When you buy new tires, have you ever noticed small red and yellow dots on the sidewall? At first glance, they seem harmless, but they play a crucial role in the balance and longevity of your tires.
Yet, many drivers are unaware of their meaning and importance. Improper installation could affect your stability on the road and accelerate tire wear. Here’s why these markings should never be overlooked.
The yellow dot: a reference point for better balancing
The yellow dot indicates the lightest point of the tire. When a tire is mounted on a rim, this point should be aligned with the wheel valve, which is usually the heaviest part.
Why is this important?
- This helps compensate for natural imbalances in the tire and wheel.
- This ensures a smoother and more stable ride.
- This limits vibrations and irregular wear of the tires, which extends their life.
Improper balancing can cause unpleasant jolts and affect your vehicle’s handling.
The red dot: an indicator of irregularity
The red dot indicates the flattest point of the tire. Since wheels also have natural irregularities, some rims have a mark indicating their highest point.
If your wheel is marked, you must align the red dot on the tire with this mark to minimize any irregularities and avoid jolts when driving.
Improper red dot alignment can result in:
- Instability, especially at high speeds.
- Increased discomfort in the passenger compartment.
- Premature tire wear.
