Quite often, car drivers cannot understand how to install Pirelli tires with an asymmetric pattern. There are also tires with a symmetrical or directional pattern, and they all require a special approach when installing. Let's consider this issue in more detail.

Features of Pirelli tires

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Asymmetrical tires are tires with a tread pattern that has a different design on the inside and outside of the tread. To understand whether the pattern is asymmetrical or not, the inscriptions “Outside”, “Inside”, “Side Facing Inwards” will help you.

Before installation, it is worth remembering that tires are also divided into right and left, which must be installed strictly and in accordance with their name. The “Right” and “Left” signatures will help you figure this out.

Nowadays, asymmetric tires are gaining more and more attention among motorists. The thing is that the design of these tires gives drivers more possibilities in terms of vehicle controllability. Asymmetrical tires are softer on the inside than on the outside.

This is due to the fact that when driving during cornering, the main load falls on the outer part of the wheel. This is why car handling is noticeably improved compared to the use of other modifications. car tires. Also such car tires The tire contact patch area is larger, and this is what made it possible to increase the degree of directional stability of cars while driving on slippery surfaces.

Such cars with such tires can easily pass slippery sections of roads at high speed, since water will be removed from the contact patch instantly, and this will prevent the car from straying from a straight line while driving.

Directional tires are slightly inferior to asymmetric tires in all of the above indicators. But the risk of aquaplaning with such tires is much lower, thanks to the active removal of water masses from the contact patch in two directions.

Features of installation of all types of Pirelli tires

The installation features of Pirelli asymmetric tires are quite simple and understandable for any car owner who has previously encountered the process of replacing tires. It is necessary to install a wheel with an asymmetrical tire in accordance with the inscriptions on the side, which indicate the outer and inner sides of the tires. That is, if the tire says “Outside,” then this side of the wheel should be installed outward. Also pay attention to the right and left wheels.

When installing directional tires, you need to install the wheels so that the direction of movement of the wheel when driving coincides with the direction of the arrow indicated on the side of the wheel. Usually this arrow can be seen next to the inscription “Rotation”.

And here, too, you should pay attention to the fact that the right and left wheels are installed strictly in accordance with the indicated direction.

With symmetrical tires things are a little more interesting because they have neither external nor internal sides. There is also no specified direction of rotation. It’s easier here - they can be installed in any direction and in any place.

Additional information on the correct installation of Pirelli tires

It is worth noting that incorrect installation of directional or asymmetrical tires on a vehicle significantly reduces performance characteristics not only the tires themselves, but also the car as a whole. This may impair its maneuverability and controllability, which results in reduced safety.

In this situation, the “incorrect” operation of car tires will negate all the efforts of manufacturers that were aimed at improving all of the listed characteristics and features.

During forced movement vehicle With incorrectly installed tires of these types, you need to be extremely careful on the road surface.

Guided by these tips for installing car tires of different formations, you can always protect yourself from surprises on the road that specifically relate to the behavior of car tires.

And you should definitely remember that incorrect installation of asymmetrical and directional tires can ultimately cause emergency situation on road.

Russian users associate tires of this brand with leading places in the ratings of popular automobile newspapers, magazines and Internet resources - and as a result - high cost.

From this article you will learn:

It is not surprising that the news of the appearance of a whole new brand in the product range of the Italian tire giant, positioned as economy class tires, aroused great interest and even some bewilderment among motorists.

History of budget tires

Nevertheless, Italian marketers promise that the concern is able to say a fundamentally new word on the topic of budget tires. And it is precisely this fact that can please both individual motorists and many automakers who will receive excellent tires For basic configuration inexpensive cars.

Pleasant winter news for consumers

One of the most interesting developments of the new brand is the model Formula Ice, designed for small SUVs and passenger cars, which the company is ready to offer in this winter season in twenty standard sizes.

Tires are designed for use in low temperatures on icy snowy roads. The designers had to take into account the enormous snowfalls that last years are no longer uncommon in European countries.

In addition, when developing and marketing planning for promoting a budget brand, the Italians, of course, counted on the huge and promising Russian market.

The tires are designed for long-term use; the manufacturer guarantees the preservation of all functional properties over a long period of time.

