What do you know about red and yellow dots on your car tires?
The red and yellow dots on your car tires are not just for decoration. They have a specific meaning and purpose. Here are some additional details about the red and yellow dots on your tires:
- The red and yellow dots are also known as uniformity dots or balance dots. They are applied by the tire manufacturers during the quality control process to indicate the variations in the tire’s structure and weight.
- The red dot is also called the radial force variation (RFV) dot. It marks the point where the tire exerts the most radial force on the wheel, which means it is slightly out of round or has a stiffer spot in the sidewall or tread. This can cause the tire to wobble or hop when rotating at high speeds.
- The yellow dot is also called the weight dot or the light point dot. It marks the point where the tire weighs the least, which means it has less rubber or air in that area. This can cause the tire to be unbalanced or have a heavier spot on the opposite side.
- Aligning the red and yellow dots with the appropriate points on the wheel helps to minimize the amount of weights needed to balance the tire and wheel assembly. This can improve the ride quality, fuel efficiency, and tire wear of your vehicle.
- However, not all car tires have red and yellow dots, and not all wheels have markings to indicate the low or high points. Some tires may have only one dot, or none at all. Some wheels may have different colors or shapes to mark the valve stem or the low point. In these cases, it is best to consult the tire or wheel manufacturer’s instructions or a professional technician for the proper mounting and balancing procedure.
I hope this helps you understand the meaning and purpose of the red and yellow dots on your car tires.
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