uni-directional tires...

[T-Bird]

this is hopefully a simple question...

I was always under the impression that Uni-directional tires were only OK to use in one direction but I had some kid today trying to tell me that it was OK to use them backwards so that the water went out instead of towards the middle but I got to thinking that that would give pretty bad traction in the rain wouldn't since the flow is all messed up? also wouldn't the tires be weaker because they are designed to go in a certain direction but then someone decided to reverse them? Are there actually any consequences to running uni-directional tires backwards or not? I know in my Automotive management class we were taught that it would be against the law to allow a car out of the shop with the tires backward unless you inform the customer and they sign an agreement that they want them that way and even then you are supposed to explain it to them.

[deth]

i assume they would perform differently if put on backwards, and definately not in a way that wold be beneficial. tehy're probably called uni-directional for a reason. according to yokohama

Unidirectional tread pattern Designed to rotate in only one direction, unidirectional tires enhance straight-line acceleration by reducing rolling resistance. The also provide shorter stopping distance. Unidirectional tires must be dedicated to a specific side of the vehicle. Care must be taken when rotating unidirectional tires to ensure that the repositioned tire rotates in the correct direction.

[ZfrkS62]

I have also been under the impression the those types of tires were constructed for the strength of one direction only. but recently i've been told that it's only the tread design for water repellant purposes. i've seen them going the wrong direction and really not have anything wrong with them.

so places like phoenix arizona where it rains maybe 3 times a year, you really wouldn't have to worry about it, but everywhere else you would.
but i'm really not sure who to believe, i just play it safe and make sure the tires are pointing in the direction that they should be.

[mindgam3]

i think the clue's in the name

[caneswell]

Will be fine until you hit some standing water at which point they will aquaplane very easily. Should be ok in the dry though, tread on a tyre is only for water dispersal.

[jon_s]

What is wrong with putting them on the conventional way?

[OVERLORD_CHRIS]

"kid today trying to tell me that it was OK to use them backwards so that the water went out instead of towards the middle"

That Kid is an idot. Like caneswell said " Will be fine until you hit some standing water at which point they will aquaplane very easily" with them faceing the wrong direction, the water will just be pushed fwd back in front of the tires. People do that sort of thing of 4x4, mainly on the back wheels though, beucase when they get stuck going fwd, they can get out easyer in reverse, so for them it fine, but most people don't take there cars out in the mud for a spin.

[graywolf624]

Theres a few things here of note:
tread is only for handling water.. true..

BUT.. putting uni directional tires on the car in the wrong direction will also:
a) cause the tread to wear more quickly.
b) can cause the tread to wear unevenly.
c) Depending on design can cause the car to perform as if its unaligned, ect due to the way the tire tread is deflected.

DO NOT DO IT!