Exactly What Is Meant By Directional?

Perhaps you were surprised to learn that you had the choice of symmetrical, asymmetrical, or directional tires for your vehicle. That’s right; you have choices. If you choose directional, exactly what does that mean? Tires can’t give directions. Obviously, they all roll in the same direction. At First Tire & Automotive in the Eldridge section of Sugar Land, Texas, we’re happy to end your confusion. We’re also great at performing all your needed tire-related services, something we’ve been doing for more than 26 years. Better yet, we’ll make your experience more convenient with before and after hours drop-off, text and email status updates, and free shuttle service. We stand behind our work, backing repairs with a generous 36 month/36,000 mile warranty.

Directional Tire Overview

Most tire manufacturers offer three major categories of tread patterns. These are symmetrical, asymmetrical, and directional. Symmetrical tires are quite common. The pattern looks the same regardless of whether you’re viewing the inside or outside tread blocks. Thus, symmetrical tires don’t need to be mounted in a particular direction. On the other hand, asymmetrical tires have different patterns on the inner and outer tread areas. This provides an advantage in some driving conditions, but installers just mount the tires in the proper direction. Asymmetrical tires can include some directional features, yet they aren’t considered directional tires. Specifically, both symmetrical and asymmetrical tires are classified as non-directional.

Directional tires, therefore, are classified as their own category. Their special tread design requires that they rotate in just one direction.That’s not to say, however, that they can only roll in a single direction. (That would be silly because then you couldn’t put the car in reverse!) What it does impact is the direction of tire mounting on the vehicle. Directional tires are usually installed on high performance cars. The “V” shaped pattern in the tread lets them take on slippery or damp road surfaces.

Directional Tire Services Made Easy

Whether you sport a high performance vehicle or any other make or model, you need not trouble yourself with the specifics of installing directional tires. No matter your tire service needs, the ASE certified technicians at First Tire & Automotive are up to the task. If you’re in the market for a new set of tires, we sell and install a great selection of major brands, including Goodyear, Continental, Dunlop, Michelin, and Kelly. In addition, we offer a full range of tire services whether you purchased your tires from us or someone else. Services include rotating, balancing, tire pressure check, TPMS reset, and repair (if it’s safe and feasible to do so). We also offer related work like wheel alignment and suspension repairs.