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I had new wheels installed a couple months ago and I just noticed my rear tire was put on the wrong direction. It says this side inwards on it.. is this a big deal?
I had new wheels installed a couple months ago and I just noticed my rear tire was put on the wrong direction. It says this side inwards on it.. is this a big deal?
Is traction/handling wet or dry a big deal? Get it changed ASAP under normal driving you would never notice it but under an emergency situation do you want less grip on one tire?
I believe it usually has more to do with water evacuation from the treads being more effective one way than the other. Possibly increased grip, but more so the water. That's what I've inferred though, and not sourced.
Usually the when the sidewall states this side in or this side out, it refers to an assymetrical tread design. It may or may not be directional also. If it is directional and assymetrical then the tire should only be used on one side of the car. They may have installed the wrong tire in that position.
For example, the late C4's came with Goodyear Eagle GSC's. They were assymetrical and directional with different sizes front and rear. The result was that each tire could only be used on one corner of the car. There were 4 different tires to make up a set.
Some tires, as mentioned previously, are marked as directional. If so, there might be an arrow following the word "rotation" somewhere on the sidewall which is an indication of the proper direction of forward motion.
Last edited by FRITZM; Oct 22, 2012 at 02:16 PM.
Reason: ADDING
You might consider checking with the tire manufacturer whether or not the tire is ruined. If the tire was made to roll in one direction & it's been used for two months rolling the opposite direction, it may affect performance.
From: Central PA. - - My AR15 identifies as a muzzleloader
I believe in the Beer Fairy
Originally Posted by Birdman
I believe it usually has more to do with water evacuation from the treads being more effective one way than the other. Possibly increased grip, but more so the water. That's what I've inferred though, and not sourced.
Instead of dispersing water to the sides, it sucks it in to the center of the tire. Not so funny.
It won't hurt the tire itself to turn backward, even if it is directional, but it sure won't help wet handling. Be extremely careful if you're caught in any rain.