let me start off by saying that up until the end of last week i had brigeston z-rated directional tires on all 4 corners. then my rear passengers side tire went flat, and considering that i had planned to change out all the tires in the next couple of months, i was just looking for somthing cheap to slap on there now. i go to one garage that had a really good deal, but after a few minuts the mechanic told me he couldnt put the new tire on for liability reasons. he mentioned the fact that the new tire would have to be z-rated and directional, and seemed to the the direction tire was the function of having a "directional wheel". my instinct that this was BS was confermed when i went to a firestone, who had no problems putting on a cheap-o tire. so my question is this: was there any creedence to the first mechanics reasoning? i dont want my new tire to fall off the rim while im on the interstate! :o

TIA!

:shhh: i do cocaine :/shhh:

Directional tires offer better grip....uhm....I dont' think that will hurt the cheepo in the back or vice versa.

I was under the impression that the only difference between regular tires and directional tires was the tread. On directional tires the tread pushes water to the outside offering better performance on wet roads.

So it shouldn't make a difference if you have one tire that isn't directional. And the rim is DEFINITELY not directional! Was this an actual tire shop that told you this, or just a general mechanic?

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I would keep the cheap tire on the back tho because its not the best idea to have a performance tire and a cheap tire driving the car in the front at the same time, and you would probably experience some pull because of the difference in the tires.

thanks everyone!

boostedgs: this first place does tires, but not as thier specialty. this is the second time ive been to them, and both times ive been disapointed...guess its time to stop going there, LOL! you shouldve seen the expression on my face when hes said the words "youve got a directional wheel".

boofer: ya, its on the back so i figured it wouldnt be a big deal. plus, im not speed demon, so its not going to impact anything too much anyways.


and just to let everyone know, i just drove about 50 miles on interstate/rough roads conditions w/ no probs, other then the fact have 3 sports tires and one grandma tire, LOL.

:shhh: i do cocaine :/shhh: