You may have noticed the different tread patterns you can get on tyres. Manufacturers produce tyres with different treads for scientific reasons and not to make tyres look attractive, or be different to other tyres.
WHAT IS A TYRE TREAD?
A tyre tread occurs on the outside surface of the circumference of a tyre that touches the road surface. Tread actually refers to a pattern of grooves moulded into the rubber. The grooves are referred to as the tread pattern. Important to note that the grooves are in the tread and are not the actual tread itself. Racing slicks, which are used during dry weather, only have smooth tread.
WHY HAVE GROOVES IN A TYRE TREAD?
The function of the grooves in a tyre tread is to dispel water, lying on a road surface, as quickly as possible. Otherwise a car could start to hydroplane. Hydroplaning usually occurs when there is too much water which can’t be dispelled quickly enough via the tread grooves.
WHAT IS HYDROPLANING?
Also known as aquaplaning, hydroplaning by a car’s tyres happens when a layer of water is created between the tyre surfaces and the road surface. This causes a loss of traction on the road, which could result in losing control of the vehicle. Control is completely lost if all four wheels are hydroplaning..
TREAD IN STREET TYRES
Different tread designs can cause various noise levels, especially on the highway. There has to be a balance between deeper treads that promote safety, and more straightforward designs that are more affordable and produce less highway noise.Dry weather tyres have hardly any pattern, as there is no water to dispel, and the contact patch can be increased. Tyres or slicks with a smooth tread are dangerous in wet weather though.
WHAT ARE WEAR LIMIT INDICATORS IN STREET TYRES?
Wear limit indicators are small protruding bridges that occur within a tyre’s grooves. When the tyre has worn level with the wear limit indicators, it is time to buy a new tyre.
DIRECTIONAL TREAD PATTERNS ARE USED WHEN DRIVING A LOT IN WET WEATHER
Directional tyres are used mainly by sports cars that are often used on wet roads.The tread pattern is arrow-shaped so that water can be dissipated as fast as possible. This pattern protects the tyres from aquaplaning, and is ideally suited to road surfaces covered in snow or mud. Directional tyres can be fitted onto a car in only one direction of rotation, as displayed by an arrow on the sidewall. Directional tyres must be rotated about every 10 000 km from the front to the back without changing the side they are already in.
WHAT ARE SYMMETRICAL TREAD PATTERNS USED FOR?
Symmetrical tyres differ from directional tyres in that they can rotate in either direction. This is because both halves of the tread pattern are identical. They are noticeably quiet and produce good road traction. Fuel consumption is less due to their lower rolling resistance, which, in turn, increases the tyre’s life. These tyres are often used for non-performance passenger cars and even commercial vehicles. Symmetrical tyres can be rotated in various ways, which lengthen their life.
ASYMMETRICAL TREAD PATTERN PROVIDES ALL-WEATHER SAFETY
Asymmetrical tyres display different tread patterns on the inner and outer shoulders. The inner shoulder pattern is designed to displace water. The outer shoulder pattern, made of rigid blocks, produces a stiffness that helps a lot during cornering and when travelling under dry conditions. High-performance cars and sports cars use such tyres. Asymmetrical tyres must be fitted correctly, with the word ‘Outside’ appearing on the outside of the car. Many different rotational options are available for these treads.
FLOW-OPTIMISED ASYMMETRICAL TREAD PATTERN PROTECTS AGAINST HYDROPLANING
This tread pattern is a combination of both directional and asymmetrical tread patterns,and produces excellent protection against hydroplaning. Flow resistance is reduced, thus enhancing water displacement from the tread. This pattern’s stiff outer shoulders provide great road-holding capability when cornering. When it comes to rotation, follow the same procedure as used for directional tyres.
It is amazing what research into tyre treads has come up with, and how it makes our lives so much safer. But, to be completely safe, make sure that your car enjoys adequate and affordable car insurance protection, as provided by PMD.
Disclaimer:
This article was prepared by Eric Sandmann in his personal capacity. The views and opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not reflect the views and opinions of Prime Meridian Direct (Pty) Ltd, FSP41040
Road Safety & Tyre Safety – Know why Tread is important and why this is NOT Safe!! https://t.co/1A2B8Hk4f5 #ArriveAlive #TyreSafety [Video credit via ViralSnare] pic.twitter.com/gBMoLx5oeV
— Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) October 16, 2018