Stripes can be of different widths, colors and locations. But they have one common characteristic feature. Please note: the stripe always goes along the entire circumference of the tire. This ensures that paint never gets into the grooves. What kind of painter is this who is not too lazy to paint like this “artistically” on each tire?
If the nozzle sprayed paint onto the rotating tire, the stripes would fit perfectly. And these are not applied quite evenly. Does this mean they are applied by hand?
If the nozzle sprayed paint onto the rotating tire, the stripes would fit perfectly. And these are not applied quite evenly. Does this mean they are applied by hand?
How are stripes useful for the buyer?
Tires are sometimes sold inconsistently, especially in markets, that’s a fact. I came across a situation where tires produced not only in different weeks, but also in different years were sold as one set. However, it is believed that it is better to install tires from the same batch on a car. This is where third time tire stripes can come in handy.
If the stripes on the tires are absolutely identical, this is an indirect sign that the tires are from the same batch.
If the stripes on the tires are absolutely identical, this is an indirect sign that the tires are from the same batch.
Decoding color marks on tires
When buying a new set of tires, car enthusiasts notice various colored marks on the surface of the tires.
At the same time, not everyone knows what information is hidden in these markers. On the Internet you can come across different interpretations of multi-colored signs on a tire, where it is stated that this is a purely technological designation or marking of a defective product that has not passed factory quality control. The content of the article :
- Yellow dots or triangles
- Red dots and triangles
- White stamp with a number
- Multicolored lines
- White circle or dot
At the same time, it is necessary to realize that the designation applied to the surface of the tire using paint cannot be durable during the operation of the rubber. Consequently, the relevance of the information contained in it remains exclusively until the moment the tire is mounted on the rim of the car wheel. Let's look at the main types of colored marks applied to the rubber of modern cars.
Yellow dots or triangles
Yellow markers in the form of a small triangle or spot with a diameter of 5-10 millimeters are applied by the manufacturer to the side surface of the tire, in its lightest place, which is determined in the factory by the balancing method.
During installation, the place marked in this way should be located opposite the “L” symbol shown on the disk (light zone of the rim), and if there is none, it should be aligned with the inflation valve (nipple). These recommendations will allow the assembled wheel to be balanced as much as possible, which will require fewer compensating weights during balancing. It is clear that the difference in the weight of individual zones of the wheel is insignificant, and therefore the relevance of the yellow dot as a result of active use of the tire disappears even before repeated tire fitting.
Red dots and triangles
By analogy with the previous mark, the red one indicates the most rigid, and therefore the heaviest, area of the tire side wall. Accordingly, it is located on the side, and should be aligned with the letter “L” on the disk, or be located opposite the nipple.
Red marks are most often found on tires supplied as the original equipment of the vehicle. It should be noted here that the discs from the original kit have a marking (white dot), which should be aligned with the scarlet markings. One more nuance regarding the above-mentioned markers. When installing wheels, drivers are advised to follow the yellow marks only, aligning them with the nipple, and ignore the red marks, which are intended for correct installation of rubber on the rim at the factory.
White stamp with a number
A white mark in the form of a circle, triangle, rhombus or square with a number inside, located on the sidewall of the tire, is an analogue of the Quality Control Department sign, known to ordinary people since the times of the Soviet Union. Its presence indicates that the product has passed final quality control at the enterprise and fully complies with the declared characteristics. Among other things, this stamp indicates a specific company employee who is responsible for the reliability of the quality control of the finished tire.
Multicolored lines
Colored lines on the tire tread are intended to identify the sizes and models of tires stacked in racks or pyramids in the warehouse. Rubber of a specific size is marked with stripes of a unique color, width and location, which makes it much easier for warehouse workers to recognize the desired product among many similar ones. In addition, multi-colored lines serve as an indicator by which you can determine whether the tires have been run-in.
White circle or dot
Some tire manufacturers apply markers in the form of a circle or a white dot on their products intended for the original equipment of cars. The place where such a sign is applied is the point of minimum deviation of the radial force. In other words, this is the most flexible part of the tire sidewall. When assembling the wheel, this marker should be located opposite the letter “L” on the disk, or aligned with the “upper” mark on the wheel.
What do the numbers in geometric shapes mean?
In most cases, stamps are drawn in the form of various shapes and a number is written inside. You can see it on the side panel of the tire. What colors can there be:
- White;
- Dark blue;
- Shades of red;
- Yellow palette.
Such signs carry information that the tire has been tested by the inspection service and has no contraindications for use. In addition, it indicates which employee issued the tire for rental and, in case of malfunction or problems, will help you find the right controller who allowed the release.
What does the yellow dot or triangle on the sidewall of the tire mean?
