directional tires
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 351
Likes: 16
From: Lockport NY
directional tires
I need to be educated on directional tires.
I was told my front tires wouldn't pass inspection.
And I needed directional tires.
This is my 3rd set of tires but the first time I heard of directional tires.
When did the start putting them on Vettes?
2010 Grand Sport.
Thanks, Kliph
I was told my front tires wouldn't pass inspection.
And I needed directional tires.
This is my 3rd set of tires but the first time I heard of directional tires.
When did the start putting them on Vettes?
2010 Grand Sport.
Thanks, Kliph
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2023
Posts: 1,087
Likes: 392
From: Florida
2025 C6 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
My tires are labeled “outside” yet the left and right looks like the tread is going opposite ways. Tire dealer said they are non directional so i don’t even know. I never heard of needing directional tires to pass inspections?
Race Director
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 15,768
Likes: 3,283
From: Phoenix area, AZ
I need to be educated on directional tires.
I was told my front tires wouldn't pass inspection.
And I needed directional tires.
This is my 3rd set of tires but the first time I heard of directional tires.
When did the start putting them on Vettes?
2010 Grand Sport.
Thanks, Kliph
I was told my front tires wouldn't pass inspection.
And I needed directional tires.
This is my 3rd set of tires but the first time I heard of directional tires.
When did the start putting them on Vettes?
2010 Grand Sport.
Thanks, Kliph
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Drifting
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,654
Likes: 270
From: Cape Canaveral Florida
St. Jude Donor '07 thru '26
NCM Lifetime Member
As stated, there is no requirement for directional tires, but your state (or that inspector) might have a requirement that they be mounted correctly (i.e., with the arrows pointed in the correct direction or "outside" being on the outside).
Many, but far from all, performance tires are "directional" in that they have a thread pattern optimized to turn in one direction (either to shed water more efficiently or to provide more grip). They started on C4s and I think have probably been factory installed since the late 1980s on all (most?) Corvettes. But there are plenty of aftermarket tires that are not directional and offer equal or better performance.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 4,593
Likes: 1,675
From: Pearland / Houston Tx
Correct me if I am wrong on any of this.
Your OE tires (Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar EMT) come with ASYMMETRICAL tread. Different than DIRECTIONAL tread but must still be mounted a certain way as indicated on sidewall.
Asymmetrical tires can be installed on either side of a vehicle, but the larger tread block must always face outward. Directional tires must be mounted on the correct rim and rotated in the correct direction.
Google AI answer for NY inspection regarding tires:
Tires are checked for a number of things during a New York State auto safety inspection, including:
Your OE tires (Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar EMT) come with ASYMMETRICAL tread. Different than DIRECTIONAL tread but must still be mounted a certain way as indicated on sidewall.
Asymmetrical tires can be installed on either side of a vehicle, but the larger tread block must always face outward. Directional tires must be mounted on the correct rim and rotated in the correct direction.
Google AI answer for NY inspection regarding tires:
Tires are checked for a number of things during a New York State auto safety inspection, including:
- Tread depth The tread depth must be at least 2/32 of an inch in the two most worn adjacent grooves
- Condition The tire should be free of fabric breaks, cuts, bumps, bulges, knots, or other damage
- Pressure The vehicle's tire pressure will be checked against the manufacturer's recommendation
- Spare tire The spare tire will be checked to ensure it's road-ready
- Tread depth less than 2/32 of an inch
- Fabric breaks or cuts longer than one inch
- Visible bumps, bulges, or knots
- Exposed ply or cord structure
- A restricted use designation