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Old 10-16-2021, 12:44 PM   #1
shew01
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Default Red Dot on New Tires

Somewhere (I can’t remember where) I read that new tires often have a red dot painted on them to identify the low balance spot on the tire. If I recall correctly, that red dot should be lined up with the valve stem to help balance the tire.

Am I recalling this correctly?

Also, second question. My new American Classic radials have two red dots that don’t line up with each other. One is on the tread, and the other one is on the back side of the tire. (The white stuff in the pictures is talcum powder.) which red dot should line up with the valve stem?





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Old 10-16-2021, 12:50 PM   #2
bbrocksr
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Default Re: Red Dot on New Tires

The one on the sidewall.
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Old 10-16-2021, 01:01 PM   #3
Keith True
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Default Re: Red Dot on New Tires

When I worked at a tire store in high school the Lee tire rep told us that was an old wives tale.Some have marks for quality control,some for inventory,some from out of the country have marks to show a duty was paid.He said their tires were marked with a blue circle,or dot,when the excise tax was paid.Those blue circles were on the sidewall,and they were handy to use as a reference point when balancing,maybe that's where the rumor got started.
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Old 10-16-2021, 01:58 PM   #4
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Default Re: Red Dot on New Tires

The red point on the flank indicates the lightest part of the tires. Therefore it should be mounted towards the valve.
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Old 10-16-2021, 02:30 PM   #5
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Default Re: Red Dot on New Tires

Did you ask your supplier ?
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Old 10-16-2021, 04:34 PM   #6
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Default Re: Red Dot on New Tires

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in the retail trade, a red dot signals push money- meaning you get a spiff for selling
older merchandise.
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Old 10-16-2021, 06:56 PM   #7
bbrocksr
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Default Re: Red Dot on New Tires

Quote:
Originally Posted by Werner View Post
The red point on the flank indicates the lightest part of the tires. Therefore it should be mounted towards the valve.
Correct , It's stated that way in the FAA Airframe manual, that's where I learned it.
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Old 10-16-2021, 08:19 PM   #8
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Default Re: Red Dot on New Tires

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Originally Posted by bbrocksr View Post
Correct , It's stated that way in the FAA Airframe manual, that's where I learned it.
Bill
That’ks what I’ve always been told.
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Old 10-16-2021, 08:23 PM   #9
Patrick L.
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Default Re: Red Dot on New Tires

Quote:
Originally Posted by Werner View Post
The red point on the flank indicates the lightest part of the tires. Therefore it should be mounted towards the valve.

Whats a flank ?
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Old 10-16-2021, 08:25 PM   #10
bavArian
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Default Re: Red Dot on New Tires

He meant the sidewall.
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Old 10-17-2021, 06:28 AM   #11
shew01
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Default Red Dot on New Tires

Quote:
Originally Posted by McMimmcs View Post
Did you ask your supplier ?

Yes, I did before posting. (One of the big boy Model A parts suppliers) They didn’t know anything about paint markings at all. I talked to two people.


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Old 10-17-2021, 12:37 PM   #12
GRutter
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Default Re: Red Dot on New Tires

Tires go through several post production tests.

The first is done on a Tire Uniformity Machine that measures radial and lateral runout. Radial Runout measures the forces created by "less flexible" areas of the tire created by splices in the inner-liner, plies, and tread splices during tire construction. These splices are staggered during construction, but they result in areas where the tire is less flexible, and even if the tire is perfectly round, result in a "feel" that the tire is out of balance because the less flexible areas push back against the suspension more than the more flexible (non-splice) areas. The radial "high point" is marked on the tire near the bead in colored wax.

Lateral runout is also measured. It is a measure of the tire wanting to pull left or right as it rotates.

The next test a tire goes through is either static or dynamic balance. The light spot on the tire is also marked with a wax dot lower on the sidewall (furher away from the bead)
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Old 10-18-2021, 01:05 PM   #13
Chuck Sea/Tac
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Talking Re: Red Dot on New Tires

So I guess this means putting your valve stem centered on the logo is just vain and not a sound practice, balance wise, that is.
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Old 10-19-2021, 06:57 AM   #14
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Default Re: Red Dot on New Tires

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Originally Posted by Chuck Sea/Tac View Post
So I guess this means putting your valve stem centered on the logo is just vain and not a sound practice, balance wise, that is.
I noticed my spare is centered, must have been an accident ! Balance wise, isn't that's what wheel weighs, balance beads, and anti-freeze is for ? I had a first night on the job kid install new tires on my modern, weights 80% around one wheel, loose lug nuts, damaged center hole, 3-4 hours waiting time :-(
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