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This article will highlight the two major types of tread patterns – symmetric and asymmetric. We will also talk about the third type of tread pattern – directional tyres. After that, we would determine which tyre is right for your vehicle.
Importance of Tread Patterns
Tread patterns play a major role in determining a tyre’s performance. Whether it’s wet road driving or mileage, tread patterns contribute to the overall health of the engine and vehicle. Often, the tread details go unnoticed when selecting the tyres. The different design features in each tyre serve multiple purposes. They are useful in maintaining the rolling resistance, improving the grip, hydroplaning, and, most importantly – traction.
Tread patterns significantly influence the driving experience and engine performance. The grooves moulded into the tread also determine the road noise. Bigger treads with higher depth have relatively more sound when they come in contact with the road than small depth grooves.
Symmetric Tyres
As the name suggests, symmetric tyres have the same tread pattern on both the inner and outer halves of the tyre. They have continuous ribs on both sides and are the most commonly used tyres in all vehicles. Both the sides serve the same purpose – hydroplaning, rolling resistance, and increased traction.
Symmetric tyres make less noise and are best fitted for common city cars. They have low rolling resistance, which leads to lower fuel consumption and high mileage. The symmetric tread pattern increases the lifespan of the tyre, making it durable for vehicles that promise long-term performance. They are the perfect choice for vehicles that run for shorter distances. They are an affordable option for city cars.
On the other hand, symmetric tyres have a few disadvantages as well. They are not the right choice for driving in off-road conditions. The tread pattern is also not suitable for driving on constantly wet roads, snow, and slippery terrain. Excessive cornering can also lead to uneven wear, which would ultimately reduce the tyre life.
Asymmetric Tyres
Asymmetric tyres are the ones that have different tread patterns on the inner and outer halves of the tyre. The inner tread pattern is responsible for maintaining traction on wet roads – it is perfect for water displacement and hydroplaning protection. It also supports driving in off-road conditions and rough terrains due to the superior groove patterns on the inside.
The outer half of the tyre features a tread pattern with rigid tread blocks. It provides increased lateral stiffness, leading to a better grip while driving on dry surfaces. The asymmetric tyre provides enhanced cornering capabilities and higher stability. These types of tyres are usually installed in high-end sports cars and performance hatchbacks. While the interior tread keeps the noise to a minimum, the external tread ensures proper rolling resistance.
However, asymmetric tyres are much more expensive than symmetric tyres. And they have a shorter service life because of the soft rubber material used to manufacture them. Special care needs to be taken while installing the tyre because it is important to install the “inside” and “outside” on the correct sides.
Directional Tyres:
The directional tyres come with a characteristic arrow pattern design, which quickly drains large amounts of water. The tyre offers excellent traction on wet roads and snow. They reduce the risk of aquaplaning and offer low rolling resistance, delivering a superior driving experience. They are designed to perform only in one direction of rotation. The direction is marked on the sidewall of the tyre, and they should rotate in that direction only.
However, the disadvantage of directional tyres is that they are expensive and have a shorter lifespan due to the soft rubber compound and their manufactured structure. They have relatively higher noise than symmetrical and asymmetrical tyres, especially near the end of the tyre life. They are originally designed for sports cars – the ones that tackle winter weather conditions.
Which Tyre Is The Right Choice?
Symmetric and asymmetric tyres are both excellent choices for vehicles. However, choosing the right tyre depends on where you live and your vehicle. Symmetric tyres are perfect for areas where there is less rainfall and more dry surfaces to drive on. They provide a longer lifespan, leading to higher durability.
Asymmetric tyres are perfect for areas where there is heavy rainfall and wet roads. They have a tread pattern that quickly replaces water and provides aquaplaning protection. Experts suggest that to take advantage of both asymmetric and symmetric tyre patterns is to get unidirectional tyres, which are versatile and highly durable. Ultimately, the decision depends on the driving experience you want from the tyres.
