I need confirmation as to which way round to fit these tyres. There is nothing on the sidewall. The some images show as the tread pattern is sort of a "V" shape but mine have been fitted like in inverted "_^", which is the same way as the Pirelli website. Has anyone had these tyres fitted?

Thanks.

I'm not tyre expert but I don't think they are directional.

If they are directional there will be an arrow on the side.

Funny as i was looking at my dads car a few weeks back and his pirelli's one was ^ and the other was v, so told him to take it ti the tyre garage and check. they said it didn't matter, so then got him to take his car to an mot station to doulbe check and they said they are ok as well.

Asimmetrico : The asymmetric design features a block pattern inner section, a central area with two continuous ribs and a semi-slick outer section. That's all I can see about them - no mention from Pirelli or others on their use. But as said, if there's no direction arrow or sidewall indication then they would be OK to fit either way.

I had a quick look at the tread pattern on them, there's nothing to point to the fact that they should only run in one direction! How confusing....

No no, lack of symmetry is a good thing if the tyre is to be run in either direction (generally). If the tread is symmetrically, such as 'V' shapes on the tread then that obviously works both ways. Say it's asymmetrical like the letter 'S' for example - not symmetrical, but does look the same both ways.

I believe Cont Sport contact2/3s do not have a mark to say which way they go on, as they are not directional. I guess your tyres might well be the same...

EDIT: The logic of what I've said above it sound, but I've just read that in car terms it does definite asymmetric tyres as what Wardy said above. My mistake!

http://www.checkthatcar.com/tyre%20anatomy.asp

Edited 19 April, 201115 yr by clewsy

Yep, just worked through that myself - hence my now edited post

CS2/3 are definitely not directional. And having had a look at these Pirellis now, would suggest these are the same - i.e. it doesn't matter

Assymetric designs are not necessarily directional but it does matter which way round they are fitted... but just to be safe, and sorry if you have already done this, they might have an inside and outside - the tread block is broader on one side - the broader tread block on assymetric tyres is usually on the "outside" and this side of the tyre will have the word outside somewhere around the rim, the direction of the chevron shapes will be different.... worth checking anyway...

Edited 19 April, 201115 yr by hugothebear

That doesn't seem to tie with Pirelli's description that I posted above:

"block pattern inner section, a central area with two continuous ribs and a semi-slick outer section"

Here's a fitted pic, so the broader block pattern is on the *inside*

why not just fit 2 one way and two the other way, then you can swap them around accordingly once you find out more?

That doesn't seem to tie with Pirelli's description that I posted above:

"block pattern inner section, a central area with two continuous ribs and a semi-slick outer section"

Here's a fitted pic, so the broader block pattern is on the *inside*

I had another look at my tyres last night. 3 are fitted as above but the nearside rear is the other way round. I'm going to go back to ATS and get them to swap it around to match the other 3. Thanks for the replies.

Assymetric designs are not necessarily directional but it does matter which way round they are fitted

The side of the tyre will have the word outside somewhere around the rim,

It IS important that you get the tyre fitted the correct way round.

The tread design is there for a reason, not just good looks.

Assymetrical tyres should have "Outside" on the tyre

One reason why manafactures don't 'fit " directional " tyres from new because the spare will only fit one side of the car were as Assymetrical tyres can go on any corner

It IS important that you get the tyre fitted the correct way round.

The tread design is there for a reason, not just good looks.

Assymetrical tyres should have "Outside" on the tyre

One reason why manafactures don't 'fit " directional " tyres from new because the spare will only fit one side of the car were as Assymetrical tyres can go on any corner

but they don't give you a spare these days as standard....and if you pay for one its not usually the same as the other 4 tyres anyway!

They probably don't fit them because if someone swaps the wheels around (leading to sub optimal safety) its impossible to prove that it didn't leave the factory like that.

but they don't give you a spare these days as standard....and if you pay for one its not usually the same as the other 4 tyres anyway!

They probably don't fit them because if someone swaps the wheels around (leading to sub optimal safety) its impossible to prove that it didn't leave the factory like that.

Very true, the spare sometimes is not the same size but it won't be Directional, make/tread pattern doesn't matter

( I worked for a tyre company for a good few years)

( I worked for a tyre company for a good few years)

Were they good years?

Were they good years?

ba dum dum chaaaa lol they tired him out i heard

ba dum dum chaaaa lol they tired him out i heard

Maybe you should keep a low profile after that...

This 'tread' is getting less than groovy

This 'tread' is getting less than groovy

That wasn't very slick....

That wasn't very slick....

i think your bad jokes have rubbered off on me! didnt mean to tread on your toes lol.

I've had enough of this I'm off for a continental lager.

I've had enough of this I'm off for a continental lager.

:( there isnt anything that can beat a larger on a day like today, so im gonna stop toyoing around now.

R888 catch u guys later