The tires are studded with aluminum hexagonal tips and a reinforced base. This design reduces the risk of them falling out even on problem areas of the road. Good directional stability is ensured by a central rib covered with small notches.

The model's tread is covered with the most effective for winter tires directional pattern with a tread depth of 9.5 mm. The rubber compound of the tires is sufficiently elastic, which, however, does not in any way affect its resistance to wear.

This is a slightly modified and improved version of the protector, which has already been used on other models of the “head” brand and has demonstrated the fast and trouble-free removal of snow slush and water from the contact patch.

The tire was originally designed for the northern countries of Europe, but is perfect for difficult Russian conditions, and its low cost is able to please those buyers who are not yet aware of who owns the new Formula brand.

Summer tires. Main advantages stated by the manufacturer:

• are used latest materials and technology,
• confident road grip and reduced rolling resistance,
• high level of safety and comfort,
• low noise level.

Tires with balanced characteristics at the best price for small and medium-sized city cars.

Achievements

Test results 195/65 R15 “Behind the wheel” 2018

Acoustic comfort at good level, but on uneven surfaces it shakes.

Outside of asphalt, grip properties are moderate.

A good economical option for southern regions with low precipitation.

Tire test result 185/65 R15 Autoreview 2016

Overall rating: 8.2.
Weight: 7.4 kg.
+ Grip properties on wet asphalt.
+ Reliable control on wet and dry asphalt.
+ Low rolling resistance.
– Low resistance to aquaplaning.
- Noise.

The car pops up before anyone else! But the slips are predictable.

On dry asphalt - quick and clear reactions. There is a lot of noise, especially on rough asphalt at speeds above 100 km/h.

Impact resistance is excellent.

A good option in terms of price and quality ratio.

Tire test result 205/55 R16 Autoreview 2014

Overall rating: 8.05.
+ High resistance to hydroplaning.
– Grip properties on wet asphalt.

Asymmetrical tire tread Formula Energy resists aquaplaning no worse than the tread of Pirelli tires. But on wet asphalt, where the composition of the rubber compound is important, the Formula lags noticeably. Although it performs well in the subgroup of second-line tires. Quickly rush through wet asphalt Sharp stalls in sliding interfere, but in sliding the car remains controllable.

On dry asphalt the performance is average, but more expensive tires perform better.

The debut was a success.

Who is the manufacturer of Formula Energy tires?

Pirelli acquired two Russian tire factories and created a new brand, under which Russian factories“second line” tires are produced. They should be close in quality to premium tires, and in price - to budget ones.

Formula tires are produced on new equipment in Voronezh, and Pirelli tires are also produced there at the same time.

Aluminum spikes

The use of aluminum studs in the Formula Ice tire, the weight of which is almost half that of their steel counterparts, allows for increased vehicle stability on icy surfaces and significantly reduces the likelihood of stud loss. At the same time, the unique hexagon-shaped stud design in combination with a reinforced base provides increased grip on the road, providing the vehicle with excellent handling on ice, reducing its braking distance. And reliable fastening of the studs significantly reduces the possibility of losing them while driving, which increases driving safety.

Increased stability on snowy and icy roads

The use of a solid center rib in the Formula Ice tire design provides excellent vehicle stability. Reliable grip on snowy surfaces is ensured by high frequency the location of the lamellas, the presence of wide drainage grooves, thanks to which moisture, melted snow and dirt are quickly removed from the contact patch and, thus, the likelihood of aquaplaning is greatly reduced and traffic safety is increased.

It should also be noted that thanks to the use of special additives in the rubber used in the manufacture of these tires, these tires can significantly reduce braking distances on highways that are treated with special anti-icing agents.

Main features of the Formula Ice tire

• reduced braking distance;
• excellent grip on icy or snowy roads;
• good handling;
• traffic safety;
• increased traction force;
• stability operational parameters tires;
• optimal combination of price and quality.

