unidirectional tire

[nyckanny]

hi, I have some really old tires, where the side wall lettering is basically illegible. They seem to be unidirectional, is there a tip to look at the tread pattern and predict the direction. Or is there some sort of test?

thanks!

[corn322]

if you can make out an arrow that shows direction of rotation, it's directional.

also, directional tires usually have an obvious "v" pattern to them, at least all the ones I've seen.

[chmercer]

if they are so old that you cant read the sidewall, they shouldnt be seeing street use. throw them away

[szh]

if they are so old that you cant read the sidewall, they shouldnt be seeing street use. throw them away

Very true!

Tire rubber is unsafe after four to five+ years. Can crack easily - at speed would be dangerous! Check the mfg date code (if you can see that!)

Z

[nyckanny]

yeah, i guess the load capacity of the tire just isn't the same anymore,thanks for the help.

but usually the v grooves in the tread roll in the dirction where the bottom tip of the v hits the ground first as the tire rolls, right?

8^P

[szh]

but usually the v grooves in the tread roll in the dirction where the bottom tip of the v hits the ground first as the tire rolls, right?

Correct!

Z