I got a nail in one of my tires, so I took it into a tire shop and they kindly plugged the hole. Thing is, I just noticed that the tire is put on wrong, so that the direction arrow on the tire is going backwards. Does this just impact traction, or is it going to hurt something or wear the tire faster? I'm going to take it back to the garage to fix, but I'm wondering if it can wait a few days.

 

Take it back asap. No offense but those arrows are there for a reason.

 

It appears to not be as big of an issue as I would have thought. From multiple tires places:

My directional tires were mounted incorrectly and are rotating in the wrong direction. What should I do?


Tires with a "directional" tread design are intended to roll and perform in a given direction. The sidewall will have arrows indicating the rolling direction fo the tire. If installed in the wrong direction the tire will not perform its intended function. However, no damage or premature wear to the tire will result. The tire should be dismounted and remounted to roll in the proper direction.

 

The tire tread pattern is design to "pump" water away so the tire can stay planted. The direction arrows make sure the pump works properly while you drive forward at freeway speed. There may be other reasons for the direction.

Wait a few days should be fine, as long as you don't push the performance envelope, and slow down if you drive thru standing water.

 

Thanks! I suspected as much but wasn't entirely sure.