Originally Posted by
curbtender
I would mount that tire as shown rotating down. If it was smooth or had a symmetrical pattern then it wouldn't matter.
That tire will be smooth soon enough!!!
With tractor tires, they say to mount with the chevrons pointing towards the ground in front so that the middle part contacts first. The theory is that it pushes the mud and water to the side to improve traction. Mounting them backwards pushes the mud to the middle and makes traction worse.
It should be similar for other types of tires, although perhaps to a lesser extent.