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How to Enable Iracing Tire Model

Answers to how to enable iracing tire model for iRacing drivers — why it’s not a user switch and 5 quick steps to make sure the sim uses correct tire physics.

If you’re asking “how to enable iracing tire model,” the short answer is: you usually don’t toggle it — iRacing applies the tire model per car/version automatically. You’re in the right place to fix this fast. Below I’ll explain what’s happening and give clear steps to make sure the correct tire physics are active.

Quick Answer

There is no global on/off switch in iRacing for the tire model. iRacing ships each car with its specific tire model and the simulator applies it automatically. To “enable” it, update iRacing, install the latest car build, and ensure session settings (like tire wear) and your setup allow the tire behavior to show up.

What’s Really Going On

iRacing’s tire physics are built into the car’s model and server-side code. When iRacing changes the tire model for a car, that change is delivered via a car update. Many users think there’s a preference setting; there isn’t. Symptoms that make you feel the tire model isn’t working include no visible temp/wear changes, flat handling, or telemetry that looks constant — but most of the time the cause is an outdated build, session settings hiding wear, or telemetry/display settings.

Step-by-Step Fix

  1. Update iRacing now: Open the iRacing launcher and apply all updates. Car/physics changes come through updates.
  2. Update the car: In the Content tab, make sure the specific car is updated. If the car got a new tire model, it will show in the patch notes or content list.
  3. Check session settings: Make sure tire wear is enabled or set to a non-zero multiplier in race or practice session settings. Zero wear hides tire effects.
  4. Use the correct compound and pressures: Choose the right tire compound in the garage and set realistic starting pressures; otherwise temps/wear won’t behave normally.
  5. Restart the sim and test: Relaunch iRacing, load a practice session, drive a few laps, and monitor tire temps/wear on the HUD or telemetry.
  6. Check release notes: If you’re unsure whether a car uses a new tire model, read the car’s release notes on the iRacing forums or patch notes.

Extra Tips / Checklist

  • If a car still feels wrong, verify you downloaded the latest car patch — sometimes the launcher misses packages.
  • Don’t expect a separate “new tire model” toggle; focus on updates and session settings.
  • If using third-party telemetry, make sure it’s reading iRacing’s data (some apps need the sim running before they connect).
  • Low damage or stock setups can mask tire behavior; use a realistic setup and enable wear.
  • If you see no temp data on the HUD, enable the tire temp display in the garage HUD options or use telemetry output.

FAQs

Q: Can I turn the iRacing tire model off?
A: No — tire physics are part of each car’s model and not a user toggle.

Q: How do I know if a car uses the latest tire model?
A: Check the car’s patch notes or iRacing release notes; forums often call out when a tire model was updated.

Q: Why aren’t my tire temps or wear changing?
A: Common causes: outdated car build, tire wear set to zero in session, wrong compound, or telemetry/HUD display disabled.

Q: Will third-party mods let me switch tire models?
A: No reputable third-party tool can change the server-side physics. They can only read or display data.

Short Wrap-Up

You usually don’t enable the iRacing tire model manually — you make sure the sim and car are up to date and session settings allow tire wear and temps to show. Update, check session options, pick correct tires, and test in practice. If it still feels off, read the car patch notes or report the issue to iRacing support.