I have a 2004 TL (5AT) with OEM 17" rims & OEM tires (EL42's). Today I noticed that the tread pattern on all four tires (front & rear) are going towards one direction. So I took these pictures & outlined the tread pattern in red.

Are they supposed to be like this?

 

Yes.

If you reverse/rotate them, you will see their pattern is always like that. EL42s ain't directional.




Anyway, this is good underbody shots. Clean and clear...

 

Thank you rets.

Thats really good to hear. I hope the pics weren't to big.

 

Ur very welcome.

As long as they're no bigger than 1024x768, it'd be perfect.

 

Rets is absolutely correct. The EL42s are non-directional. Performance is the same regardless of how they are mounted.

For comparison, my Falken 512 are directional and water channeling and handling will be affected if they are mounted backwards.

[IMG][/IMG]
See that the direction of the water channels goes one way?

[IMG][/IMG]
Also, the sidewall shows which way the tire should rotate.

 

Thanks for the info Brokedoc.

I plan to get the Falken Ziex 512's before winter.

Do you have the width in 235 or 245?

 

I have the 235s.

Someone posted incorrectly in another thread - the 245s will give you WORSE mileage but you may protect your rims a little more. Should also be louder than the same tread pattern 235 size because of a larger contact patch.