Automobile Enthusiasts

The early 1970s radial tires could not be swapped side to side and that was mostly because of the limitations of materials and manufacturing at that time. Radial tires produced in the 1980s and on can be swapped. Directional tires usually have an arrow on the sidewall indicating rotational direction, and you usually see those only on high performance sports cars.

Trade secret, directional tires can be swapped side to side IF you take them off the rims and flip them over (admit that is a bit $$$).

Heat is also a factor that can cause old tires to suddenly fail. I have a 10 year old full size spare on my truck and I need 1 tire going into my state inspection next month. My plan is to buy 2 tires and have them mount the one that relatively good on the spare rim.