nhpln

I use Nitto NT-05s at HPDEs. Most of the tracks I go to are a clockwise configuration so all the right hand turns really chew up the left tires. So, I want to run the right wheel on the left side and vice versa to equalize tread wear. Is it safe to run these tires backwards? I know I can go to the tire shop and have them swap the left and right but then that gives them a chance to scuff up my wheels

Isn't the directionality only applicable to water evacuation? Ok to run them backwards on a dry track?

rbl

Yes and yes.

larryfs

if it starts raining....

jaa1992

I've run several different brands backwards on DRY road courses.
Have to make sure they are running the correct direction if it gets wet.

The Panther

Does it make any difference if you run just one set backwards and the other forwards on dry pavement?

MNCrystalRed2011

I've done this and it works just fine.

mousecatcher

i happened to see the formula 1 slicks recently. they are directional ... yes directional SLICKS. so at least for those tires, the directionality is not about water evacuation.

certainly it's *safe*. you may be compromising performance.

bobmoore2

with all the above posts, but I want to add one more comment.

The reason I get my tires swapped from left wheel to right wheel is not to balance the wear tire-to-tire. It's to balance the wear outer tread blocks versus inner tread blocks. With my suspension compliance and camber settings, I'm still wearing the outer side of the tires faster than the inner side. It's a compromise I'm willing to accept for my daily driver & weekend track car.

I've found that I can get another track day or two from a set of tires if they get a left-to-right dismount & remount about halfway through their life.

AU N EGL

Once a tire is heat cycled 5-7-10 times it does not matter.

The first 4 heat cycles, keep tires to a specific corner