What Are the Colored Dots on New Tires?

If you've ever looked closely at a brand-new tire, you've probably noticed a red dot, yellow dot, or sometimes both on the sidewall.

They're not random—and they're definitely not there for decoration.

🟡 Yellow Dot

The yellow dot marks the lightest point of the tire.

When mounting the tire, it's typically aligned with the valve stem, which is usually the heaviest point of the wheel. This helps reduce the amount of wheel weight needed during balancing.

🔴 Red Dot

The red dot marks the tire's high point (maximum radial runout).

If the wheel manufacturer marks the wheel's low point, the red dot should be aligned with that mark to help minimize vibration and improve uniformity.

If the wheel doesn't have a low-point mark, manufacturers often recommend following the yellow dot instead—but the proper procedure depends on the tire and wheel manufacturer.

These tiny paint marks may only be an inch wide, but they help technicians build a smoother-running wheel and tire assembly before the balancing process even begins.

It's one of those small details most drivers never notice—but it's part of what separates a proper installation from simply getting the tire onto the wheel.

📍 Midnite Auto – Sacramento

Professional Tire Installation • Road Force Balancing • Wheels & Tires