How To Read and Mount Go Kart Tires For Your Go-Kart-A Guide To Kart Tires

Go karting is hugely popular among kids but did you know adults are addicted as well? Go kart racing is big business and people from all ages are taking part. The go-cart has been around since the 1950′s and they have always needed tires to move generally. Not all go karts are powered by engines but all have to be able to roll and that is where the go kart tire comes into play. Much like a bicycle tire kart tires are made of rubber compounds and can be tubeless or used with a tube. There are all sorts of cart tires from racing slicks to off road knobby tires.

How To Read Go Kart Tires

Tire sizes on go-karts read different than that of a vehicle/car that you are used to reading. Go cart tire sizes read like ATV tires which will look like this 4.10×3.50-4 as opposed to that of a car which reads like this 225/50/16. Here is some instruction on reading go-cart tires sizes.

Look for the tire size on the sidewall of the tire – it will read like this 4.10×3.50-4
The first number (4.10) is the height of the tire in inches so 4.10 inches in this example
The second number is the tire width so in this example it would be the (3.50) inches
The last number is the go kart wheel size for which the tire will be mounted so it is 4 inches in this example

Go-Kart Tire Brands

There are several go cart tire manufacturers and finding one is relatively simple with online buying. Here is a list of tire makers for the go kart industry.

G Kart Tire Patterns

Go Kart Racing Tires

There are 2 types of go kart track racing tires which are SLICKS for dry racing and RAINS which are grooved for wet racing.

SLICKS are designed to adhere as much rubber to the track surface as possible to ensure maximum grip when racing. Slick go kart racing tires are made of several compounds that help keep the tire sticking to the track.
RAINS are grooved for wet racing which allows only parts of the tire to adhere to the track allowing less chance of slipping or the tire breaking free in corners.

How To Mount Go Kart Tires

Mounting go kart tires can be tedious and a bit of a challenge considering the wheels are one piece. If this is your first time doing it allow most of the day to get it right as it is a time consuming process. Some go cart tires mount easier than others depending on the brand and make of the wheels used.
WARNING: IF YOU HAVE NEVER USED A TIRE MACHINE THEN MAKE SURE YOU HAVE A PROFESSIONAL OR EXPERIENCED PERSON THERE TO HELP YOU. IT IS A DANGEROUS MACHINE AND NOT TO BE TAKEN LIGHTLY

Heat the tire up by using a heater or perhaps the sun. Let the air out of the tire and remove the valve
Lay the wheel out so the short side is upward facing. Put the wheel in the bead breaker and slide the tire off the rim. Repeat on the other side removing tire without using tire irons.
Roll the top of the tire away from you while also pushing the bottom bead over the rim. Then roll wheel over and work the tire off of the rim. TIP: Hold the rim with one hand and work the tire off the rim with the other
Get the new tire warm and use some sort of tire lube or soap solution on outside edges of tire to slide it on wheel easier. Turn wheel over and do the same on the other side.
Set the tire and wheel on tire mounting ring and secure it to the ring with the band
Get the tire band on the floor and get the openings situated from left to right. Fill the tire with air until it pops twice then release the pump air out the tires. TIP: Be prepared for loud pops like a gun as this is normal. Also be sure it is sealed all the way around the rim and there is no gap otherwise you need to start over.
Finally attach the valve stem and then air up your tire ……..your ready to roll!

Popular Go Kart Tire Sizes

Size     Ply  Diameter   width   rim   width  PSI

11X3.60-5  4    11.0      3.8    3.00   50    365
12X4.00-5  4    11.8      3.9    3.25   50    380
13X4.00-6  4    12.7      3.9    3.25   50    445

 9X3.50-4        4        8.9                3.0            2.5         50       230

9X3.50-4 4 8.9 3.0 2.5 50 230
2.80/2.50 4 8.8 2.6 2.25 50 295
8X3.00-4 4 7.8 2.8 2.5 50 300
4.10/3.50-4 4 10.3 3.7 2.5 50 350
3.40/3.00-5 4 10.4 3.6 3.0 50 365
4.10/3.50-5 4 11.4 3.9 3.25 50 380
10X4.50-5 4 10.0 5.2 4.5 14 130
11X350-5 4 10.7 3.8 2.7 50 265
11X4.50-5 4 11.0 3.9 2.7 30 250
11X6.00-5 4 10.7 7.3 6.8 14 185
11X8.00-5 4 10.7 8.3 8.3 14 200
4.10/3.50-6 4 12.4 4.1 3.25 50 445

To find go-kart tires there are several options for you to take advantage of. Ebay and Amazon have several options for you no matter what size kart tire you need. Racing tires will require more in depth searching. You may try a local ATV shop or order online from various go kart sites.