RC Tyres, Wheels & Inserts

We have listed products we recommend below.

(Q) What is tyre additive: An RC car tire additive (commonly called tire sauce or traction compound) is a chemical liquid applied directly to foam or rubber radio-controlled car tires to temporarily increase traction and overall grip on the track.

How It Works

• Softens the Rubber: The chemical solution breaks down the outer surface layer of the tire slightly, making the compound more pliable and sticky.
• Cleans Deep Contaminants: It lifts embedded dirt, dust, and microscopic debris out of the pores of the rubber.
• Conditions Foam Tires: On foam tires (often used on carpet or asphalt pan cars), it conditions the foam to compress and grip the surface evenly.

Common Types

• Odorless / Low-Odor Additives: Water-based or modern chemical compounds (such as SXT 3.0 or CS High Grip) designed specifically for indoor tracks with strict ventilation rules.
• Winter / Cold-Weather Sauces: Formulated with aggressive solvents to condition rubber when track temperatures are low.
• Oil-Based / Traditional Compounds: Petroleum-based blends (like Mighty Gripper or Paragon Ground Effects) that provide heavy softening, often restricted at indoor venues due to strong fumes.

Basic Application Process

1. Clean the Tire: Wipe off loose dust and oil using dedicated motor cleaner or brake cleaner.
2. Apply the Sauce: Dab or roll the additive onto the tire tread evenly using a dauber bottle or brush.
3. Soak Period: Allow the liquid to absorb into the rubber for 5 to 20 minutes (depending on track conditions and rubber hardness).
4. Wipe Dry: Thoroughly wipe off excess additive using a paper towel before placing the car on the track to avoid flinging liquid onto the racing surface.

(Q) What is SH (Shore Rating)? A Shore rating (or Shore hardness) measures the flexibility and resistance of a material—specifically rubber, foam, and polymers. In RC racing, it indicates how hard or soft a tire compound is.

How the Rating Works

Shore ratings are measured using a tool called a durometer, which presses a spring-loaded needle into the material to measure penetration depth:

• Lower Number (e.g., 30 Shore): Softer compound. Generates immediate traction and grip, but wears out faster and can overheat on high-grip tracks.
• Higher Number (e.g., 42 Shore): Harder compound. Provides less raw grip, but lasts longer, keeps the car stable, and prevents traction rolling on high-bite surfaces.