tires asymmetric tread pattern - does it matter how they are installed?

[aseibel]

Hello,

I bought some Goodyear Eagle tires for my other ride. Had them mounted by the local farm/garden/automotive chain store. I noticed the tread was not symmetrical, but i have never had tires like that and didn't know it meant anything.

 

This past weekend i go to rotate them for the first time and i see writing on the sidewall that says "this side inside" or "this side outside". So i have 2 tires going each way, aka, 2 of them are mounted backwards. I just called the shop to ask about fixing it. they said to bring it in, it would only run me some $30 if I pay, but I'm hoping they just do it for free since it was their error to begin with.

 

My question really is- anybody know much about asymmetric tires? does it really matter? Right now the wrong ones are on the front of a FWD car. So I figure I don't want that going into winter. but I don't know if I have to pay out of my pocket, should I even bother having them fixed? I suppose i will, but just something i wanted to know more about, maybe someone else will find this useful as well.

 

[Zane]

Anytime i've dealt with these types of tires, you can only rotate them front to back. They need to be correctly placed with the outside markings outside. The shop should fix it for free.

[jd173706]

Don't pay, they are just squeezing you for money because they had a lazy employee who didn't pay attention to what they were doing, and they don't want to take him away from another paying job to fix his mistake. Make them fix it and then never go back there. I wouldn't.

[Spurshot]

Asymmetric tires should be mounted as marked so they corner as designed.  Some tires, like those on sports cars, are asymmetric as well as directional.  That means the tires are intended for a specific side of the vehicle.  This type will have an arrow showing direction of rotation and marking for outboard. 

[MikeNH]

Absolutely matters. They should do it for free and they owe you an apology for their carelessness. 

[aseibel]

OK, thanks for the replies. I know its worth doing now. The manager wasn't in when I called yesterday to approve a free repair. I'm waiting for a call back before I take it in today. Now I have the confidence to argue for a free repair job if they don't offer it up.

[aseibel]

Follow up: They put the tires on the right way for me for free. After talking to the manager, he didn't put up much of a fight.

I'm just glad they are all correct now.