How to Distinguish the Front and Back of a Tire?
2 Answers
Distinguishing the front and back of a tire can be done by checking the markings on the tire sidewall, which indicate 'outside' and 'inside.' The side marked 'outside' should face outward, while the side marked 'inside' should face inward. The functions of a tire include: 1. Transmitting driving force, braking force, and steering force to facilitate vehicle operation; 2. Supporting the vehicle load; 3. Reducing and absorbing vibrations and impacts during driving to prevent severe vibrations from damaging vehicle components. Methods for maintaining car tires include: 1. Regularly checking tire pressure; 2. Removing debris from tire treads; 3. Inspecting tire wear and replacing tires promptly based on wear conditions; 4. Performing wheel rotation to ensure even force distribution across all four tires and prevent excessive wear.
Last time I went to the shop to change winter tires for my SUV, the mechanic specifically reminded me about the correct orientation of the tires. Some tires have rotation arrows printed on the sidewall, and you need to ensure the arrow points forward when the vehicle is moving. More often, you should check the lettering on the tire sidewall—the side marked 'OUTSIDE' must face outward, while the side marked 'INSIDE' should face the inner side of the vehicle. Symmetrical tread tires are simpler, as they don’t have a specific orientation and can be installed either way. It’s best to supervise the workers during tire changes. A friend of mine once had a mechanic install the tires incorrectly, and while driving on the highway, they noticed poor water drainage. The issue was only resolved after removing and reinstalling the tires correctly.