How to distinguish the front and back of a tire?
2 Answers
The side of the tire marked with 'outside' in English indicates the outer side. Below is information about tires: 1. A tire is a circular elastic rubber product installed on various vehicles or machinery to roll on the ground. It is usually mounted on a metal rim. 2. Function: It supports the vehicle body, absorbs external shocks, ensures contact with the road surface, and guarantees the vehicle's driving performance. 3. Classification: Automotive tires can be divided into passenger car tires and truck tires based on their use. Passenger car tires are mainly used for inflatable tires on passenger cars, while truck tires are primarily used for inflatable tires on trucks, buses, and trailers. Automotive tires can also be categorized by their structure into inflatable tires and solid tires.
The front and back sides of a tire can be distinguished mainly by the tread pattern and markings. For asymmetric tread tires, the outer tread blocks are larger and wider, while the inner ones are denser. This design enhances cornering grip. The sidewall of the tire usually has English markings—'OUTSIDE' indicates the outer side, and 'INSIDE' the inner side. When mounting the tire, ensure the letters face outward. Unidirectional tires also have an arrow on the sidewall indicating the rolling direction. Remember to remind the mechanic not to mix them up during tire changes—installing them incorrectly can lead to slipping in wet conditions and increased tire noise. I always squat down to check the tread direction when washing my car, and it makes driving on the highway much more stable.