The section of the tyre that touches the road surface is called the tread. And there are a lot of differences between tread patterns on different tyres on the market.
What makes them so different? Because a tread pattern is a one-of-a-kind design that improves the grip and handling of a car in specific driving situations. You might identify a tyre brand by the footprints it leaves on the road, like in detective fiction. Bridgestone Tyres Mansfield is an excellent choice when it comes to selecting tyres.
Main Components of Tyre Treads
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Ribs – The raised component of the tread pattern, which is comprised of tread blocks, is the ribs.
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Grooves– They are deep channels that go around the tyre circumferentially and laterally.
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Tread Blocks– they are the elevated rubber segments that come into touch with the road surface.
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Sipes – small, narrow slots are formed onto the tread blocks and are the sipes.
Ribs, grooves, tread blocks, and sipes can all be arranged in a precise pattern to improve tyre performance in important areas like noise, handling, traction, and wear. As a result, tyre manufacturers can design tread patterns to meet specific driving needs such as wet braking, dry handling, aquaplaning (hydroplaning) resistance, and ice and snow grip.
Different Tread Patterns
There are three types of tyre tread patterns that we can categorise.
1. Symmetrical Tyre Tread Pattern
The most common design is symmetrical, which is appropriate for passenger car tyres but not for high-performance applications. Continuous ribs or independent tread blocks run the length of the tread face, and the pattern is the same on both parts of the tyre. Smooth driving, high directional stability, and low rolling resistance are the key qualities. Tyres with symmetrical patterns allow the vehicle owner to rotate the tyres as often as they like without sacrificing performance. They’re also energy-efficient, quiet, and long-lasting.
However, they are less adaptable to changing road conditions. So, while symmetrical designs provide consistent traction on a dry road, they will not perform as well in wet situations as other tyres.
2. Directional Tyre Tread Pattern
A directional tread pattern tyre is for rolling only forward in one direction. It has lateral grooves that intersect in the centre of the tread and form an arrowhead shape. It does, however, serve a purpose other than a sporty appearance. By displacing water more efficiently across the tread pattern, the V-shaped grooves are better able to resist aquaplaning (hydroplaning) at high speeds.
High protection against aquaplaning, excellent handling on snow and mud, and excellent road-holding at high speeds are among the advantages of directional tyre tread patterns. Features to look for: High levels of anti-aquaplaning protection, excellent traction in the snow and dirt, great road holding at high speeds.
The important thing to understand about directional patterns is that tyre rotation becomes a little more difficult. They can only turn vertically – for example, from the front to the back of the car – otherwise, when fitted to a wheel on the other side of the vehicle, the pattern might orientate in the wrong direction. The advantages of tyre tread might render useless in this case. The arrow indicator inscribed on the sidewall of the tyre can help you keep track of the correct orientation.
Extra grip, which enables good handling on snow or mud, is another advantage of directional tread. As a result, a directed tread pattern is very likely on a decent all-season or winter tyre. Performance tyres on high-performance automobiles can also benefit from greater traction.
3. Asymmetric Tyre Tread Pattern
Asymmetric tyres have two tread designs, one on the inside and the other on the outside of the tyre. Despite their dissimilar appearances, each half has a separate function. The inner tyre tread is in charge of water displacement and aquaplaning prevention. The outer tyre tread comprises robust tread blocks for increased lateral rigidity and reduced interior noise when cornering and driving on dry surfaces.
In wet situations, asymmetric tyre tread patterns provide excellent handling, high curve stability, and good grip. If at all feasible, avoid mixing tyre tread patterns for maximum safety and performance.
Asymmetrical tyres are extremely popular for use on ultra-high-performance cars because of this combination of characteristics. Excellent handling, high curve stability, and good grip in wet weather are some of the key attributes. However, just like with a directional tyre pattern, a tyre is cautiously rotated. The options here include vertical rotation between front and back. The indicators on the sidewall will guide for a correct fitting.
Avoid mixing multiple types, sizes, or brands of tyres on a single vehicle when purchasing new tyres. To preserve ideal performance qualities, find a tyre that is the same make and model as the ones you already have on your wheels. Another thing to remember when replacing tyres is that replacing a set of four tyres is safer than replacing a single tyre. The back axle should have the most recent tyres, while the front axle should have somewhat worn tyres. Cheap Tyres Mansfield has a wide range of tyre brands to select from. Mixing the patterns can degrade your car’s handling qualities and may be harmful.
