Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric Tyre
Day 11
For a long time I’ve avoided covered shoes because it gives me blisters at the back of my foot. But as part of my job, I have to dress rather formally everyday (think G2000 and Giordano Ladies), complete with a blazer and of course, covered shoes.
Hence, my work shoes are typically those classic black business-type low-heeled pumps. My latest pair is this set of glossy pumps from Charles & Keith with a wedged heel for more balance. Usually, in an attempt to “break in” the shoes, my mum will use wax to run along the edges of the shoes to soften the leather so that the material can reform to fit the feet over an initial period.
In the same analogy, all new tyres like new shoes require a running-in period. How to run in? Basically just drive moderately for the first 125 – 500 miles (200 – 800 kilometres) and do not execute any hard acceleration or sudden braking if you want optimal traction levels.
It’s just like wearing new heels – the leather (or whatever material your heels are made of) feels stiff and you need time to adjust to them instead of immediately running or jumping in them (yes, I am quite capable of running for the bus or train in my three-inchers, once broken in).
Doing this also allows you to adapt your driving style to the new tyres (like how you tend to walk differently in different pairs of heels). Especially if your previous set was quite worn out, you might notice your car behaving differently with the new set.
In addition, a tyre needs to be seated on the wheel and this isn’t fully achieved when the tyre is just fitted on. Thus the need to drive with more caution than usual so as to complete the running-in process.
When new, a tyre has a very smooth surface and to obtain optimum grip, this smooth surface needs to be worn off. But please do not try to shorten the run-in process by getting some abrasive material to scrub away the first layer.
I’m not saying that you have to drive slowly for the first 800km, but if you want to improve long-term tyre performance, then maybe you should just tolerate some sort of run-in period for your new tyres.
This glossy pair of heels of mine? I didn’t let my mum do her usual waxing thing and now I’m being “punished” in the form of blisters and backaches. I later did wax it, but it didn’t seem to work. That’s how significant a run-in period can be.
I’ve just cleared the 500km mark yesterday, and can now declare my new tyres “ran-in”. I feel the ride is a lot steadier and so there’s an increased element of safety as well. No, I’m not going to immediately push the car and go screeching round tight bends. But I’ll be sure to inform and update once I do. Grin 
