I am about to bite the bullet and purchase 35s for the Jeep. I've been doing a lot of research over the past few weeks about which tires I think would serve me best, and I've narrowed it down to about two choices. Both are asymmetrical tread design M/T tires.

The asymmetric design didn't seem like a big deal to me, but while browsing the forum I've noticed some members express that they dislike asymmetric treads. I have yet to find any reasoning as to why an asymmetric design might be worse than a symmetric design.

I understand the advantages of asymmetric treads, but perhaps someone could enlighten me as to the disadvantages of asymmetric tires versus symmetric.

Thanks

 

Asymmetric tires are directional. Not that it's a bad thing, but it limits your rotation ability.

 

x2. You can only rotate your spare on one side and it really complicates things for you for wear.

 

Ok... I think this is starting to make a little sense...

But, when you say that I can only rotate my spare on one side, are you referring to when people rotate all five tires? For good or bad, I've always only rotated my 4 tires and left the spare un-used until an emergency arose.

Would an asymmetric spare limit which side of the Jeep I could change it out for?

 

You should only rotate directional tires front to back on the same side of the jeep. You can not cross them to the other side. It also limits the use of your spare. Once you run the spare in one direction you shouldn't run it the other way. This could cause tread separation.

 

Actually, Asymmetrical tires are different from Directional tires.

Asymmetrical tires have an inside and outside tread pattern that force you to run them with the same side out at all times. These can be rotated on both sides of the vehicle because the proper side is out no matter where they are placed. Spares can also be used on either side with no problem.

Directional tires have to be mounted with the tread going in a certain direction and the only way that you can rotate them to the other side is to dismount them and turn them around on the wheel. Directional tires are usually marked with an arrow of some type on the sidewall indicating their directionality. Bead-locks would be recommended in this case so that the spare could be adapted to either side in the field.

If you encounter tires that are both Asymmetrical and Directional then they could only be sold in left and right had pairs and the effectiveness of the spare tire would be in question.

 

I have Goodyear mtr/k's they are asymmetrical, but not directional. The official statement from goodyear was they are designed to run the same side out (mine the white) if you don't the mud will sling underneath your jeep vise out. That is it. I have 9000 miles on mine and I really like them.

 

Awesome!

That makes a lot of sense. That being the case, I am not too concerned about my tire choices being asymmetrical.