Blistering

Blistering in motorsport refers to tire damage that occurs when excessive heat causes bubbles to form on the tire surface, which then burst and tear away chunks of rubber.

When race car tires get too hot during competition, the rubber compound begins to soften and separate from the layers underneath. This creates raised bubbles or blisters on the tire's surface, similar to how your skin might blister from a burn. These blisters eventually pop open, leaving behind rough patches where rubber has been torn away.

Several factors can cause tire blistering. High track temperatures, aggressive driving with lots of sliding or spinning wheels, and using tires that are too soft for the conditions all generate excessive heat. Incorrect tire pressure settings can also contribute to the problem, as can certain car setup choices that put extra stress on the tires.

The effects of blistering are immediately noticeable to drivers and teams. The car loses grip because there's less smooth rubber touching the track surface. This makes the vehicle harder to control and significantly slower around the circuit. In severe cases, blistering can weaken the tire structure so much that it increases the risk of a dangerous tire failure.

Racing teams work hard to prevent blistering through careful tire selection, monitoring tire pressures closely, and adjusting the car's setup to reduce tire stress. Drivers may also need to modify their driving style to generate less heat in the tires, though this often means sacrificing some speed.

Blistering differs from another common tire problem called graining, where small rubber particles stick to the tire surface. While graining typically happens when tires are too cold, blistering is always a result of tires becoming too hot during use.