** WD-40 as traction additive **
06-04-2002, 09:34 AM
#1
** WD-40 as traction additive **
I've been doing some comparisons of traction additive for rubber tires on asphalt type tracks and found that WD40 is working wonders for the traction. So far I've compared it to "Ground Effects" and it has proven to be MUCH better.
Just curious if anyone knows WHY it works so much better. Please feel free to share your own experiences with traction additives as well it's effects on the rubber compound of tires.
Just curious if anyone knows WHY it works so much better. Please feel free to share your own experiences with traction additives as well it's effects on the rubber compound of tires.
06-04-2002, 11:33 AM
#2
g-spec- how do you use it? do you leave it on for a few mins and then wipe off, or just spray it onto a cloth and wipe the tires?
06-04-2002, 11:55 AM
#3
??!!??!!
I have heard that Traction compounds have a similar content to WD-40 anyways. But I cannot prove it. But it seems right. I use WD-40 when its time to store my Vector foam tires for long periods (i.e Winter). I have not used it as traction compound yet. This weekend is my first rubber tire race in ages and I'll try it. Dont know how useful it will be on performance onbrushed concrete outdoors though. Probably just make tires wear out faster, but not be any faster!!!
06-04-2002, 04:45 PM
#4
I use WD-40 all the time as a traction additive. Mainly because it last the whole race with out wearing off. The traction you have at the start is the traction you have at the finish.
Ian S- I spray it onto a rag and wipe it onto the tires. To gain lots of traction(or if you have the time) you just wipe it on and leave it to dry on its own. If you don't need that much extra grip(or if your short on time) wipe it on, then a few minutes later, wipe it off with a dry rag.
Between WD-40 and SimpleGreen. Those are the only additives I use on my tires. Well those and my magic pixie traction dust!
Ian S- I spray it onto a rag and wipe it onto the tires. To gain lots of traction(or if you have the time) you just wipe it on and leave it to dry on its own. If you don't need that much extra grip(or if your short on time) wipe it on, then a few minutes later, wipe it off with a dry rag.
Between WD-40 and SimpleGreen. Those are the only additives I use on my tires. Well those and my magic pixie traction dust!
06-04-2002, 06:36 PM
#5
I just received my July issue of RC CAR, and it has some tire care tips, and it basically says to clean the tires off with motor spray, then spay WD-40 on a rag and wipe the tires before a race. I'm assuming its probably 20-30 min before the start. I havent used WD-40 yet, and I'm curious to try. In the article they even suggest storing the tires in plastic baggies to keep the oil in the tires from drying out. Makes sense since the tires come packaged this way.
06-04-2002, 06:50 PM
#6
WD40 does soften the rubber as well as foam compound !!
06-04-2002, 09:16 PM
#7
Tech Initiate
From what I've heard, WD-40 is just Kerosene and Parafin wax. If this is true, then it's probably the Kerosene that's softening up the rubber - as most organic solvents are apt to do.
06-04-2002, 10:37 PM
#8
Tech Apprentice
soak a rubber band in some kerosene, and then try to pull it apart. damned near impossible! kerosene, for some reason, works as a bonding agent i think for rubber.i fattens the rubber up, and moistens it to make it stick better. wd-40, that green stuff, and pretty much any type of oil should work on the tires. I have heard that motor oil, 3in1 oil, and also straight kerosne will work.
06-04-2002, 10:56 PM
#9
have you tried wheel bearing grease? i smeared it on generously and let it sit for a few minutes. then i took a few practice runs. durring this time most of it spun off and i my traction went from horrible to almost average. it made quite a mess and really added seconds to my lap time. i'm gonna switch to something else. 
06-04-2002, 11:18 PM
#10
Originally posted by seaball
have you tried wheel bearing grease? i smeared it on generously and let it sit for a few minutes. then i took a few practice runs. durring this time most of it spun off and i my traction went from horrible to almost average. it made quite a mess and really added seconds to my lap time. i'm gonna switch to something else.
have you tried wheel bearing grease? i smeared it on generously and let it sit for a few minutes. then i took a few practice runs. durring this time most of it spun off and i my traction went from horrible to almost average. it made quite a mess and really added seconds to my lap time. i'm gonna switch to something else.
06-04-2002, 11:32 PM
#11
Tech Regular
ive heard that wd-40 softens the tires, what i do is apply ground effects to a towel and whipe on and let set for at least 5min it seems to work for me
06-05-2002, 12:46 AM
#12
Is there an around the house sort of thing (i.e. like wd40) that you can use on foams that gains you traction? Does wd40 work on foams? Thanks. 
06-05-2002, 01:26 AM
#13
Originally posted by fatdoggy
Is there an around the house sort of thing (i.e. like wd40) that you can use on foams that gains you traction? Does wd40 work on foams? Thanks.
Is there an around the house sort of thing (i.e. like wd40) that you can use on foams that gains you traction? Does wd40 work on foams? Thanks.
wintergreen is another alternative.
06-05-2002, 01:43 AM
#14
Try Coppertone SPF-15 sunscreen lotion. Just rub it in the foam and let it sit for a few minutes and then wipe it off. It works really well to increase the traction and to condition the foam. Works just as well as those stinky compounds and it doesnt dry out the foam.
I/we used to use it back in '96 for 1/10 electric pan till I quit R/C.
I/we used to use it back in '96 for 1/10 electric pan till I quit R/C.
06-05-2002, 03:09 AM
#15
Do these work for carpet as well? Thanks for the info guys. 