As a car owner or driver, you must be aware that various kinds of tyres exist for different purposes. No one size fits all approaches when it comes to tyres. However, a thing that you may wonder about is the factors that make one tyre different from the other one. What is the key differentiator? The answer is very straightforward. It is the tread.

Tread means not a single thing, but two things – firstly, it refers to the exterior rubber layer on a tyre’s circumference, which contacts the road surface. It is accountable for traction. Secondly, tread also refers to a certain grooved pattern. This grooved pattern is etched onto the outermost rubber layer on a tyre. The grooved or tread pattern of Performance Tyres St Helens can differ from the traditional tyre types. Every pattern gives a different effect.

Function of Tread Pattern

You may find the tread patterns of your tyres quite cool, but beyond that, it is there for a scientific purpose. The pattern can determine the road noise, the traction that you experience, and the wet weather performance as well.

Tread patterns of different tyres can vary considerably. You can find them being entirely smooth, like in the racing slicks, to consist of multiple tread blocks, like in the dry weather types. Let us find out the major parts of a tyre tread.

What constitutes a tyre tread?

It is made of four parts. They are:

1.     The raised section or the ribs. It is constructed of tread blocks.

2.   The deep channels that fall laterally and circumferentially all around the tyre are called grooves.

3.    The raised rubber segments contact the ground. They are the tread blocks.

4.    Thin slots moulded in the tread block. They are called sipes.

All these constituent parts are integrated into a unique pattern, which makes the tread pattern. Tyre manufacturers design specific tread patterns for addressing driving concerns like dry handling, wet braking, hydroplaning resistance, and traction on icy surfaces.

Different Types of Tread Patterns

There are quite a few tread patterns out there. But it is possible to differentiate between three major categories of tread patterns of Car Tyres St Helens. By reading about them you can find out which tread pattern your vehicle has.

Symmetrical tread pattern

You can find this pattern in almost all vehicles. The symmetrical tread pattern is ideal for passenger car tyres. But it is not suitable for a sports car. This pattern has continuous ribs that run across the whole face of the tread. Both the two parts of the tyre have identical patterns.

Some of the defining features of a tyre having this tread pattern are:

1. A seamless driving experience.

2. Lower rolling resistance.

3. High directional stability.

Symmetrical patterns give the driver much flexibility concerning tyre rotation. These types of tyres are also long-lasting, make less noise, and are fuel-efficient. But they cannot adjust well to changing road conditions. For example, they will not be able to give you good performance in wet weather conditions.

Directional tread pattern

Such a type of tyre can roll ahead in a single direction only. It consists of lateral grooves, which resemble an arrowhead. The V-shaped grooves of such a type of tread effectively resist hydroplaning at greater speeds. It is because they can displace water from the tyre effectively. They also give more traction, which in turn, leads to better handling on mud and snow.

Some of the defining features of a tyre having directional tread patterns are:

1. A Greater amount of protection against aquaplaning.

2. Better road holding at a greater speed.

3. Enhanced handling of mud and snow.

However, these types of patterns may give you some problems on the tyre rotation front, as they can only be rotated vertically.

Asymmetric tread pattern

Such a tyre will have two different tread designs, one on the outer, and the other on the inner half. Both of these parts have separate functions. The inner tread is accountable for displacing water and safeguards you against aquaplaning. The outer tread consists of rigid tread blocks. They provide high grip during cornering and driving on dry road surfaces.

Some of the defining features of a tyre having an asymmetric tread pattern are:

• 1. Good handling

• 2. Excellent grip in wet climatic conditions.

• 3. A Greater amount of curve stability.

With these types of tread patterns, you need to take care of the front of tyre rotation.

Hopefully, after learning about different tread patterns, you will be able to appreciate their role in giving you a smooth and secure driving experience.