How important are tire directional arrows?

kiskat23 · 03-31-2007, 06:26 AM

Just had my 20K service last week. I have noticed the wheel shimmy's a little when driving. Upon further inspection I noticed both driver's side tires have the directional D (for Dunlop) arrow facing the wrong direction (move forward in reverse). I don't want to look like too much of a tool at Toyota this morning when I go in and was wondering does the arrow matter or does it simply need to be balanced? Thx for any help. K

Bang Bang · 03-31-2007, 06:34 AM

It's been a long time since I sold tires, but I seem to remember the manufacturer telling us that directional tires are directional for a reason. Generally, only high performance tires are directional but I could be wrong about that. I would call Dunlop and definitely question Toyota on it. Good luck!

other1 · 03-31-2007, 07:17 AM

I don't think that "Arrow" on the Dunlops is an arrow. I researched it a while back and those tires aren't directional

kiskat23 · 03-31-2007, 09:05 AM

Quote:

other1 previously said:

I don't think that "Arrow" on the Dunlops is an arrow. I researched it a while back and those tires aren't directional

Thx, that what the service manager @ Central FL Toyota told me this morning. Irks me that this problem arose immediately after the last service and their tire rotation (couldn't make it back until this morning) and they wont do anything for me 1046 miles later. They said that it might be a wheel weight that fell off or that the backs that were rotated forward might not be balanced correctly and they would do the balace for $40 dollars if they could get to it today. I am sorry to say that I will now be looking for a new dealer to have both of my Toy's serviced & for future purchases. While I do understand their response I don't agree with the way it was handled. I would look at other dealers in the Central Florida area if you guys are servicing or buying. K

Rick Rock · 03-31-2007, 09:14 AM

While I think it is probably imoprtant to MATCH the left and right sides, I am not so sure at all about the direction.... I have seen numerous rigs with their front tires intentionally mounted in the 'wrong' direction....The idea is that when you are stuck, you always have two tires rotating in the correct direction and that helps extraction.......certainly makes a deal of sense to me.....

But my Hankooks are not directional.....

M3Franky · 04-01-2007, 04:23 PM

Directional tires are used more on performance tires, and are for the most part due to getting water away from the center of the tire outward! Don't quote me on this, but I'm 90% sure. So if there where installed backwards, your wet traction would be great.