I got a flat tire tonight in my C43 (left rear) - 245/40R17 Potenza RE71.

I have an OEM Conti from my right rear mounted on a rim ready to go from last rear with about the same tread left.

So is it OK to use the tire for the rest of the winter in the wrong direction?

Luke - you got a good deal on 4 tires for winter for my C43?

A simple short answer, if there is a direction arrow on your tire(s) run it in that direction only. There is no explanation, just DON'T. Happy Trails Beep Beep from Houston.

Donald
bassackwards.

The reversed direction tread would make no difference in the dry. It would make a difference in deep water. It would probably not make much of a difference on damp pavement.

Since your Conti tire is probably much better in the wet than the RE71, the overall effect of the reversed Conti is probably pretty small. Just take it easy in the rain until you learn the limits of the setup.

Noah, have the tire taken off and remounted. Oh and BTW , what would you think about a Mercedesshop NY chapter. I already have some people very interested, what about you.

__________________
"Damn the torpedos, four bells full speed ahead"
-Admiral Farragut




-1987 300E Smoke Silver
-1997 S320 Black on Black
-Soon To be E55 AMG
-27 foot Grady White Offshore Sportfish.

Heed to what CaptAlex300E suggests. Regardles of the season or road condition it's best to follow the manufacturer's instructions. Happy Trails Beep Beep from RAINY Houston.

Donald.
I don't have all of the answers
But together you'll get them

First thanks for the input.

My feeling is that if the Conti carcus is the same left and right i have nothing to worry about cause the tire is at the wear bars now so the rain performance is nill anyway.

My RE71's are at the wear bars too - so i'm ok all around

I'll get new tires in the spring.

YES, alex i'll meet up with you guys whenever you want.

keep on keep'n on

Noah, Spring is a few months and quite a few miles away. I wouldn't drive with the wear bars showing. Happy Trails Beep Beep from Chicken Houston.

Donald.
cluck cluck

Noah:

In addition to what has already been said, once upon a time directional tires that were used the right way, and then rotated improperly such that they were running the wrong direction, had the belts delaminate and cause major problems. I don't know if this is still a problem, but I would check on it!

__________________
John

2003 Firemist Red/grey leather SL 500
2015 Palladium Silver/black mbtex GLK 350
1987 Smoke Silver/burgundy mbtex 300E Sportline (SOLD)

Click to see 87 300E

The wear Bars are showing, the tires wouldn't be a safe Interstate Spare! Sorry that I keep repeating myself but your reply keeps appearing on my mail. Happy Trails Beep Beep from safe and sain Houston.

Donald
Repeat Repeat Repeat

JCE is quite right...I had Goodyear F1 directionals on an Audi Quattro a few years ago and had them rotated. Drove for the summer without realizing they'd put them on "backwards". The tires were ruined...unable to balance and wearing prematurely. Got all new tires on warranty!!

__________________
Dean Albrecht
"Lead, follow, or better yet, get out of the way!"E500 owners motto

Well, i plugged the tire (and balanced) and it is fine, so i'm not running anything the wrong way. I also got kumho's for the autox season. And will likely get snow tires this week, if availible.

Thanks for everyones input.