Fitting tyres in the opposite way creates performance and safety issues. Many drivers are not aware of how to fit them correctly or how things may go. The understanding of what goes wrong when they are wrong makes owners ensure they are installed correctly and the car performs to its optimum potential. The professionals at Bridgestone Tyres Bridge of Don understand directional tyres and how to install them correctly, thereby keeping you safe and achieving maximum performance.
Understanding Directional Tyre Design
Directional tyres possess a special tread that is only effective when the tread is used in only one direction. When you wear it forward, it usually forms a V that is facing forward. That design disperses the water and provides good grip whenever the tyre rolls in the direction it is intended to.
Manufacturers paste arrows on the sidewall to indicate the direction of forward. Those arrows must be facing the front of the car when the car is on the road. Then, when you or a tech turns them on or installs them, you will be looking in the correct direction.
Not all tyres are directional; many have asymmetrical or symmetrical designs. Symmetrical ones may be worn in any manner; they are okay in front or in the rear. Asymmetric ones simply have different appearances on the inside and outside, without the need to have a particular direction.
Reduced Traction and Grip
When you have your directional tyre on backwards, it does not serve its purpose. The V-shaped grooves will not direct the water in the right direction when it reverses, and the tyre will lack much control in the wet season.
The grip reduces even in cases where the road is dry, though on the wrong side. When the surface is rotating in the reverse way, the tread blocks cannot sink into the surface; hence, your acceleration and cornering feel significantly less powerful.
It is a big deal on the snow or ice when you put on a directional tyre upside down. The trend will simply not sink in the snow or penetrate slush, thus, making your safety in winter driving reduction to zero.
Increased Aquaplaning Risk
When you jack the directional tyres the opposite way around, the braking of the car becomes all disorganised, and the car will not be able to move the rain and slush out of the road. The grooves cause the water to push directly into the contact patch rather than out of it, such that water collects in the grooves and causes the tyres to leave the road surface.
Aquaplaning may occur at lower speeds when the directional tyres are reversed fitted. Since the Tyres Bridge of Don is not able to disperse the water effectively, hydroplanking begins earlier. And that is to lose steering and braking control simultaneously, which is highly unsafe.
Wet weather is even worse when the tyres are poorly fitted. The risk of standing water on the road is greater compared to the situation of having the tyres in an appropriate orientation. To maintain the safety margins, drivers are forced to reduce their speed considerably.
Accelerated and Uneven Wear
Putting the tyres in reverse causes the tyres to wear off sooner and turn in the opposite direction. The treads bend and shape weirdly, which causes untimely wear. Fast wear kills your car’s tyres and costs you a lot.
When the tyre is not in the right position, it will have uneven wear patterns everywhere. Some spots feed fast, and others remain virtually clean. That asymmetry causes an early replacement despite the presence of other parts with a significant amount of tread.
Compromised Vehicle Handling
When the directional tyres on a vehicle are put on incorrectly, the vehicle’s handling characteristics will be compromised. The steering will not respond with the same amount of precision or predictability. Drivers will notice vague or delayed steering feedback during their normal driving.
Directional tyres will compromise cornering stability if the directional tyres rotate backwards! It may feel unstable while turning with grip levels that are going to change every time. The potential for uncertainty is dangerous, especially in emergencies!
Importance of Professional Fitting
Qualified tyre technicians are conversant with directional tyre requirements and fitting processes. They consider rotation arrows while installing the tyres, making sure that the tyres are fitted in the proper orientation. The proficiencies of such experts will help avoid costly errors and compromise safety.
Modern-day tyre fitting equipment makes use of safeguards to restrict the incorrect installation of directional tyres. Computer systems may even alert the technician to orientation requirements during the fitting procedure. These technological aids assist and enhance the overall accuracy of installation.
After mounting, the fitter balances the tyres correctly, thereby guaranteeing smooth operation. Correct balancing, when complemented with proper orientation, guarantees maximum performance. Thus, such all-around service justifies the cost of professional fitting.
Conclusion
Directional tyres installed the wrong way round will seriously affect the safety, performance, and lifespan of the tyres. Using incorrect orientation will reduce traction, increase wear, and make handling a problem. Professional mounting ensures proper final installation and proper use of the tyres.
For professional tyre installation and overall services for a vehicle’s tyres, tyre fitting experts provide quality products, professional installation, and advice to identify and ensure that directional tyres are fitted correctly, providing confidence and safety for all driving conditions.
