Shop Directional Tires

Before buying directional tires: V-shape tread design

Directional tires have a V-shape tread pattern designed to roll in one direction only. The V-shaped grooves of a directional tire push water and slush out from the center of the tread to the shoulders, which reduces hydroplaning and keeps the tread in contact with the road in rain and snow.

How to tell if tires are directional before buying

Directional tires are identified by two marks: a V-shape tread and an arrow with the word ROTATION on the sidewall, showing the direction the tire turns when the vehicle moves forward. A tire with an OUTSIDE marking instead of an arrow is asymmetrical, and a tire with neither mark is symmetrical.

Mounting directional tires on the correct side

Directional tires are mounted so the arrow points forward on each side of the vehicle, which means the left and right tires face opposite ways on their wheels. A directional tire mounted against the arrow loses its water evacuation and grip, so buyers note which tires go on the left and which on the right when the set is fitted.

Rotation limits to weigh before buying directional tires

Directional tires rotate front to back on the same side of the vehicle only; moving a directional tire to the other side means dismounting and remounting it on the wheel. Buyers who want the simplest rotation choose symmetrical tires; buyers who want the fastest water and slush clearance accept the directional rule.

Buying directional tires for rain, snow and mud

Directional tread designs are standard on most winter tires and on many all-weather and summer performance tires, because the V-shaped grooves clear water and slush fastest. Directional tires suit drivers who face heavy rain, slush or snow. Some aggressive mud-terrain tires also use directional lugs that throw mud outward, although most mud-terrain tires are non-directional.

Buying directional all-season and all-weather tires

Directional all-season tires use the V-shape tread to clear water on wet roads, mostly in performance all-season lines. Many all-weather tires with the 3PMSF (Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake) symbol use a directional V-shaped tread to clear slush and water all year. Directional all-weather tires stay on the vehicle through every season, with the same front-to-back rotation rule.

Choosing a spare for directional tires

A full-size directional spare points the correct way on only one side of the vehicle, and mounted against its arrow the spare serves only temporarily, at reduced speed. Buyers ordering a fifth directional tire as a full-size spare accept that limit; many drivers keep the compact temporary spare the vehicle came with.

Choosing directional vs. symmetrical vs. asymmetrical tires

• Directional tires roll one way only and rotate front to back on the same side.
• Symmetrical tires have identical tread halves and rotate in any pattern.
• Asymmetrical tires mount with the OUTSIDE marking facing out and rotate front to back or crosswise.

Order a set of four directional tires in your vehicle's size to keep the same tread on every wheel.

Buying directional tires as a set of four with NeoTires

Directional tires are bought as a set of four so every wheel carries the same V-shaped tread. Enter your vehicle on NeoTires to narrow directional tires to the ones that fit, then weigh brands and prices before adding the set to the cart. Orders go out the same day to any US address, tires labeled Free shipping arrive without a shipping charge, and checkout offers Klarna, Affirm and Afterpay for buyers who would rather pay in installments.