The invention relates to a method for testing tires, for measuring the radial and lateral forces which the tires of motor vehicles will exert on a road. According to the method, a load-application wheel is forced with a predetermined force against the tread of the tire which is filled with air, the tire rolling off on the load-application wheel. The test is carried out in both rotational directions of the tire. After the first test the rotational direction is changed and the second test is carried out. The method is characterized in that the force with which the load-application wheel is forced against the tread of the tire is reduced during change of the rotational direction.