Dot on tires | FerrariChat

Dot on tires

Discussion in 'Technical Q&A' started by jfteng1, Aug 20, 2009.

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.

  1. jfteng1

    jfteng1 Rookie

    Feb 3, 2005
    39
    What is the dot on new tires for? I have heard various explanations from it is the locator for balancing ans should be placed at the valve, it should be placed away from the valve, and it does not matter. What is the REAL reason it is marked?
     
  2. Easyrider7467

    Easyrider7467 Formula Junior

    Nov 3, 2005
    980
    Northen N.J.
    Full Name:
    John
    This is what I understand it it for..... To be placed in line with the valve for better balance and I was told it really doesnt matter either...

    Then why do tire mfg continue to dot tires?
     
  3. DGS

    DGS Seven Time F1 World Champ
    Rossa Subscribed

    May 27, 2003
    71,892
    MidTN
    Full Name:
    DGS
    "Inspected by robot number 27"? ;)
     
  4. bert308

    bert308 Formula 3

    Nov 30, 2002
    1,776
    Roermond Netherlands
    Full Name:
    Bert Kanters
    I think it indicates the heaviest spot of the tire. Best would be to place it opposite of the valve to minimize balancing weights needed.
    But tires are so good today that it probably doesn't matter much.
     
  5. beast

    beast F1 World Champ

    May 31, 2003
    11,479
    Lewisville, TX
    Full Name:
    Rob Guess
    Depends on the tire manufacturer, most place the dot at the lightest point on the tire so it should line up with valve stem. On others it should be opposite best to check with the maker of the tire to see where they want the dot placed.

    I have found that some times the dot is not real accurate. There have been times that I have had to place lots of weight 180 degrees from the dot. So I broke the bead rotated the tire 180 on the wheel and it balanced close to 0.
     
  6. Pantdino

    Pantdino Formula 3

    Jan 13, 2004
    2,069
    Full Name:
    Jim
    That probably explains why tire installers don't pay any attention to the dots. At least that's my experience.
     
  7. cletus

    cletus Karting

    Feb 7, 2006
    249
    I try to line it up with the valve stem when installing tires, but another thing to consider is the brand of tire and wheel. If its cheapo tires on some chrome wheels, wont really matter. If I am putting some Michelin, Bridgestone, High $$ tires I mayy try a little harder.

    I too, have had to put excessive weight on a rim with the dot lined up and moved the tire to get a better balance. Every tire is a little different, some spin up and require very little weight, some make you work.......
     
  8. wax

    wax Five Time F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa

    Jul 20, 2003
    52,415
    SFPD
    Full Name:
    Dirty Harry
  9. Paul_308

    Paul_308 Formula 3

    Mar 12, 2004
    2,345
    A simple weight for balancing still leaves some forces out of balance at high speed.

    Many performance tires now have both a red dot and a yellow dot, which are 'start' points designed to help balance the tire/wheel combination better than a simple weight. Wheels may also have a dimple indicating where to place the red dot.

    The yellow dot indicates the lightest point on the tire whereas red dot is the highest spot. This concept is new and requires modern wheels and alignment machines.

    More:
    http://tougeking.blogspot.com/2009/04/on-red-dot-and-yellow-dot.html
     
  10. ProCoach

    ProCoach F1 Veteran
    Owner

    Sep 15, 2004
    5,465
    VIR Raceway
    Full Name:
    Peter Krause
    Yellow dot is where the x-ray is done for QI.
     
  11. beast

    beast F1 World Champ

    May 31, 2003
    11,479
    Lewisville, TX
    Full Name:
    Rob Guess
    This is from Tire Business . com

     
  12. Dr Tommy Cosgrove

    Dr Tommy Cosgrove Three Time F1 World Champ
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    May 4, 2001
    36,431
    Birmingham, AL
    Full Name:
    Tommy
    excellent
     
  13. BT

    BT F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa

    Mar 21, 2005
    15,291
    FL / GA
    Full Name:
    Bill Tracy

Share This Page