Sport Tire Rotation?

zero610 · 05-01-2009, 11:04 AM

Probably a stupid question, but can stock sport tires (Bridgestone Potenza RE050A) be rotated from side to side? Obviously can't do front to back due to size difference. Sorry for the noob question, just want to make sure. I didn't think I saw a directional arrow on the tires. Thanks.

SoCal 370Z · 05-01-2009, 11:58 AM

Yes, you can, but you find just as many people that say it's a good idea as you will bad...kinda like an oil debate.

wstar · 05-01-2009, 12:04 PM

They are directional (the stock RE050A's), so you're not supposed to rotate them side to side. On the other hand, the only fallout is that the tread pattern is backwards from what the mfg decided was optimal. Perhaps if this doesn't matter to you, then it's fine

SoCal 370Z · 05-01-2009, 12:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wstar

They are directional (the stock RE050A's), so you're not supposed to rotate them side to side. On the other hand, the only fallout is that the tread pattern is backwards from what the mfg decided was optimal. Perhaps if this doesn't matter to you, then it's fine

Now, I have to go look as I could have sworn they weren't directional. If directional then no rotation (other than front to rear vice-a-versa, if the wheels weren't staggered).

zero610 · 05-01-2009, 12:50 PM

OK well +1 for directional and +1 for non-directional. Any tie breakers??

sensi09 · 05-01-2009, 12:56 PM

They're asymmetric Bridgestone Potenza RE050A

Asymmetrical tires are designed to improve handling and reduce noise. These tires can rotate in either direction with the correct side facing out as indicated on the sidewall. If installed with the wrong side facing out, the tire will not provide optimum performance. However, no damage or premature wear to the tire will result. Simply have it dismounted and reinstalled correctly.
Just Tires - Services - FAQS

scorpion90 · 05-01-2009, 01:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zero610

OK well +1 for directional and +1 for non-directional. Any tie breakers??

Tires are designed asymmetrical to provide more grip during steering maneuvers and may have lower sidewall stiffeners on one side to improve turn in. As such, they are not directional since nothing in the tread pattern says they have to ROTATE on way or the other. They just need to be mounted with the proper sidewall out to take advantage of tread mass distribution and sidewall stiffness.

wstar · 05-01-2009, 02:06 PM

Hmm you're right. I could've sworn I read somewhere that our stock tires were directional though. Maybe that was just some crap the dealer told me when I bought it.

05-01-2009, 11:04 AM	#1 (permalink)
zero610 Base Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 89 Drives: 09 370Z Sport Rep Power: 16	Sport Tire Rotation? Probably a stupid question, but can stock sport tires (Bridgestone Potenza RE050A) be rotated from side to side? Obviously can't do front to back due to size difference. Sorry for the noob question, just want to make sure. I didn't think I saw a directional arrow on the tires. Thanks.

05-01-2009, 11:58 AM	#2 (permalink)
SoCal 370Z A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: US of A Posts: 2,842 Drives: Answers Rep Power: 33	Yes, you can, but you find just as many people that say it's a good idea as you will bad...kinda like an oil debate. __________________ ( Click to show/hide ) Why I NEVER say NO to the Panda Lou Fusz!!!

05-01-2009, 12:04 PM	#3 (permalink)
wstar A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 4,024 Drives: too slow Rep Power: 3594	They are directional (the stock RE050A's), so you're not supposed to rotate them side to side. On the other hand, the only fallout is that the tread pattern is backwards from what the mfg decided was optimal. Perhaps if this doesn't matter to you, then it's fine __________________ 7AT Track Car! Journal thread / Car setup details

05-01-2009, 12:56 PM	#6 (permalink)
sensi09 Enthusiast Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: so cal Posts: 449 Drives: _ Rep Power: 16	They're asymmetric Bridgestone Potenza RE050A Asymmetrical tires are designed to improve handling and reduce noise. These tires can rotate in either direction with the correct side facing out as indicated on the sidewall. If installed with the wrong side facing out, the tire will not provide optimum performance. However, no damage or premature wear to the tire will result. Simply have it dismounted and reinstalled correctly. Just Tires - Services - FAQS Last edited by sensi09; 05-01-2009 at 07:04 PM.

05-01-2009, 02:06 PM	#8 (permalink)
wstar A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 4,024 Drives: too slow Rep Power: 3594	Hmm you're right. I could've sworn I read somewhere that our stock tires were directional though. Maybe that was just some crap the dealer told me when I bought it. __________________ 7AT Track Car! Journal thread / Car setup details

05-01-2009, 12:50 PM	#5 (permalink)
zero610 Base Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 89 Drives: 09 370Z Sport Rep Power: 16	OK well +1 for directional and +1 for non-directional. Any tie breakers??

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