When buying tires, you probably noticed that they have colorful stripes and dots on them.
They are there for a reason. We tell you what these marks mean and why they are important.
What do the dots and stripes on tires mean?
With the stripes on the tread, everything is simple. They are made to make it easier to find tires in the warehouse.
As for the dots, they are designed to facilitate the balancing process. Most often you can see red and yellow dots, but there are also other colors.
The color and number of dots depend on the manufacturer; there is no single standard.
The red dot marks the area with the greatest radial rigidity. When installing the tire, the dot should be aligned with the L mark on the disk, if any, or with the nipple. This helps make the car's movement more stable.
The yellow dot marks the lightest point. If you align it with the nipple, you can reduce the amount of weights needed for balancing. However, if there is an "L" mark, it is better to place the yellow dot on the other side.
If both dots are present, experts recommend giving priority to the yellow one. If the manufacturer has placed these dots one above the other, it means that the tire has minimal deviations.
In rare cases, a white dot can be seen on the tire. It indicates the location of the greatest change in radial force. This is where the tire sidewall is most flexible.
Some manufacturers also make white marks in the form of a circle, diamond or square with a number inside. This means that the tire has passed the factory test and is ready for safe use.
