Had garage put my summer OEM tires on my 06 Sonata. I think they put them on backwards (trend facing the trunk) on the rims! I am no mechanic, that why I am asking your advice.

1) Are the Micheline Energy MXV4 unidirecitional tires?

2) Any danger on putting trend direction towards the back of car?

If they are directional there will be a big arrow on the sidewall indicating direction of rotation. If no arrow then chances are they are not directional.

Eric

NO, These Michelins tires are positively NOT directional tires.

The tires are not unidirectional; however, it is not a good idea to reverse the rotation due to the way the tire is manufactured and the 'set' the cords take on initial running. While the sidewall cords are virtually radial the tread cords are axial, meaning they run around the circumference. At some point there is an overlap of the tread section end over where it started and running counter to where the tire cords 'set' during initial running can leave a slight out-of-round condition. Its not dangerous at all but can be disconcerting. Usually, onlr\y racers worry about it and its why most have separate wheels for alternate or winter tires.

Now that gov'ment requires those oddball tire pressure measuring systems for the incompetent the cost of alternate tires/wheels got very expensive. cheers.

:bwekk:

This post has been edited by Brazzel: May 19 2007, 12:35 PM

Oops! I read about the Michelins being noisy over tar strips. I thought that was the SHOCKS!!!! Actually, even with the winter Toyos, I still get a k-thump.

so...how are you rotating them?? Front to back?? X Pattern?

Front to back, definitely.

:bwekk:

This post has been edited by Brazzel: May 19 2007, 12:36 PM

:bwekk:

This post has been edited by Brazzel: May 19 2007, 12:37 PM

must we have a picture of your car with every post?

Thanks for the info. I'm at almost 9,000 miles and ready for a first rotation.
No one said which side I should do first??? :bwekk: :bwekk: :beer:
Whoops, maybe too much :beer: :beer:

On non unidirectional tires like these Michelins (and the Cross Terrains on my Sequoia) I do the modified cross as called for in my Sequoia manual. Rear tires got to front on same side. Fronts go to opposite rear. Not as much of an issue on cars like the Sonata and my old Corolla but on the Sequoia and my old Explorer with larger diameter tires and a heavier vehicle, The tires would start to develop a feathered/tapered edge that starts to get noisier. Even the Michelin Cross Terrains start to exhibit it if not rotated frequently. Alignment and balancing on all vehicles are/were set correctly.

My directional Nokian snows on the trucks exhibit that wear pattern as they always roll in same direction. The directional Q rated studless tires on the Corolla started to develop slightly that way. Granted the tread is VERY soft and flexible on those also.

According to Michelin for any FWD it should be F to R same side, cross rears when installing on front. Granted not possible with directional so you be the judge.

http://www.michelinman.com/care/tip2.html