Rotation arrow (ROTATION ➜)
The tyre is directional: its tread is designed to roll forward in one direction only, the way the arrow points.
What to do with it
Mount it so the arrow points the way the wheel turns when the car goes forward. When rotating directional tyres, keep each on the same side of the car (front to back only) unless it is taken off the rim and remounted.
- What it looks like
- An arrow on the sidewall, usually with the word ROTATION or DIRECTION, on tyres whose tread grooves form a V or arrowhead.
- Set by
- No regulation we read defines it: it is the tyre makers’ own marking, so the makers are the sources.
In detail
- Continental: a directional tread has lateral grooves that meet in the middle like an arrowhead, which resists aquaplaning, and “You can keep track of the correct orientation using the arrow indicator printed on the sidewall of the tire.”
- Michelin: directional and asymmetric tyres can only be used in one direction of travel, “indicated on the outer sidewall of the tyre by an arrow”.
- Goodyear: “when rotating tyres that have a directional tread pattern, make sure you follow the arrows on the tyre’s sidewall”.
- No UN or US tyre regulation we read defines this arrow; it is the makers’ marking, which is why the tyre makers are the sources here.
What it does not mean
The arrow does not show which side of the car the tyre goes on (that is OUTSIDE) and does not point to the front of the car when the tyre is lying flat.
Markings that go with it
Sources
Each document was fetched and read on the date shown; the clause is the one that sets this marking.
- Continental (UK): Tyre tread patterns and depth — “Directional tread pattern”: “A tire with a directional tread pattern is designed to roll forward in one direction only … You can keep track of the correct orientation using the arrow indicator printed on the sidewall of the tire.” Checked 2026-09-28.
- Michelin (UK): Tyre rotation: extend the life of your tyres — “Asymmetric, Symmetrical and Directional tread patterns”: “Directional and asymmetric profile tyres can only be used in one direction of travel. This is indicated on the outer sidewall of the tyre by an arrow.” Checked 2026-09-28.
- Goodyear (UK): How To Rotate Your Tyres For Best Wear — “Directional tread patterns”: “When rotating tyres that have a directional tread pattern, make sure you follow the arrows on the tyre’s sidewall.” Checked 2026-09-28.