Bridgestone Potenza RE-11 Help - Directional Confusion.

[Jdub]

Sad to say the chalk marks disappeared when I cleaned the wheels, now which is the right, and which is the left with an Asymmetrical tire set? - I think they can go either side (marked Inside / Outside). Thanks in advance!

From Tire Rack:

One of the most common questions I receive about tire tread design has to do with asymmetric tires. Their tread design makes it look like the tires on one side of the vehicle are rotating in the wrong direction. As long as the side stating "outside" on the sidewall is mounted facing you, then they are correct. Even though they may look wrong, the tires are engineered with different tread features and compounds across the tread design to optimize handling, wet and dry traction and ride quality.

[pete3799]

Should be an arrow on the sidewall indicating rotational direction.

[Jdub]

There is none. Just like Continental bicycle tires (don't ask).

[Cajundaddy]

Tires marked with an arrow are directional and specific to one side of the car to properly shed water. Tires marked inside/outside are not directional and can be mounted on either side (PS2s, S04s, NT-01s etc).

[Tippy]

Yeah, no arrow, not directional. Or, at least I wouldn't lose sleep over it.

[Jdub]

Okay, so Forensics takes my tire prints at the murder scene, but since I switched the tires I can whistle past the graveyard?

Nice!

[DRACO A5OG]

Jagged inner edge out side.

[Halm]

I called Bridgestone a couple of yeras ago. They are NOT a directional tire. Flip them side to side all day long. That is why I buy them for DE.

GREAT everyday tire, too.

[gliding_serpent]

Do they have dual compounds?

I ask because the Michelin super sports have a rain compound on the inner 2/3rds, and dry on the outer 3rd. Part of why they are such a good dual purpose tire. However, it means that you can not ru them inside to out if you start wearing the inner or outer edges faster.

[Jdub]

Yes, some research shows the RE-11 to be a dual compound tire. Feel like an idiot riding on such nice tires but not understanding how an asymmetrical tire design works.

Thanks to all for your replies. If you could have seen me standing in the driveway pondering my wheels as my wife drives up you'd have caught her irritation that I've had this car on jacks two weekends running (full caliper/rotor/pads). But I got her in the game by showing her the wheels and we had a good laugh once I heard back from all of you.

Nothing is simple...

[Jdub]

My car ready for tires after brake job:


Note different tire numbers:

[DRACO A5OG]

No worries, those are date of manufacture, common when wheels are staggered, on my Conti's even the treads are lower in the rears.