Melt off

Melt off is a term in motorsport that refers to either a gradual brake release technique, a type of tire degradation, or component failure due to extreme heat.

As a braking technique, melt off describes how drivers gradually ease off the brakes rather than releasing them suddenly. This smooth transition helps maintain the car's balance through corners and prevents wheels from locking up, which is crucial for maintaining control at high speeds.

In tire management, melt off occurs when tires overheat to the point where the rubber compound begins to literally melt and break away. This happens when drivers push too hard on tires that are too soft for conditions, resulting in chunks of rubber separating from the tire. Teams will often call a driver in for a pit stop when they detect this issue to prevent complete tire failure.