For example, a yellow dot is applied to the lightest point of a new tire, which is determined by the manufacturer during factory balancing. This point is necessary for proper installation of the tire on the rim.
See also: Best tips for buying tires online
Some manufacturers of car wheel rims mark the rim in the form of the Latin letter “L”, which indicates the lightest place on the rim. To properly install the rubber on the rim, it is necessary that the yellow dot (or triangle) on the rubber is on the opposite side of the lightest part of the rim.
Unfortunately, not all disc manufacturers make such marks. In this case, when installing new tires on the disk, it is necessary to place it so that the yellow mark is next to the wheel inflation valve valve. Thus, such an installation makes it easier to subsequently balance the tire. This will also allow you to use less weight to compensate for the wheel balance during balancing.
What does the orange or red dot on the sidewall of the tire mean?
But in addition to the yellow mark on new tires, you can also find an orange or red mark, which is also applied to the tire for a reason and is not associated with any internal marking of the factory.
So, the orange/red circle or triangle on the tire wall means the hardest place on the tire, and therefore the heaviest.
See also: Wheel Studs vs Wheel Bolts: What's the Difference?
When mounting the tire, this marked location must be aligned with the lightest spot marked on the rim. If there is no mark on the rim, then the tire with the orange/red mark must be installed so that the orange mark is in the opposite location from the tire inflation valve.
How to choose winter tires for a car: tips and warnings
How and which one to choose winter tires? This question is asked by many car owners before the onset of winter. The cost of a set of winter tires is quite high, but every driver wants the car to have the best grip on the road and to be comfortable driving the car. Therefore, before choosing tires, understand this issue. How to determine whether it is with or without spikes? Should I take wide or narrow tires? Should I buy symmetrical, asymmetrical or directional tires? To make the right choice, follow these steps:
- You need to understand which type of tires is best suited to the type of climate in which you live: Scandinavian or European.
- Then decide on the manufacturer: branded wheels from Michelin, Pirelli, Bridgestone? Or well-proven tires in the mid-price segment Firestone, Kleber, Toyo? Budget Rosava? Do you drive a lot? Then you should buy the best quality tires.
- Decide how new the model should be. Compared to classic options, ultra-modern ones will cost much more. You can safely choose last year's models. But there is one drawback: there is a possibility that such tires are no longer produced, so replacing them will not be easy.
- Select specification. To do this, we look at what size and type of tires are suitable for your car model. You can find this information in the service book. You should purchase tires of the size that can be used on your car. With such wheels, driving a car will be as safe as possible.
- Select a tread pattern. It all depends on the conditions in which the car is operated. During the winter season, do you drive in the city on clean roads? Then the protector can be made in the form of small checkers. If you plan to drive on a snowy road, then the tread pattern should be aggressive.
- Compare speed indexes. As the index increases, the permeability of wheels on snow decreases. This principle works vice versa. If you plan to drive on dry asphalt in winter, then it is better to choose tires with a high speed index, because the braking distance will be shorter.
- Choose where to buy branded tires. The seller must be reliable so that you do not buy a fake.
- Conduct a visual inspection of the wheels. You can test the tires. It is clear that you will not be allowed to put a set of wheels on your car and drive it. What to do? We take a cloth glove with us. We run it in the direction of the tread pattern. Does the glove slip? This means the grip will be the best.
- Check the softness of the tires. We feel them: if the rubber bends, it means that the tires will remain soft even in severe frost.
- Find out the expiration date of the wheels. The specified date must be no more than 2 years. If the tires are already 3-4 years old, their quality may deteriorate. The date of manufacture is indicated on the side of the wheel.
- Study the labeling and ask the seller to provide a certificate of conformity. This document is proof that this type of tire can be used in our country.
How to choose winter tires to save money if your budget is limited? The best solution is to purchase a different tire size. You should follow the manufacturer's recommendations, but some exceptions can be made. The larger the profile size and the seat diameter, the more expensive the tires.
You can also choose winter tires with a lower speed index, then the price for a set of wheels will decrease significantly. For example, your car cannot go faster than 150 km/h. This means that you don’t need to buy wheels with a speed index greater than “P”.
In an effort to save money, one should not forget about quality. It is not recommended to purchase used wheels. Even if visually such tires look normal, the grip on the road will be worse than that of new winter tires. You can only use used tires for 1 season.
You can compromise and choose all-season tires. But this can only be done in European countries where the climate is mild and there are no severe frosts.
You cannot install only 2 winter tires. Can't afford to buy a set of winter wheels? Installing different types of tires is not a solution to this problem. Because driving a car with two summer and two winter wheels can be dangerous.
