Running directional street tires the wrong way
 

Are there any advantages or disadvantages to running street tires with directional tread patters in the opposite direction?

I just realized after my last DE event that my rear tires were mounted in the wrong direction by the shop that did an alignment and balance before the event. I guess I learned to check everything from now onif you do not tdo the work yourself.

I can see it maybe being a little bit of a problem on dry ground, but if it was making good contact, then not too much.

In the rain on the other hand, I'd imagine it would make a HUGE difference, because you'd be funneling the water towards the center of the tire vs. towards the edges.

I of course could be completely wrong. :D

I think they are 'directional' for a reason. What it will or wont cause, as far as tire wear, grip, etc. I couldnt tell you!

My guess would be that they could be:
Louder
Have less traction
Accelerated wear

Great wet weather traction for high speed runs in reverse!:D
Just have the shop turn them around, they should have known better.

they'd be fine in the dry...in the wet they'll pull water to the CENTER of the tire....that's BAD.

sjd

switch the left and right ones around, take the left one and put it on the right side and visa versa.. presto, directional tire pointing the right way again!

i had to reread to make sure someone else did not figure this out. im a dam genious i tell you!

k911SC you are a genius! But a question about your procedure. Do I have to remove the left or right one first to get them to line up correctly? :)

Yep, in the dry it's no big deal. You will notice that many racers (including the car I work on) run slicks on the fronts the wrong way. This was recomended to us by Yokahama themselves. The arrows point to the driver (ie rears are the right direction, while the fronts look to be going the wrong way). The theory is they are being "pushed" therefore are simulating the rears which are pushing.

My tire guy says the internal belts are directional and running the wrong way will cause the belting to fail = BLOWOUT

I think Tire Rack has info that their only a wet weather thing. I had to drive from the west coast to the east coast, including much rain, when the tires were worn down to the wear bars. Some of the tires were routinely reversed for the big big ride. I didn't find the edge of the envelope, but no problem on the HY.

either way will work, i reckon'.

I, personally, would laugh out loud as I walked by in the parking lot.

I think you would be bewildered if you ever saw my car when the directionals were scrabbled in reverse.. It won't be funny.don't ask why.
also I use 4 x 6in wheels.

The Sumitomo and Yokohama guys (factory dudes) say it is only a factor in wet weather.

In the dry, they will be louder. No big deal.

Internally, they are identical.

P.S. - I run mine "backwards" in the summer on my G35 for extended tire life (I can rotate them).

ditto for my S-03 info

http://www.pelicanparts.com/support/smileys/wat5.gif

I used to run certain directional mountain bike tires "backwards" becuase I thought the manufacturer got it wrong with their design. But then again, hydroplaning isn't an issue on a mtb, whereas grip in loose stuff is.

did you type that just to test those of us who are a damn genius ??


max ;)

Grass roots Motorsports Magazine, actually did this on puropose for an article a few years back.

The car actually did faster lap times with the tires running "backwards"

seriously just turn them back around they will be fine.

Kyle