The tire part that is in constant contact with the road is the tire tread. The elements of tire tread include tread blocks or tread lugs, tread grooves, voids, wear bars, and any other extra features such as rain grooves and siping for traction. If you’ve looked at your tires’ tread, you would know that there are distinctive tire tread patterns. These patterns aren’t just for visual appeal. The various lines and cuts along the tires’ rubber were manufactured to increase the tires’ grip, traction, and overall functionality.
Tire tread patterns deemed “asymmetrical,” “symmetrical,” “directional,” and “all-weather” each gain their classifications because of the qualities and differences that they have. Manufacturers thoughtfully designed tire tread patterns to serve different functions, and these specific designs put them into different categories. Becoming knowledgeable about tire tread patterns is key to becoming a responsible vehicle owner.
The Different Tire Tread Patterns
1) Asymmetrical
They have an inside edge and outside edge and are notably distinct due to their design. Asymmetrical tire tread patterns have two different patterns on either tire’s shoulder as each side serves a different purpose. They also offer excellent handling, high curve stability, and good grip in wet conditions.
What’s good about them:
Handling – Because of their design for wet and dry performance, these tires offer a great handling experience.
Road Noise – offer less road noise as compared to symmetrical tire tread patterns
What’s deficient about them :
Cost – their higher cost is due to their specialized design and low availability
Limited Sizes – these tire tread patterns are usually only available for wheels that are seventeen inches (17″) or above in diameter
Tire Lifespan – tires with these patterns don’t have a long lifespan, so replacements are highly likely
2) Directional
Their angled patterns make them easy to spot. Directional tire tread patterns’ grooves and cuts go from the edges of the tires to the center, typically in a v-shaped pattern. These patterns are better for high-performance cars. They also provide high protection against aquaplaning, have excellent handling of snow and mud, and are very good at holding the road at high speeds. However, the chemicals and compounds used on tires with directional tread patterns make fast driving difficult with such tires at first.
What’s good about them:
Fuel Efficiency – less rolling resistance helps with fuel efficiency
Handling – these tire tread patterns provide excellent water displacement, which means you’re protected from aquaplaning, and you get better handling
Wet Terrain Performance – tires with directional tread patterns perform well in snow and mud
What’s deficient about them:
Cost – tires with directional tread patterns are more expensive because of the compounds or chemicals used on the rubber
Limited Rotation – tires with these tire tread patterns have only one direction of rotation, so tire placement must be done correctly
3) Symmetrical or Multidirectional
They are the most common tire tread pattern. Symmetrical or multidirectional tire tread patterns are easily distinguished due to their continuous tire grooves or blocks. Flipping a tire with a symmetrical tire tread pattern around will still show you the same tire tread pattern. This tire tread pattern also offers high directional stability, smooth driving, and low rolling resistance.
What’s good about them:
Cost – tires with this tread pattern are in high demand and have large production numbers, so they’re relatively inexpensive
Easy Rotation – the design of the tire tread is the same whichever direction you put it on, so rotation is easier
What’s deficient about them:
Poor Wet Terrain Performance – these tire tread patterns are meant for regular daily use in dry weather, so they perform poorly in rainy or wet weather
Tire manufacturers made different tire tread patterns to match different types of vehicular performance. For example, certain tire tread patterns were designed to help vehicles through rough weather and terrain conditions, brake reliably, and accelerate more smoothly. Unfortunately, tire tread is something that most people take for granted. But, of course, one can always visit the triangle tires Philippines shop or website for all of your tire specifications and requirements! People may have a general idea that there are different tread patterns, but they may not fully understand their differences. Remember, becoming a responsible vehicle owner means knowing the importance of tire tread and the different tread patterns.
