Installation of winter tires according to the tread pattern. How to put tires in the direction of travel

The marking of modern tires usually contains information about the seasonality of the application, namely:

1. Designations "M + S" or "M&S" are applied to both winter and all-season, as well as summer off-road tires. This marking allows driving on off-road, mud, wet snow, etc. If there is an image of a snowflake next to the abbreviation, then the rubber belongs to the “winter” category.
2. For all-season tires, marking options “All SEASON”, “ROAD + WINTER”, “ANY Weather”, etc. can be used.
3. The inscriptions "WATER", "RAID", "AQUA", "Aquacontact" designate the so-called "rain tires", which provide improved contact of the treads with wet asphalt.
4. Winter tires are identified by the word "Winter" or a snowflake logo.

When installing new tires on a car or when changing tires seasonally, it is imperative to pay attention to the marking and direction of the wheel tread.

When installing a tire having a symmetrically directional pattern, the arrow applied to the sidewall of the tire is positioned in accordance with the direction of rotation of the wheel when the car moves forward.

Tires with an asymmetrical pattern must be installed so that the "Outside" designation on the sidewall is on the outside of the wheel.

Important! Particular attention is required when mounting asymmetric tires marked "Right" and "Left". To do this, you will need two pairs of tires with the appropriate inscriptions, which are installed on different sides of the car.

The most important and responsible element of the car, responsible for safe movement, are the wheels and tires. Therefore, they must be installed correctly.

An experienced driver will cope with this task without difficulty, but for beginners who do not feel too confident, it will certainly not be easy. Without certain skills and experience, you will face many problems and questions. But just before mounting tires, you need to deal with some of the nuances. First of all, you should pay attention to the tread pattern, the direction of rotation, the outer and inner side of the tire.

Pattern and direction of rotation

Most often you can find modern car tires with a directional pattern, the arrow on their sidewall indicates the direction of rotation, so they can only be installed in a certain order.

The rest of the tires have a non-directional pattern, and you can install them on either side.

To avoid misunderstandings, it is better to find out the pattern and direction of rotation from the seller in the store.

Tire sides

With an asymmetric pattern, the tire has an outer and inner side. The outer side is designated Outside, and the inner side is Inside, they are placed respectively outside and inside the car in the direction of travel.

Tire types

Depending on the type of pattern and its direction, the following groups of tires are distinguished:

• asymmetric, the pattern of which is different on the outside and inside, and it can be directional and non-directional (we already mentioned this above).
• symmetrical, having a symmetrical tread, cord and sidewall construction. In this case, the problems are the least, because they are installed on any side.
• directional, with a strictly directional pattern. They have the inscription "Rotation" and an arrow indicating the direction of rotation.
• left and right, they are designed for a specific car model or for a group of identical models. They are marked "Right" (right) and "Left" (left). Depending on the inscription, they are placed only on the left or right. This rule cannot be neglected, because the efficiency of the tires depends on the correct installation.

If you did not find such an inscription on the tires, then they are not divided into left- and right-handed, even if the pattern is directional or asymmetrical.

Tire installation features

To install asymmetric tires, you do not need to be an ace, just remember some feature. The outer side of the tire will be labeled Outside, External, This side facing outwards or Side facing outwards, depending on the manufacturer. Internal - Inside, Side facing inwards or This side facing inwards. This inscription, when properly installed, should not subsequently be visible, only an indication of the outside should catch the eye.

With directional tires, it's a little more difficult. They must be placed so that when the machine moves forward, the rotation of the wheel coincides with the indication of the arrow on the sidewall. Right- and left-hand tires, as we have already said, are placed only on the side indicated on the tire. The side is taken into account in the forward direction of the car.

Symmetrical tires have neither sides (outside or inside) nor a direction of rotation, so they can be placed in any position.

If asymmetric or directional tires are installed incorrectly, then there is a sharp deterioration in the performance of the car when driving. They do not work properly and therefore cannot fully reveal their improved characteristics and qualities. If, nevertheless, you are forced to travel by car with incorrectly installed tires, observe the speed limit (no more than 80 km / h) and be on the lookout.

Mounting tires and wheels

So, we figured out the features of installing various types of tires, now it's time to go directly to the process itself. To properly remove and install the wheels on your car, first of all, you need to look at the instruction manual for a particular model of car. It is in it that you can find specific tips and recommendations that will certainly help you. Let's get to work.

