Does downloading paints affect my computer’s performance or frame rates?

While paint files for the current session are being downloaded, there may be a very slight temporary impact on network performance; however, paints are not downloaded while a race is in session, unless you join the race server initially in the middle of the race for some reason.

The use of custom paints itself does not affect frame rates, regardless of the file size of the custom paints. Any paint file uses the same amount of graphics memory, whether that’s a default iRacing paint scheme without Trading Paints, a simple custom paint, or a complex custom paint.

If you are concerned about your computer’s performance being affected while racing, you can safely close Trading Paints Downloader before your race begins – however, most users do not have issues with Trading Paints Downloader running.

Trading Paints Downloader is also designed to suppress intrusive error-message popups mid-race in case the program were to unexpectedly crash for some reason.