When buying tires, you need to know the different types available in the market, the varying designs and tread patterns, and how each affects the vehicle’s performance on the road.
One of the common tread patterns is the directional tires, designed to rotate in one direction. But, what exactly are they, and how do they function? Here’s all you need to know.
What Are Directional Tires?
Directional tires are one of the primary tread patterns found on a tire. Their tread patterns are designed to rotate in one direction. They have lateral grooves that form a V shape and arrow on the sidewall showing the direction the tire should be mounted, rotated, or travel. Directional tires are primarily meant for high-performance vehicles.
For more information about directional tires, the pros, and cons, how to know if you have directional tires and how to install them, keep on reading!
How To Identify Directional Tires?
During tire rotation or mounting, most drivers question how they can identify whether their tires are directional or non-directional.
Directional tires are easily identifiable by the tread pattern. It’s distinct and differs from other tires because the lateral grooves form a V shape, and the design looks like an arrow pointing in the direction the tire rotates.
If you look closely, the pattern has a solid ribbed center which boosts rigidity for high-speed stability, and the tread moves away from the tire center.
Additionally, you can check if your tires are directional by looking at the mounting direction. These tires can only be installed when facing a specific direction.
Your tire manufacturer uses the arrow placed on the sidewall to show the direction the tire should be mounted.
All directional tires have the rotation direction indicated on the sidewall; therefore, you should follow this correctly to avoid any tire issues.
Why Is It Important To Know If Your Tires Are Directional?
Before buying tires or changing your old ones, you need to know whether they are directional or non-directional. Here’s why.
For Mounting
When installing tires, knowing the type and correct rolling orientation will help speed up the installation process.
To know the correct direction, double-check the arrow on the sidewall that shows the front of the vehicle. Alternatively, you can check where the tires face by looking at the V0shape on the tread.
For Rotation
Since directional tires are designed to rotate in one direction, the tire professional must follow a specific procedure.
You can rotate the front and rear tires as long as they are of the same size and stay on the same side.
When Are Directional Tires Used?
Now that we’ve established directional tires are engineered to rotate in one direction, you need to know the ideal conditions for these tires. Here are some of them.
High-Performance Vehicles
If you have a high-performance vehicle and typically travel at a high rate of speed, you’ll need to invest in directional tires.
Directional tires deliver a sporty performance on dry surfaces; therefore, they are better at high speeds than tires with symmetrical or asymmetrical tread patterns.
Additionally, these tires provide superior handling and control that’s not found in non-directional tires.
Wet Roads
Because of the V-shaped tread pattern, these tires provide excellent wet traction and excel at evacuating water, preventing your car from hydroplaning or aquaplaning.
If the tire is mounted correctly, the directional tread is designed to cut through standing road precipitation.
However, if it’s not, the tire will not work well in wet road conditions, wear out unevenly and produce excess road noise.
What Happens When You Install Directional Tires Backwards?
Although you can drive with irregularly mounted tires, the directional tires won’t give you the same high level of performance.
If this happens, the resistance to hydroplaning will be affected, and the tires will not provide the best traction on the road.
Additionally, you are more likely to experience increased tread wear if the directional tires are not properly mounted.
Therefore, each tire must be mounted correctly and in the right direction to get the best performance.
Do Directional Tires Wear Faster?
All tires wear out depending on individual use, but it’s essential to know whether directional tires behave the same.
Tire tread patterns are commonly used to measure how much the tire has worn out. Because of this, there’s a set tread depth legal limit at 1.6 mm.
Both directional and non-directional tires will wear out at the same rate. However, if they are improperly mounted, they can wear out much faster.
If your tires are facing the wrong side, it affects the fuel efficiency and overall vehicle performance on the road.
Therefore, to ensure that your tires last longer, ensure that your mechanic or tire expert mounts the tires in the right direction as indicated on the sidewall.
If you drive for long on such tires, they’ll wear out quickly and increase your chances of getting a flat tire or blowout.
Are Directional Tires More Expensive?
Car owners are now paying more for tires. While this has been influenced by different factors, how different are directional tires?
Compared to other tires, directional tires are much more expensive because of their benefits to your vehicle.
These tires come with high-performance rubber compounds and a unique tread pattern that enhances driving performance and capabilities than non-directional tires.
Directional tires have enhanced grip and traction, especially on wet surfaces, making them safer to drive because they have less chance of hydroplaning. Because of the better handling and traction, they have better fuel efficiency.
Additionally, they also work best on icy and snow-covered roads; therefore, they are recommended if you drive on such roads.
Are Directional Tires Noisy?
Tire noise is a turnoff for most drivers; therefore, automakers and tire manufacturers have developed noise reduction technologies to eliminate this issue.
However, cars can still encounter noise problems despite the technologies, especially if the tires are not appropriately mounted.
Directional tires are generally not noisy unless they have not been installed correctly. Therefore, you should ensure that your mechanic uses the right direction to avoid getting such problems on the road.
What Are The Pros And Cons Of Directional Tires?
If your tires are directional, here are the pros and cons you should know.
Pros
These tires excel in the following areas:
Superior Traction and Handling
Since they have a center-ribbed design and a V-shaped tread pattern, they can evacuate water away from the tire and prevent your car from hydroplaning. Additionally, they are ideal on dry surfaces if you are driving a high-performance vehicle at high speed.
Better Fuel Efficiency
With the improved traction and grip, you save on fuel used. Their design and performance are engineered to boost your gas mileage.
Cons
Directional tires also have a downside.
They Are Expensive
Compared to non-directional tires, these alternatives are more costly.
To find out more about tires, you can also read our posts on what are non-directional tires, how long do performance tires last, and how long do spare tires last.
Summary
Directional tires are designed to rotate in one direction; therefore, you need to have them mounted in the direction indicated on the sidewall.
These tires are ideal for high-performance vehicles and are built with superior traction for wet and dry surfaces.
Although they are expensive, they offer improved performance and better fuel efficiency on the road compared to the alternatives.