1. First you need to remove the old wheels and tires, for this we unscrew the nuts. But we do not unscrew them completely, but only loosen them a little. For work it is better to use hand tools, it will be safer. Although if you know how to handle an impact wrench, then go for it. If not, do not experiment, but work with a regular or special car key.
2. Take the jack to raise the car. You need to do this on a flat surface, unscrew the nuts, remove the wheels.
3. Distribute the tires, so as not to get confused later, put them next to the old wheels. Be careful, consider the direction of rotation, pattern and sides of the tires. Be sure to check the nuts. If they are rough or poorly tightened, this must be corrected before installing the wheels. In the store you can find a special kit that restores the thread. He will just help you.
4. Clean brake discs and drums from dirt and rust.
5. Check how the wheels sit on the hub. The consequence of even a small deviation of the center of the disk from the center of the hub will be the beating of the tire. This can be felt by the vibration of the steering wheel, otherwise the tire mounting will be at risk.
6. Use a wax spray or other suitable tool to treat the bolts against corrosion.
7. If there are no problems, proceed to install the wheel. Fasten the bolts, tighten slightly. Lower the machine, remove the jack and fully tighten the nuts.
8. And now it's the turn of the post-installation check. Make sure that the outer edge of the disc and the inner side of the rim do not touch. To do this, just run your hand over each wheel. Also don't forget to check your tire pressure.

Proper tire fitting is a guarantee of the safety and reliability of your vehicle. And even if you do not do it yourself, it will not be superfluous to arm yourself with certain knowledge in order to be able to control the process. After all, even the masters in services, because of their ignorance or banal laziness, do their work not always with high quality.

Automotive rubber with an asymmetric tread was developed by the Finnish company Nokian. Improved traction is provided by the structural elements of the tire and the tread pattern.

On the inside of the asymmetric tire is a shoulder area for moisture removal. As for the outer side, there is a tread, which creates rigidity, maneuverability and stability during turns.

Asymmetric tire design

When it comes to an asymmetric tire, you need to understand that its tread pattern is different, both on the inside and on the outside. Let's analyze the features of asymmetric tires with a directional tread pattern:

1). Installation is carried out in the direction of the arrow. In some cases, markings in the form of the inscription "Rotation" are used on the side.

2). Models are divided into right-hand and left-hand, this is indicated by the markings R and L.

Difficulties when mounting directional tires

Note that the installation of two wheels with the indicated marking L or R was almost impossible to carry out, since tires with right-hand and left-hand designation were quite rare in car dealerships.

In addition, problems arose with the choice of tires for the spare wheel, since the driver could not know on which side the wheel would need to be replaced. There were also situations when motorists used the right asymmetric tire for the left wheel or vice versa.

As a result, the tread was deformed, and it began to wear out. This has led manufacturers to decide not to use a directional tread. It was decided to use a non-directional pattern.

How to distinguish a non-directional tread?

Unlike car tires with conventional tread, this tire has a softer inner part and a stiffer outer part. Thus, mechanical effects are balanced when entering a turn. In this case, the loads are distributed not on the inner zone, but on the surface of the tire.

The tread blocks located directly on the tire are somewhat larger than those located inside the rubber layer. This design ensures that moisture is removed from the stain where it comes into contact with the road. Thus, the risks of aquaplaning are reduced, and driving is facilitated.

Features of asymmetric tires:

1. mounted on the left and right side;
2. they are not marked on the inside and on the outside, so they can be distinguished from symmetrical rubber.

Advantages and disadvantages of using tires with asymmetric tread

Positive points:

• excellent grip on the road;
• independent location of the tire;
• directional stability of the car and handling;
• reduced braking distance on wet roads;
• uniform tire wear;
• thanks to the location of the tread blocks, safe driving on a snowy and icy track is ensured;
• the rubber layer of the tread is different on the inside and outside.

The disadvantages were typical for rubber with a directional tread pattern. However, it has been discontinued.

Fitting a car tire with a non-directional pattern

Installation is carried out according to the principle of the location of the outer and inner sides. The inscription marked on the sidewall indicates which side you need to put on the tire. On the side it says:

1. external;
2. outside;
3. side facing forwards.

