There are probably a lot of you wondering “What are directional tires?”. Well, there’s a simple explanation for it – directional tires can only rotate in just one direction.
What is that mean? The siping details, wide grooves, and tread elements all point forward and down, creating a directional tire arrow.
Directional tires are perfect for performance and high-performance vehicles. They can easily grip wet and wintery road surfaces. If you mount them properly, they can effectively evacuate water and slush from the footprint.
We will talk about how to recognize directional tires, how to mount them properly, and which way to rotate tires with directional tire patterns.
How to Tell if Tires are Directional?
Three different types of tread patterns exist: symmetrical, asymmetrical (both are non-directional tires), and directional. At first look, they are similar, but when you look at the details of the tire tread direction, they are completely different.
So, let’s talk about how to tell if tires are directional? There are two ways to find out.
The first one is to look at the large grooves, siping details, and tread elements, which come together and form a Y or V shape. Specifically, the tread pattern will look like a tire direction arrow pointing one way.
The second one is with the mounting direction. In other words, to properly install models with a directional tread they have to point in a specific direction. The tire sidewall features a symbol indicating the tire direction.
How to Get Directional Tires Mounted?
Symmetrical and asymmetrical tire tread designs tires do not need to be installed in a specific manner. On the other hand, every directional tire tread has an arrow symbol on the sidewall, or something similar. This points towards the front of the vehicle. It’s very crucial to follow the directional tire markings when you want to rotate or install the tire.
If you mount your directional tires backwards, they can wear faster, creating noise and vibrations during the performance. As a result, the tire loses its benefits and provides a horrible driving experience. In such cases, if the directional tread pattern on tires is mounted wrong, it would be best to reinstall the tire correctly.
How to Rotate Directional Tires?
After learning what is a directional tire and how to mount it, let’s also see how we can rotate them. What’s their tire rotation sequence?
As you know, the directional tire tread can rotate in only one direction, which the arrow symbol points to. So, you need to rotate front to rear, in a direction that the symbol shows. In this way, the tire’s rotation does not change, and it can safely perform at its full potential.
Directional tires cannot be rotated left to right without first being remounted on the rims.
Directional Tire Rotation Pattern
There are two types of tire rotations. The first one is for front-wheel-drive vehicles, and the second is for rear- and four-wheel-drive vehicles:
- Front-wheel-drive – the rear tires are moved to the opposite sides on the front, while the front tires go on the same sides on the rear.
- Rear- and four-wheel-drive – the rear tire go on the same side to the front, while the front tires are moved to opposite sides on the rear.
You can also rotate the tread patterns on all-wheel-drive vehicles in a ,,double X”. It means, that you rotate the rear tires to contrary sides on the front, and the front ones go to opposite sides on the rear. However, you will need to remount these unidirectional tires correctly on the rims.
On directional tires, you can accomplish the rotation by following the right rotational method. It means that the tread pattern on the tires points in the right direction – explained above.
Directional Tires Pros and Cons
Directional tires offer a lot of benefits during the performance. This type of tread pattern offers better wet and winter weather traction. They are able to effectively channel water and slush away from the footprint.
This tire tread design lowers the rolling resistance and promotes a fuel-efficient drive.
Brands make most directional tires for racing cars or sports cars, which makes them great for high-speed performance as well.
On the other hand, the main problem with directional tire models is their cost. At the same time, these different tread tires have shorter-lasting tread lives and usability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is a Tire Tread?
The tire tread is the area that makes contact with roads. Different tread patterns on tires can have large grooves, siping details, and wide tread blocks on their surfaces. These elements keep close contact with the road, generating traction. In other words, they optimize the tire’s performance.
Can Directional Tires be Rotated?
Yes, you can rotate a directional tire set. However, you need to rotate a tire set with directional tread patterns from the vehicle’s front to its rear, and vice versa. But, you need to follow specific mounting instructions to make it work.
Are Directional Tires Better?
Directional tire types are better for performance and high-speed performance cars. They are also able to effectively eliminate water and slush from the footprint and prevent hydroplaning. At the same time, they can be fuel-efficient because of their low rolling resistance.
