What is the installation direction of unidirectional tires?
2 Answers
Generally, there are "OUTSIDE" or "INSIDE" markings on the side of the tire, or an arrow indicating the rolling direction of the tire. "OUTSIDE" means the outer side, and "INSIDE" means the inner side. More details are as follows: 1. Introduction to unidirectional tread tires: Unidirectional tread tires refer to tires with a fixed rolling direction. These tires have good grip and excellent drainage performance, adapting to various weather and road conditions, and providing good handling performance. Additionally, the rolling resistance of these tires is lower, which helps reduce the vehicle's fuel consumption. These types of tires have strict installation directions. Generally, there are "OUTSIDE" or "INSIDE" markings on the side of the tire, or an arrow indicating the rolling direction. 2. Consequences of incorrect tire installation: If the rolling direction of the tire is installed incorrectly, it will affect the vehicle's acceleration performance, increase braking distance, reduce drainage performance in rainy conditions, accelerate wear, and increase tire noise, among other issues. If the inner and outer sides of the tire are installed incorrectly, it will cause uneven grip between the two wheels, especially on slippery roads, leading to unsynchronized braking force, poor handling, and deviation. In extreme cases, it may affect driving safety.
When installing unidirectional tires, there will be an arrow mark on the sidewall of the tire. Remember to align the arrow direction with the forward movement of the vehicle. My neighbor once installed it backwards for convenience, and almost had an accident due to skidding on the highway during rain. The tread pattern of these tires is V-shaped, and only when installed correctly can they quickly disperse water and provide sufficient grip. If installed backwards, the tread grooves turn into water reservoirs, reducing drainage performance by at least half. Additionally, incorrect installation can cause uneven tire wear and increase noise, making an annoying humming sound while driving. It's best to watch the technician during tire changes and check the arrow direction after installation. By the way, unidirectional tires usually have English markings indicating the rotation direction, such as the word 'ROTATION,' which can also help in determining the correct installation. I've been using unidirectional tires on my car for two years, strictly following the correct direction, and the stability during rainy cornering has improved significantly.
