I have determined that my 2008 Fit Sport stock Dunlop tires are non-directional. Assuming this is correct--if the tires are being rotated in the "directional" pattern, does it make a difference if they are non-directional tires? Or can they be rotated more than one way without negatively affecting them?

It appears that the Honda dealer has been rotating the tires as if they were directional. Am I being concerned over nothing?

Thanks in advance for the feedback.

 

They will not last as long if they are being rotated as directional. You can change the to correct pattern on the next rotation. Just another example of incompetant dealership personnel. Find a good independant to do your maintenance or better yet do it yourself. The old saying "If you want something done right, do it yourself" definately applies to car maintenance.

 

the correct way for non-directional fwd rotation is move the fronts to the rear and cross the rears to the front.

lf -> lr : rf -> rr
lr -> rf : rr -> lf

 

That's how my dealer does mine when I asked.

What does directional mean vs non-directional?

 

on my car i usually just do a straight forward/rear swap regardless of directionality since they are only on for 7-8months tops and swapped with snows in the winter.

 

Basically, directional tires have an arrow on the sidewall that points in the direction the tire should be rotating. Non-directional tires do not have any arrow, therefore they can rotate in either direction. The stock GD tires are non-directional.

Also, directional tires need to stay on their respective sides when it's time to rotate them. You cannot put the right rear on the left front because the tire will be rotating backwards.

 

Look in your owners manual for diagrams on directional versus non directional, pictures explain much better than works in this case.

 

Generally speaking directional tires look like this.
PROXES T1R | Toyo Tires
Notice the pronounced "V" tread pattern.

Non-directional tires on the other hand look like these.
VERSADO LX | Toyo Tires
EXTENSA A/S | Toyo Tires

In terms of tire rotation, you can only rotate directional tires front to back. You cannot cross-rotate them or swap them left and right because that would make them rotate in the opposite direction they're supposed to. If the "V" of the tread isn't pointing forward, the directional tire is mounted incorrectly.

 

Thanks for the feedback everyone.

Next rotation, I plan to make sure the dealer understands how to rotate non-directional tires. I saw the diagrams in the owner's manual and that is why I had concern. I didn't think rotation for non-directional tires was simply a front to back and back to front deal. My previous cars were never rotated like that either.

I guess I wanted to make sure there was no harm (other than tires wearing out a little sooner) in leaving the tires improperly rotated.

I take my car to the dealer hoping that they know there product and thus lowering the chance for error. How very pathetic...modern day life...doesn't anyone take pride in what they do anymore? I will now stop climbing the stairs to my soap box. Thanks again for the info.

 

You are correct. Non-rotation specific tires with no arrows can be rotated in any direction.
The reason for directional tires is not only tread design but the tread reinforcement wrap has an overlay which should not be rotated 'against the end of the overlap'.
This is also true for non-directional tires but without xray that cannot be determined. The overlap is not so vulnerable either as the wrap is thinner.

 

well it's not really necessary to cross rotate, it recommended because it helps the tires wear more evenly given the same road/driving conditions. if you make more left turns than right, then the tires on the right side will wear more than the left. so... crossing helps even out the ware by letting all the tires wear on each corner of the vehicle. you guys already know front tires wear more than rear for fwd cars, so this is why it's recommended to do the front to back, and backs crossed to front.. after awhile each tire will have a chance to be at each corner

directional tires are mounted to a certain side of the vehicle and should stay on that side with front to back rotations. if you're getting more wear on one side you can unmount the tire, flip it, remount/balance then it can be transfered onto the other side for more even wear.

there are also asymmetrical tires which combines the performance of directional tires and you're still able to cross rotate.

 

Just for future reference you can also tell if most tires are directional by the tread pattern. If you see the pic the tread looks like an arrow going down, thats actually the direction the tire should go.

 

Now that I viewed the tire picture, I am sure my Fit has non-directional tires. I do believe I get it.

Kenchan, that makes perfect sense to me. I will give the benefit of the doubt to the dealer this time. I guess I've been tarnished by too much inferior service in the past--its left me a little sensitive.

That's why I chose to find out what was what before I kicked somebody's #%&! I am really glad I was wrong. I want to continue to like my dealer.

Perhaps I was being an over protective Fit parent as well!

 

Good info. Thanks! I am learning more about tires than I had ever hoped for!!

 

This is how my dealership does mine at every oil change, and I don't even have to ask them to make sure it's done properly. I have just over 15,000 miles, and not a sign of wear to be seen anywhere. Score one for Concord Honda and their awesome service department