Abstract: A tire includes first and second sides defining first and second rotation directions. The first rotation direction is in a counterclockwise direction when the tire is viewed from the first side, and the second rotation direction is in a clockwise direction when the tire is viewed from the first side. The tire further includes a carcass ply extending from a first bead portion to a second bead portion, and a circumferential tread disposed above a belt. At least one of the circumferential tread and the carcass ply causes the tire to exhibit a first tire performance when the tire is rotated in the first rotation direction, and a second tire performance that is different from the first tire performance when the tire is rotated in the second rotation direction. The tire performance is selected from the group consisting of braking, dry driving traction, wear performance, and snow traction performance.

Abstract: A method of mounting an object on a tire includes providing a tire having a sidewall, wherein the sidewall includes a mounting portion configured to receive an object. The method further includes mounting the object on the mounting portion of the sidewall, such that the object is visible without extending outwardly beyond the mounting portion.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for testing an associated tire. The apparatus may comprise a substantially transparent test platform. The test platform may comprise a low friction test surface. The low friction test surface may comprise a layer of lubricant. The layer may be less than 3 millimeters thick The apparatus may further comprise an optic or acoustic data acquisition system or appliance. The optic or acoustic data acquisition system or appliance may comprise either a camera positioned to view the test surface through the substantially transparent test platform, or ultrasonic equipment positioned to acquire data regarding the test surface through the substantially transparent test platform.