unidirectional/asymmetrical tire question

[SmithsonGA]

I am challenged this morning to picture if unidirectional AND asymmetrical tires come in pairs of left/right?

I ask because I am close to purchasing a used pair for my 550i (I want a pair to last until my fronts also needed replacing) and dont want to end up with two Lefts (for example).

Also, these used tires have a DOT marking showing they were made in Dec 2005. So, 4 years old, half worn. Are they still safe? I expect them to last under 1 year.

thx

[Critter7r]

Unidirectional tires - by definition - can be put on the car rotating in either direction.

Directional tires must rotate in a specific direction, but unless they are mounted on wheels already, are not side-specific.

Asymmetrical tires can also go on either side of the vehicle. They have a specific OUTside and INside, but not a directional orientation.

[SmithsonGA]

I had assumed/thought my tires were directional...I looked at them and see they are only asymmetrical, not directional. thus the tires are the same left to right.

[M3ZT]

I had assumed/thought my tires were directional...I looked at them and see they are only asymmetrical, not directional. thus the tires are the same left to right.

If they are the same left from right, then it sounds like they are directional, not asymmetrical.

Directional


Left side Right side

|/\||/\| |/\||/\|
|/\||/\| |/\||/\|
|/\||/\| |/\||/\|
|/\||/\| |/\||/\|
|/\||/\| |/\||/\|
|/\||/\| |/\||/\|
Asymmetrical


Left side Right side

|X||XX| |XX||X|
|X||XX| |XX||X|
|X||XX| |XX||X|
|X||XX| |XX||X|
|X||XX| |XX||X|
|X||XX| |XX||X|
Asymmetrical + Directional


Left side Right side

|/\|/\/\| |/\/\|/\|
|/\|/\/\| |/\/\|/\|
|/\|/\/\| |/\/\|/\|
|/\|/\/\| |/\/\|/\|
|/\|/\/\| |/\/\|/\|
|/\|/\/\| |/\/\|/\|

[SmithsonGA]

Thanks. Since i posted, I discovered that my tires are asymmetrical, but not directional. Therefore the left/right are the same...just mount them outside out.

Now I need to decide if 4 yr old tires are OK.

[mryakan]

Thanks. Since i posted, I discovered that my tires are asymmetrical, but not directional. Therefore the left/right are the same...just mount them outside out.

Now I need to decide if 4 yr old tires are OK.
Yeah 4yr is ok granted they still have sufficient tread. Some recommend not to keep tires past 6 years as the rubber hardens, but I ran a winter set that was 7+ yrs old and they were still very flexible. Bridgestrone seems to think 10 years is the limit:
http://www.automotivedigest.com/content/displayArticle.aspx?a=32491

[SmithsonGA]

thanks everyone.

I found a set locally for $120 with no shipping since I can pickup.

50% tread left...only 2 years old and $60/tire? Done.

[325toM3]

So if the tires are assymetrical but not direction, you can swap left to right, just have to "flip" them?

[Critter7r]

So if the tires are assymetrical but not direction, you can swap left to right, just have to "flip" them?

Asymetrical tires have and OUTside and an INside. They can roll in either direction, so they do not have to be dismounted to be put onto the opposite side of the car, since the OUTside is the same.