Mind blown. (continue reading in the first cᴑmment) 😳⬇️

Those small red or yellow dots on your new tires might look random, but they actually play a crucial role in tire performance and installation. These colored marks help professional installers align the tires for better balance, smoother driving, and longer-lasting wear.

The red dot indicates the tire’s high point of radial force or its heaviest/stiffest spot. When mounting the tire, installers usually align the red dot with the wheel’s low point or, in many cases, the valve stem—the lightest part of the wheel. This alignment helps reduce imbalance, leading to fewer vibrations and more even wear on the road.

The yellow dot, on the other hand, marks the tire’s lightest spot. If the wheel has no specific low point marking, installers align the yellow dot with the valve stem, which helps minimize the amount of balancing weights needed. This approach enhances ride comfort, improves tire longevity, and ensures better handling.

So why do these dots matter? Properly aligning them helps improve driving smoothness, reduces strain on suspension components, and saves time and money on frequent rebalancing. Ignoring them could lead to more vibrations, uneven tread wear, and a rougher driving experience.

Next time you get new tires, take a moment to spot these dots—and don’t hesitate to ask your tire shop how they’re aligning them. Those little marks aren’t just manufacturing quirks—they’re smart tools designed to boost your vehicle’s performance from the start.