Dot on tires

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?

 

"Inspected by robot number 27"?

 

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.

 

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.

 

That probably explains why tire installers don't pay any attention to the dots. At least that's my experience.

 

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.......

 

This reminds me of the infamous *blue dot* thread
http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=5312

 

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

 

Yellow dot is where the x-ray is done for QI.

 

This is from Tire Business . com

 

excellent

 

Me too. Post #17 is a classic!

BT