Why would people mount their tires backwards?

[BillyHW]

So because I'm neurotic about tires and keep looking at other people's tires, it happens surprisingly often that I notice people with directional (usually winter) tires mounted backwards on some or all of the wheels.

Why do people do this? Are they just that clueless? How can their mechanics be this clueless? Is there a good reason for this that I am just not aware of? On tires with a distinctive V-pattern, how is it even possible not to notice?

 

[VolvoZ]

Pretty sure it is widespread cluelessness….or they drive in reverse…lol

 

[tcp71]

They are rotating them side to side instead of front to back as required with directional tires. They were mounted correctly until the cross rotation was done. people have no idea what sipes on tires do. They just threw on the winter wheels wherever was convenient and that's what you get.

 

[Analog-1]

YEP this ^

 

[Dave1027]

It's ok as long as you only run them backwards in the summer.

 

[benjamming]

It's actually not that big of a deal performance wise to run directional tires the other way. There can be larger performance differences between tires chosen.

 

[tcp71]

It's actually not that big of a deal performance wise to run directional tires the other way. There can be larger performance differences between tires chosen.

It makes a world of difference in slush and snow. The groves move water from the middle to the outside when they run the correct direction and draw water into the tire going the wrong way.

 

[Jetronic]

might work well to have them backwards when driving in sand. Less chance of digging yourself in.

 

[IndyIan]

It makes a world of difference in slush and snow. The groves move water from the middle to the outside when they run the correct direction and draw water into the tire going the wrong way.

View attachment 243505

In some snow conditions, the tire actually makes more grip by holding snow packed in the tread of the tire, but manufacturers must believe that for most driving, clearing water and slush is more important so we have lots of directional snow tires. In winter rally they seem to run narrower tires to clear slush/loose snow, but they are barely directional at all.

 

[slacktide_bitog]

Yeah, this is why directional tires suck.

They are rotating them side to side instead of front to back as required with directional tires. They were mounted correctly until the cross rotation was done. people have no idea what sipes on tires do. They just threw on the winter wheels wherever was convenient and that's what you get.

This is it.

Walmart has free lifetime balance and rotation when you buy tires and have them installed there. This includes the flip/remount necessary for directional tires.

 

[benjamming]

It makes a world of difference in slush and snow. The groves move water from the middle to the outside when they run the correct direction and draw water into the tire going the wrong way.

View attachment 243505

Oops, I completely missed the winter part. I don't know anything about winter tires living in Alabama & all.