what is the meaning of the red dot on metzler tires is that a directional indication should the red dot be on same side of bike or does it matter?

 

That should be what the tire valve lines up with when its mounted, which should be also on the right side of the bike.

 

The red dot is the lightest side of the tire. it should be mounted with the dot lined up to the heaviest side of the wheel (usually the valve stem) so it will balance with less weight.

 

There should be an arrow to show direction of rotation. Line the dot up with your valve stem (don't worry about which side of the tire it is on).

 

OH NO! You bought a set with THE RED DOTS!

 

just double checking may have to go back to tire shop.

 

What are the odds of both you and the tire shop not knowing what the red dot is?

 

Most tire shops are smart enough to align the dot with the valve stem. Unfortunately it's not that uncommon to see car tires and occasionally bike tires mounted without following the protocol. Brand name tires today are normally require very little weight to balance. The only advantage to aligning the dot and the stem is the potential to minimize the weight needed to balance. If they needed minimal weight to balance the tire it's kinda a so what deal. Clean the dot off if it bothers you and ride on.