Italy has long been considered one of the countries that made a breakthrough in the automotive industry. And one of the main elements of every car, as all drivers know, is quality tires guaranteeing safety while driving. Pirelli has established itself well in the tire market over the years of producing quality products. At some point, its management decided to found a new brand with a limited edition of tires. As a result, the Formula Energy model was released, reviews of which we will consider in this review. However, first let’s pay attention to official specifications provided by the manufacturer, so that as a result it is possible to make a comparative analysis and verify the honesty of the declared parameters.

Purpose of the model

This model is the only one from the Formula series designed for the summer season. During development, the creators first of all set the goal of “shoeing” powerful, sports cars, having high-revving engines and low weight. Sedans, roadsters, coupes, as well as some light crossovers fit this concept. It is not recommended to install this tire on SUVs and minibuses, since although it can withstand such loads, they will not allow it to fully reveal its capabilities. All tires are from this model range They have high speed ratings, which will definitely appeal to fans of fast driving on good roads.

Behavior on various types of road surfaces

As shown by the results of official testing carried out before the start of sales, tires have a number of features that should be taken into account when planning a purchase. According to the manufacturer, first of all, the tread design was selected in such a way that the rubber could feel confident on asphalt or concrete roads. This approach made it possible to achieve high-speed movement, reduced the coefficient of rolling resistance (we’ll talk about the benefits of this step in more detail a little later), and increased the handling of the Formula Energy tire, reviews of which confirm this information.

However, initially the rubber was not positioned as universal. Therefore, you should not expect high performance on and off-road from it, since the tread is simply not designed to withstand such unfavorable conditions. The basis is speed, which is simply impossible to achieve on a bad track. Therefore, if your main routes are along country roads, you should refrain from purchasing this model.

Controllability

The tread design was thought out to the smallest detail to allow drivers to feel and drive the car without worrying about the quality of traction with the road surface. Central rib, cut into small lamellas, allows you to save directional stability under any conditions, which makes it easier to maneuver on high speeds, and reviews of Formula Energy XL indicate good responsiveness in all situations.

In order to increase the reliability of contact with the track during sharp maneuvers, the shoulder area of ​​the tread was placed right on the sidewall of the tire. The fact is that under loads during sharp turns at speed, the force is applied unevenly, and the working surface moves due to the natural play of the tire on the rim. It is then that the side blocks begin to work at full strength, preventing the car from skidding.

This combination of tread elements allows you to control the car in any situation, especially taking into account the fact that part of the model range is produced with Y speed indexes, allowing movement at speeds of up to 300 km/h. Of course, you can’t drive that fast on public roads, but no one canceled the opportunity to feel real drive on specially equipped for this purpose autodromes and racing tracks, having equipped the car Formula tires Energy 205*55, reviews of which we will analyze a little later.

Acoustic noise reduction

If you are used to driving long distances, then you know firsthand how annoying constant monotonous sounds can be. One of the sources of such noise can be rubber due to its own specifics. One way or another, as a result of friction with the surface of the track, it is capable of generating a hum or rustle, the intensity of which depends on the current speed, tread shape, pressure and other factors.

The manufacturer tried to minimize this effect due to a thoughtful design and a special composition of the rubber mixture, which in combination gave a positive result. According to official statements, internal noise has been reduced to a level of 1 dB, and in theory should not be heard inside the car if there is at least simple sound insulation, and reviews of Formula Energy 205 * 55 R16 confirm this fact.

The absence of irritating factors, which include noise, guarantees the driver the opportunity to concentrate on the road and avoid mistakes caused by distraction from the control process. Thus, even this, which at first glance is far from a key indicator, plays a rather important role.

Eco-friendly tires

Every day European countries are looking for new ways that could reduce the level of harmful emissions into the atmosphere. That is why the manufacturer achieved two goals at once, which do not go unnoticed by those who are concerned about environmental protection.

Thus, when developing the formula of the rubber mixture, chemists tried to exclude as much as possible from the composition aromatic impurities, which are an integral component of petroleum products and serve as the main source. The use of natural rubber and synthetic components, the production of which does not lead to the release of large amounts of harmful gases and heavy metals into the atmosphere, allows us to call this tire one of the most environmentally friendly already at the stage of its movement along the factory conveyor.

