I don't have much experience in the tire world, and this question just popped into my head today in the twisties.

Do tires develop more grip as it is worn down? I have stock 16 inch runflats on the V-spoke wheels on my MCSa. They still have pretty good tread life left, but I've noticed they have gotten more grip or I haven't been driving it right this whole time.

I used to be able to take this one turn at 20 mph and the tires qould be squealing through it, but now I can do it at 25-30 and no squeal at all.

Anyone have any thoughts? I enjoy it regardless of any quirks

 

yes, and also trial and error your psi too.

 

Tire temperature and air temperature are two things I've noticed that will make a difference on my Yokohama ES100's.I have to drive around town for about 5 miles before they stop driving me around,particularly when it's 40 degrees outside.And I'm getting great wear and control at 33PSI.(Mostly Spirited Driving.)

 

leapfrog's observation is consistent with summer tires.... most summer
tires begin to loose grip around 45F ambient temp.

 

As your tread wears down there's less tread "squirm", but the tradeoff is less hydroplaning resistance and a bit more noise. Is addition, as the rubber "heat cycles", it can harden a bit, contributing a bit to noise and losing *some* grip in the process. If the tires aren't old, but are getting worn down, you do have more rubber on the road (less void space), which can increase dry grip. Squeal will increase (to a point) as tire pressure decreases; tires will also squeal more at full tread depth (tread squirm).