How to Rotate Directional Tires

Did you know that different tire tread types cannot be rotated the same?

It’s true! Due to the nature of a tire’s tread pattern, proper tire rotation will depend on the tread design. Since directional tires can be prone to irregular treadwear, more care needs to be taken when rotating and mounting them for correct installation.

In fact, one of the most common questions we receive from customers is how to rotate directional tires! We’re your tire experts, so let us shed some light and get you taken care of. Did you know America's Tire also offers tire rotation services? It’s free for our customers!

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Since tire maintenance is such a big part of keeping you and your vehicle safe, understanding how to rotate a directional tire is important.

(We discuss the differences between directional and asymmetric tires here).

WHAT IS A DIRECTIONAL TIRE?

Directional tires have a tread pattern that is angled towards one direction. They’re sometimes called “v-shaped” tread patterns.

Want to know more? Check out our blog on what are directional tires for more in-depth info.

Directional tires can be either symmetrical or asymmetrical. Typically, they offer great wet or dry handling (but not both). They tend to be fuel efficient, too, and you’ll usually see them on performance type cars.

How to install directional tires

For the most part, you install directional tires the same way you mount any other tire.

You can watch our instructional video on how to change a tire to learn how.

However, directional tires need to be installed on your vehicle in a specific arrangement in order for their tread to be most effective. Incorrectly installed directional tires will prematurely wear out, wear unevenly or cause a lot of road noise.

Directional tires have an arrow on their sidewall to indicate which direction the tire should point on the vehicle.

Of course, if you’re mounting a new tire to your vehicle for the first time, you will need special equipment to attach the tire to your wheels. If you don’t have this equipment or installation expertise, let us handle it!

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HOW TO ROTATE DIRECTIONAL TIRES

Extra care must be taken when rotating directional tires. This is because the tread is designed to roll in one particular direction.

With most tires, you can rotate the tire to nearly any wheel position. However, directional tires must be rotated from front to rear only.

But there’s no need to handle all of this yourself. America's Tire offers free tire rotations to our customers!

TIRE ROTATIONS

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Do you need some help choosing the right tire? We recommend Treadwell, our smart tire buying guide. In just a minute or less, it will pair you with the best tires for you, your vehicle and your drive. Our in-store tire experts use this same tool to help you find the best tire for you!

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