On the inside:

1. inside;
2. this side facing forwards.

As such, the direction of the tread does not matter, what matters is the position of the tire depending on the internal or external structure.

Fitting asymmetrical tires

There should be an Outside indicator on the side surface. Some manufacturers may indicate:

1. side facing outwards;
2. external;
3. this side facing forwards.

At the same time, the inscription Inside is indicated on the inner zone of the tire. However, it is not visible, so its side is directed towards the car.

With the correct installation of the tire, the driver will see the inscription on the outside of the rubber - Outside. Otherwise, it will turn out that it is worn on the inside.

Installation of tires with a directional tread pattern

Directional tires are mounted in such a way that the rotation of the car wheel corresponds to the marking arrow indicated on the side of the rubber and the Rotation inscription.

Tires installed on the right and left sides of the car must match the markings on the tread when the wheel rotates forward: Left (left) and Right (right).

Fitting symmetrical tires

Symmetric tires do not have sides and given directions when the wheel rotates. Thus, their installation is carried out regardless of the location. It is also worth noting the fact that an illiterate installation of directional or asymmetric rubber will lead to a deterioration in road holding, aerodynamics, control and balancing when cornering. In addition, it will lead to wear and deformation of the car wheel.

When tires do not perform their intended function, the wheels lose their factory characteristics and properties. Therefore, forced driving on a car with incorrectly installed tires should be calm and even. That is, you can not turn sharply and accelerate over 80 km / h. In this case, it is also not recommended to perform sudden braking. And even better - do not take risks at all and put tires depending on the direction of rotation of the wheels.

Even at the dawn of the automotive industry, when car tires were made of natural rubber, which melted in the sun and hardened from frost, designers and manufacturers thought about something more perfect. After all, such tires are not far removed from the wheel on a horse-drawn cart. As a result, technologies have evolved, oil processing methods have improved, times have changed.
In 1927, among other things, the Soviet scientist Sergei Vasilievich Lebedev, synthetic rubber was obtained, which became the progenitor of the material of modern tires. But such a material did not become a panacea, in addition to the rubber itself providing high performance properties for tires, the shape and profiles of the tire were also important. Subsequently, the tire treads became flat, in order to provide a large area with the road, which means stability on the road. In addition, they have a protector. At the same time, in some cases, the tire tread required a certain installation of tires, according to their rotation. It is about these very installation cases, as well as what will happen if the tires are installed incorrectly, that we will describe in our article.

Tire rotation direction or tire tread types

If you pay attention to the treads of tires that drive around your city, then most attentive people will surely see that tires are different. In one case, the tread pattern is like a checkerboard, just squares, in the other there is a strict direction, relative to the transverse axis of the wheel, and symmetrical. And, in the end, the orientation relative to this axis is asymmetric. That is, we can say about the banal, very well-known fact that tire treads are: directional and non-directional. Moreover, the welded tire tread can be symmetrical or asymmetric.

(Classification of tire type based on tread type)

So why do manufacturers bother to perform this pattern, what role does it play when using tires? After all, all this is clearly not only for the sake of beauty.

Installing tires relative to the tread on the tire

We will start with the case when the protector is non-directional. In this case, there is no need to talk about the correct installation of the tire, regarding where it should rotate. One way or the other, it doesn't matter. Another thing is when the protector is directional.
For a car enthusiast - an average person who does not want to delve into the essence of the matter, everything is simple. Look at the marking on the rim "ROTATION", which translates from English as rotation, and put the tire on the car in accordance with the rotation of the wheel in the direction of the car moving forward.

Or marking "outside" (outer side) ...

For those who want to know why the tire should be stopped in this way and not otherwise, and what the wrong installation of the tire can affect, we will tell the following.
The direction of the tread on the tire is designed to remove liquid, dirt, snow porridge from under it, that is, everything that has a low viscosity. At the same time, this withdrawal is necessary in order to avoid the so-called hydroplaning effect. That is, to prevent the loss of contact between the road and the rubber. Why this very contact is needed, we will not explain. Let's talk about how the directional tread removes all this from under the contact patch of the tire with the road.

How a Properly Installed Directional Tire Reduces Hydroplaning

Here you can talk and explain for a long time. But it is better, as they say, to see once. We made a gif especially for you. Take a look.

