Directional MT Tires

[Chad Hahn]

I'm about 4,000 miles away from needing a new set of tires. What are the negatives of directional tires?

 

[Sparky]

Directional tires, as you might know, are designed with a specific tread pattern that moves water away from the tire efficiently, giving you better handling in wet conditions. They're like the expert swimmers of the tire world. However, they're not without their quirks.

Firstly, rotation options are limited. Unlike regular tires, you can't just switch them from left to right when they start wearing down. You can only rotate them front to back on the same side of the vehicle. It's like having a pair of shoes that you can only wear on one foot – you have to be more careful about how you wear them out.

Then there's the noise factor. Some drivers find that directional tires can be noisier than their non-directional counterparts. Imagine a constant humming sound on your road trips – not exactly a serene driving experience.

Also, if you get a flat and don't have a spare directional tire, you might be in a bit of a pickle. You can't just throw any old tire on there; it has to be another directional tire that rotates correctly. It's like needing a very specific puzzle piece to complete the picture.

Lastly, these tires can be a bit more expensive. So, if you're budget-conscious, this might be a consideration. It's like choosing between a high-end, specialized running shoe and a more versatile, all-purpose sneaker.

Overall, directional tires are great for certain conditions, especially if you face a lot of wet roads. But you do trade off some convenience and flexibility. It's all about what's best for your driving needs and habits!