat Tire is an ideal choice for drivers looking for a high performance drifting tire. This model offers all-season confidence. It is far from a cheap drifting tire, though it is cheaper than other tires like the Pilot sport 4S. The handling of the Bridgestone Potenza RE97AS is second to none and that is why it is one of our favorite drifting tires.

Pros

• It’s one of the best in class for car drifting
• The capability of handling is excellent
• It has outstanding high-speed stability
• They can be used in wet conditions

6. F FITYLE 4X RC Model Racing Car Rubber Drifting Tires

This is a wear-resistant and high strength drifting tire from F Fityle Corporation. The F FITYLE 4X RC is made of rubber. It is also designed with shockproof tire patterns that make it durable in use. They are also easy to install on the rim. The F FITYLE 4X RC is often used as original drifting tires on some sports cars or sports sedans. They can also be used to replace old or broken drifting tires.

Pros

• Handling is very precise and controllable
• Quite good responsive sidewalls
• It is suitable for one to ten scale RC car
• Grip and traction are very excellent
• Very quiet
• Can also be used for autocross

Cons

• There are not many sizes for this model
• A tread wear warranty is also not offered for this model

FAQs

Q. How does it feel driving a car on drift-designed tires?

A. first of all, drift designed tires have the smallest tread groove on the market. The purpose of this design is to reduce the hold they have on the surface to enable the drift. Their middle ribs are sturdy with a stiff rubbed. These features are for longevity and make the tire stronger.

Q. When drifting is there a specific model to use?

A. any model of a tire can drift. The crucial part comes with selecting the car to use. At the same time, you are required to choose quality, high performing, and firm tires. This functionality gives driving control while keeping the temperature down. Drifting can be performed by the front, back, or even a four-wheel drive car.

Recommendation

As you might know, we have included high-quality tires from reputable manufacturers when choosing the best tires for drifting. Very cheap tires will quickly burst or explode and this is especially true for drifting tires. Do yourself a favor by buying drifting tires from well-recognized manufacturers. Always keep in mind that you are paying for premium performance if the prices seem to be too high for you.