Essentially, the tread works like the vanes on a centrifugal pump when it pumps water, except that the driving force here is not centrifugal force, but the force from squeezing water into the grooves of the tread. The force is generated each time the tire hits the fluid it is supposed to expel. So water, dirt, wet snow is squeezed out into the groove and drained out. The wheel rotates further, and new water is again squeezed out into the groove in the direction of the car. Due to the removal of this "grease", the contact between the tire and the road is improved, which entails a safer ride. It's all so simple and logical. Here I want to talk about the direction of the drawing. As we have already said, you can pay attention to the ROTATION marking, or you can look at the picture.

(tire installed correctly)

So, the tread grooves should always move away from the contact patch of the tire with the road towards the back of the car, if you look at the wheels from above on the left. And the opposite situation for the wheels on the right. In this case, you can not look for the markings on the rim. I looked at the tread pattern and put a tire on the car according to the pattern.

What happens if the directional tire is installed in the wrong direction

Here everything is according to the logic of what is happening, but in reverse order. If everything under our wheels (dirt, sleet, water) is more difficult to squeeze out, since the grooves will be directed to the intake of all this environment, then in fact it will turn out that excess pressure will form in the center of the tire, in the contact patch. It will try to raise the tire, which contributes to the deterioration of rubber grip. By itself, this is not safe.

However, if we talk about a dry road, when there is no water on the street, or it is frosty and just snowing, then the presence of such grooves that drain water, slurry, in fact, does not oblige to anything. Also, such grooves will not affect the situation with limited speed, about 5-20 km/h.

Summing up about the correct and incorrect installation of directional tires on the machine

So, the direction of the tread grooves on the tire was invented not just for beauty. If they are, then it is better to use them. The directional grooves of the tread contribute to the removal of the liquid medium from under the wheel and thereby improve the contact between the rubber and the road. Therefore, pay attention to the correct installation of the tire. When installing a tire, you need to pay attention to its tread. At the same time, such a statement applies not only to the one who puts an already wrapped wheel on the car, but also to the mechanics who install the tire on the rim. After all, the car must have two wheels on the left side and two on the right. Nothing else!
Well, about the case when everything is operated with incorrectly installed tires. If it's dry outside, it won't make any difference. If it’s not slushy outside, it’s raining, then be extremely careful. It will be very difficult to get the car out of hydroplaning, and you can not talk about the sad results. You yourself know all about it without us.

At the moment, all produced tires have one of the following types of tread pattern: directional, non-directional and asymmetric. Non-directional tires tend to be the most budget-friendly and perform the same in either direction of rotation. Asymmetric tires already require care when mounting on wheels, as they have a strictly defined direction of rotation. The inscriptions on the sidewalls of such tires suggest that they have an inner (inside) and an outer (outside) side.

Directional tires are even more demanding for proper installation. They have a special tread pattern, most often resembling a "herringbone" in which pronounced grooves serve to drain water from the contact patch of the tire with the road surface. This should prevent the occurrence of such a dangerous phenomenon as aquaplaning, in which a car moving at high speed on a wet road loses contact with it due to the fact that a layer of water remains between the wheel and the base. The wide grooves in the directional tire just help to quickly divert water from under the tire to the sides, reducing the likelihood of aquaplaning.

If directional tires are installed incorrectly, they will instead force water from the sides into the center of the tire, increasing the risk of hydroplaning. Therefore, for directional tires, it is very important to determine the correct direction of their rotation and to mount the tire on the rim accordingly. To indicate the correct way to install a tire, manufacturers draw large arrows, sometimes stylized, on the sidewall of the tire, indicating the direction of rotation of the tire. Instead of large arrows, one relatively small arrow labeled Rotation can be drawn.

If you cannot find such arrows on the sidewalls of a tire, but you see that it is clearly directional and has a pronounced tread pattern with herringbone grooves, then you will never go wrong if you install the tire in such a way that in the contact patch with the road the tip of the herringbone is directed against the direction of travel. That is, while rotating, the tires must first touch the road with the tip of the Christmas tree. Only with this installation method will the tire work correctly, ensuring the removal of water from the contact patch with the road, thereby increasing driving safety and reducing the risk of aquaplaning.