I just today removed the blizzaks from my RX 8, and put the Potenzas back on. After I finished doing this, I noticed an arrow on each tire, accompanied by the word "rotation". This possibly means that the tires should be installed so that the arrows on each tire point in the direction that the tire is rotation, when the car is moving forward. If this is the case, I woud assume that it has something to do with the tread design; and then all my tires are rotating in the wrong direction. How critical is this ?
Will I have to switch each tire to the opposite side of the car ?? Advice and info will be much appreciated

 

yes, the stock RX-8 tires are indeed directional tires with unique directional tread design, and you are suppose to mount them so that the <---- points toward front of the car (e.g. direction the tire will be rotating when going forward)

so go reinstall the wheels! with correct tire rotation direction!

 

in a directional tire, improper tire installation such as rolling in wrong direction will greatly reduce tire performance and tread life.