Snow tyres all the same size. Which tyre which axle /side?

[HannsG]

Hi,

I had a set of snows fitted to my M3 last winter.

They are all the same size and and profile, however I can't remember which one goes on which axle or which side for that matter!!!!

The tyres are Continental Wintercontacts.

Is there a marking on tyres to state which side they should go on and what axle?

fks sake

[Impasse]

Yep, they'll either be a label stating the direction or an arrow or similar. It'll be moulded into the sidewall in the same way the tyre size and whatnot are. Get looking!

[s m]

Might seem a silly question and I don't know what M3 you have, but are the alloys staggered ( I appreciate the tyres are the same )?

[PorkInsider]

All the winters I've had have been non-directional but have been asymmetrical, so they have been marked 'outside' on one of the side walks.

[TA14]

Assuming that you've got the Conti4x4Wintercontact http://www.continental-tyres.co.uk/www/tyres_uk_en... and ignoring the fact that it's a 4x4 tyre on a sports saloon, it's an asymmetric tyre so must be fitted the right way round on the wheel to benefit from the tread block arrangement; the sidewalls will be clearly marked with an inside and an outside.

AA said:

The tread pattern on an asymmetric car tyre changes across the tread with different parts adapted for particular functions.
The outside edge consists of large stiffer tread blocks which help with cornering. The inner tread blocks are smaller and designed to shift water and improve wet grip. The middle of the tread usually has a continuous rib to help straight line stability.
Asymmetric tyres must be fitted the right way round on the wheel to benefit from the tread block arrangement. The sidewalls will be clearly marked.

[Peanut Gallery]

I had a full set of new tyres fitted one year, Conti winter TS800, after one winter (and L plates on the car) there was a difference in the wear between the fronts and the backs. The following year I put the more worn pair on the back.

Regarding which side, as the car rolls forwards the grooves push water out towards the edges of the tyre. (opposite of motorbike tyres, randomly!)

[vetrof]

Peanut Gallery said:

I had a full set of new tyres fitted one year, Conti winter TS800, after one winter (and L plates on the car) there was a difference in the wear between the fronts and the backs. The following year I put the more worn pair on the back.

Regarding which side, as the car rolls forwards the grooves push water out towards the edges of the tyre. (opposite of motorbike tyres, randomly!)

Put your less worn tyres on the rear, especially in more slippery conditions.

http://www.michelin.co.uk/tyres/learn-share/care-g...

[Asterix]

[Peanut Gallery]

vetrof said:

Put your less worn tyres on the rear, especially in more slippery conditions.

http://www.michelin.co.uk/tyres/learn-share/care-g...

Noted, cheers!

(And it was the rears that let go and spat me out into the ditch a while ago...)

[HannsG]

s m said:

Might seem a silly question and I don't know what M3 you have, but are the alloys staggered ( I appreciate the tyres are the same )?

Hi,

It's an E46 M3, I have a 30mm spacer on the rear to bring them in line with offset.

Appreciate the feedback guys.

Will take a look