If you’re a racing fan, perhaps moisture meters aren’t the first thing you associate with motorsports as you watch the racing cars hurtling around the track, listening to the very familiar, high-pitched, loud engine roar and the sound of screeching tyres… However, the Wayne Taylor Racing trackside team, trying to optimise lap times and squeeze every ounce of performance out of the racing car, will tell you that moisture control is a critical consideration.

Tyres. It all comes down to the tyres but more specifically, fluctuating tyre pressure is often one of the limiting factors of vehicle performance. Therefore, to be a race winner, it is vitally important that tyre pressure is consistent and moisture is a key factor in optimising tyre pressures.

Moisture in tyres? Really?

Yes. Tyres are fitted “cold”, hence the need for warm up laps. As excess moisture inside the tyre heats up during a race, it vaporises, which causes significant fluctuations in tyre pressure. These pressure variations make the car’s handling unpredictable and can compromise overall performance on the track. Ideally, all four tyres should have as similar gas composition as possible.

The track or racing body will also set minimum tyre pressure standards for safety based on the track and conditions. These standards must be met; otherwise, racing teams incur a time penalty that no team can afford at a professional racing level.

Excess moisture can also have a negative impact on the tyres’ built-in pressure monitoring sensors, potentially interfering with or damaging them, impeding data quality and possibly resulting in disastrous unplanned pit stops.

Due to the variable trackside conditions, a small amount of moisture in the tyres is inevitable. However, with a handheld hygrometer, moisture can be measured reliably in racing car tyres, thereby removing the inconsistencies which compromise correct tyre pressure control, to minimise the risk of performance related problems during races.

Selecting the appropriate moisture measurement instrument improves overall efficiency and helps identify potential moisture issues before they impact performance, such as loss of grip and handling. The SDHmini hygrometer is fast, reliable and accurate. Its unique desiccant head assembly keeps the sensor dry for fast, reliable readings and uninterrupted use trackside.

Find out more about how the Shaw SDHmini handheld hygrometer has helped the tyre performance of Wayne Taylor Racing.