Why do the (tire) dots go where they do?

[Thrud]

Fellow Valk riders,

I just received my Yokohama AVID ENVigor 205/60/16 V-rated tire from Discount Tire Direct.  $103 with shipping.  The tire has an awesome directional tread pattern and rounded edges.  This will be my first car tire and I can't wait to try it out on my 2000 Interstate.

The tire came with Red and Yellow dots on the sidewall.  I knew these dots had to do something with the high/low spots on the tire but I didn't know the difference, so I did a little research and come up with the following link that explains it all:

Why do the dots go where they do

http://www.bridgestonetrucktires.com/publications/ra_v13_i1/PDF/ra_v13i1%20ask%20doc.pdf


Correct me if I'm wrong, but I'll be mounting the Red dot next to the valve stem.

I'll provide a report on the tire's fit and performance to the board.


Steve (Flat6)

[jer0177]

Red dot next to valve stem - you got it. 

Don't be surprised if there is still some weight needed to balance the tire, especially with your combo, unless you're running dyna beads or ride-on.

[cutter]

That is my tire of choice too  Will be ordering up my 3rd one this weekend. Been getting them through TireRack.com. I use 3oz's of Dyna beads @ 35psi.

[DarkSideR]

I have a Goodyear Triple Tread on the rear (205-60). The balancing weights fell off after a couple thousand miles. I now have 13k miles on the tire with no issues. At speed everything is fine. Tire isn't showing any odd signs of wear.

Just food for thought if you don't have means of balancing the tire.

[wiggydotcom]

Hmmm, maybe I'm the only one on earth but my rim's heavy spot was not at the valve stem. It's easy to check with a static balancer. I wouldn't necessarily assume the valve stem is the heavy spot.

[Daniel Meyer]

Hmmm, maybe I'm the only one on earth but my rim's heavy spot was not at the valve stem. It's easy to check with a static balancer. I wouldn't necessary assume the valve stem is the heavy spot.

Pretty common on Honda rims for the heavy spot to be elsewhere on the rim. They usually put a dot on the rim (black) at the heavy spot. If you have the polished/clearcoated rims it might even still be there!

[wiggydotcom]

Hmmm, maybe I'm the only one on earth but my rim's heavy spot was not at the valve stem. It's easy to check with a static balancer. I wouldn't necessary assume the valve stem is the heavy spot.

Pretty common on Honda rims for the heavy spot to be elsewhere on the rim. They usually put a dot on the rim (black) at the heavy spot. If you have the polished/clearcoated rims it might even still be there!

Oh wow, I've been trying to scrub that black spot off for years! j/k