However, that's not all. As mentioned earlier, the tread designers tried to reduce the level of rolling resistance, and they managed to achieve a figure of as much as 20 percent. In addition to the fact that this has a beneficial effect on reducing noise, this approach allows drivers to save fuel when driving, which reduces emissions of combustion products, and reviews of the Pirelli Formula Energy R14 confirm it high status environmentally friendly tire.

High wear resistance

In order for the driver not to worry about the wisdom of his financial investments, the developers did not ignore the issue of durability and service life of their product. That is why they developed a special rubber compound, which is soft enough to maintain reliable grip on the road both during the summer heat and during rainy cold spells, but does not wear out too quickly.

This became possible thanks to the use of silicic acid, which serves as a kind of link between the individual molecules of other components, but does not make the rubber more rigid and does not reduce its dynamic characteristics. On the contrary, as reviews of Pirelli Formula Energy XL show, this approach actually makes it more durable and hardy.

Reliability and durability

The issue of resistance to damage that can occur while driving on uneven roads has not been left aside. These include all kinds of punctures, cutting by a disk upon impact and other unpleasant moments that force the driver to take out the jack and spare tire.

In order to reduce the risk of damage to a minimum, a number of additional protective measures have been taken. Some of them, for example, an increase in cord strength, are also associated with high speed limits for which the rubber is intended. Others have been designed specifically to increase service life.

So, one of these measures is to increase the strength of the sidewall. Thanks to this, the driver does not have to worry about breaking a tire when parking tightly near a curb. This same step allows you to avoid the occurrence of hernias, in which the rubber definitely requires replacement. And the warranty provided indicates that the manufacturer is confident in the quality of its product. However, in reviews of the Pirelli Formula Energy 205*55 R16, drivers often disagree with this and complain about frequent damage to the sidewall, as well as hernias.

Sophisticated drainage system

The developers also did not forget that when driving at high speed, it is important to think through a drainage system that will not allow the car to hydroplane when driving on a wet surface and puddles.

Achieve good results in the matter of removing moisture from the contact patch with the track, a large number of both longitudinal and transverse lamellas allowed. Three grooves located in the central part collect all the moisture, after which it is squeezed out along the transverse slots to the sides and discharged through the sides beyond the working surface. It seems like this simple circuit effectively copes with its task and allows you not to reduce speed during rain, which is confirmed by numerous reviews of Formula Energy, in which drivers admire this feature.

Wide size grid

The manufacturer also took care of the possibility of choosing the appropriate standard size in accordance with the requirements of the developers of your car. Thus, tires with an internal diameter from 13 to 18 inches are available for purchase in stores. At the same time, you can choose the profile height or the width of the working surface, as well as the required speed index. There are more than 80 standard sizes in total, so you can easily choose the one you need if your car is of the right class.

Positive user reviews

It's time to analyze reviews of the Pirelli Formula Energy 205*55 in order to understand how much truthful information the manufacturer provided about its creation. Among the main advantages, drivers most often mention the following:

Softness. The rubber allows you to easily cross some uneven surfaces, such as tram tracks, and the impact is practically not felt.

Low noise level. This indicator is especially important for those who do not like extraneous sounds while driving.

Acceptable cost. You can get European quality at a very reasonable price.

Good handling. The rubber is responsive, which guarantees safety when driving.

No hydroplaning. You can drive with confidence even in heavy rain.

Good wear resistance. With careful use, rubber can last quite a long time, and wear will be even.

As you can see, the model has a fairly weighty list positive aspects. However, it also has significant disadvantages.

Negative features of the tire

Among the disadvantages, users in their reviews of Formula Energy often highlight the weak sidewall. Although the manufacturer tried to strengthen it, this was not enough, and with strong impacts the likelihood of a hernia is quite high. Many drivers have also encountered the need for quite serious balancing after installation, which indicates uneven weight of the tire and poor alignment.

Conclusion

Pirelli Formula Energy tires, the reviews of which we have just analyzed, captivate with good dynamic characteristics and affordable price. However, it is worth remembering that it is only intended for good road surfaces, so think about where you plan to drive in advance so as not to end up in the middle of a field without the ability to move due to slipping, since the tires are simply not designed for such trips.