Tread Pattern – Directional

As mentioned in earlier posts, tread is the surface of tire which directly comes in contract with road and is responsible for smooth ride, traction while running and grip when cornering. Mostly, car tires have a symmetrical tread pattern that is the same along the whole breadth of the tire. The tread pattern on an asymmetric car tire varies across the tread with different segments adapted for specific functions.

The tires outer border consists of large stiffer tread blocks which help with cornering. The inner tread blocks are smaller and designed to shift water and improve grip on wet surfaces. The middle of the tread usually has a continuous strip of rubber called rib to help straight line stability. Tire made on this pattern are referred to as rib pattern tires.

Asymmetric tires must be fitted the right way round on the wheel that benefit from the tread block arrangement. The sidewalls are clearly marked. Care has to be taken regarding the tire direction while placing on the rim. If the pattern is running on the opposite direction, the wear will substantially increase and slight effects can be felt in gripping. Directional tires are mostly used in passenger car tires which are made for high speed running.