Tyre care
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2023/09/20
The flow-optimised tread design on our RainSport 3 and RainExpert 3 tyres is unique. To make sure you enjoy all the tyres’ benefits, you must fit them correctly. This article explains how to fit them, and why it matters.
What is the right way to fit the tyres?
The design of the RainSport 3 and RainExpert 3 combines the best elements of directional and asymmetrical tread patterns. But what does this mean when it comes to fitting them? While directional tyres feature an arrow printed on their sidewall, to show the required direction of travel, asymmetrical tyres (including flow-optimised asymmetrical tread patterns) have words stamped onto their sidewalls. The direction of travel is immaterial. What’s important is that you adhere to the instruction to face the side marked OUTSIDE on the roadside edge, away from the centre of the car. RainSport 3 and RainExpert 3 are fitted like asymmetrical tyres, with their larger tread blocks on the outside.
As you will see on the diagram, the RainSport 3 has the words OUTSIDE and INSIDE clearly marked as fitting aids. This also applies to the RainExpert 3.
The RainSport 3 was awarded the prestigious Red Dot Design Award. Judges praised its innovative technology and its clear, unique performance promise.
RainSport 3 and Rain Expert 3 fitted correctly on the car
Are there different left and right tyres with the RainSport 3 and RainExpert 3?
This is a question we’re often asked and the simple answer is no. The groove patterns on the inner and outer shoulders are different but so long as you adhere to the OUTSIDE and INSIDE instructions it makes no difference which side of the car they’re used on. In this case the broad linear or circumference grooves, that can absorb extremely high amounts of water, are located correctly on the inside. This high intake volume ensures that no water can accumulate in front of the tyre. The tyre can’t start to float so your risk of aquaplaning is minimised.
RainSport 3 tyres’ flow-optimised asymmetrical tread pattern
Is it right that the grooves on one side of the car point upwards and on the other side downwards?
Yes. The long, steep grooves on the outer shoulder of the tyres are designed to direct as much water as possible to the outside via the shortest way and therefore in shortest possible time. The RainSport 3 and RainExpert 3 are designed in such a way that the water can be drained in the direction of the shoulder, to the outside, as well as in direction of the deep circumference grooves. The angle in which they run has no impact on the aquaplaning performance and the driving comfort of the tyre. So it’s completely ok, and doesn’t change anything with the overall performance of the tyre, if the tread pattern seems to have a different orientation on either side of the car.
The water flow on the tyre’s footprint
Why should I buy the RainSport 3 or RainExpert 3?
The RainSport 3 is a summer tyre for a sporty performance, whatever the weather while the RainExpert 3 is a summer tyre that loves the wet.
The flow-optimized tread of both tyres is inspired by the skin of sharks. This Shark Skin Technology (SST) prevents liquid turbulence and quickly expels water from beneath the tyre while it offers high levels of protection against aquaplaning. The tread structure gives you full control when turning left and right and high grip when cornering.
