What Is An Asymmetric Tyre & How To Identity Them

You may be surprised to learn that not all tyres are equal. With a huge variety of tread patterns and sizes, tyres come in a wide variety of designs, but they can all be narrowed down to three main types: asymmetrical, symmetrical (also known as multi-directional) and directional.

Symmetrical tyres, as the name suggests, have a symmetrical tread pattern that is the same on both the outer and inner sides of the tyre. This allows the tyre to rotate in either direction, and it can be fitted at any of the four positions on the vehicle without problems. The simple tread pattern makes them cheaper than the other options, but they are also less adaptable to varying road and weather conditions. They used to be commonplace, but nowadays tend to be used for town and city driving. Since they are multi-directional, there is no right or wrong way of fitting them to the vehicle.

Asymmetrical tyres use different tread patterns on the inside and outside edges of the tyre to great effect. Large blocks on the outside edge of the tyre provide excellent traction in dry conditions, and with a large contact area they give good road handling. Smaller tread blocks on the inside edge of the tyre give superior grip in wet conditions, with an increase in the number of grooves serving to displace water efficiently on wet roads. This reduces the chances of aquaplaning, where the tyre skates on water rather than gripping the road's surface. Provided that the larger tread blocks are positioned to the outside, asymmetrical tyres offer unrivalled grip and roadholding in all weather conditions for a safe and secure drive.

Asymmetrical tyres always have the words 'inside' and 'outside' stamped on to the sidewalls to ensure that they are correctly positioned on the vehicle. Fitting asymmetrical tyres the wrong way round compromises the tyre's ability to cope with road and weather conditions correctly.

Directional tyres usually have an arrowhead pattern that is designed to rotate in one direction only for optimum performance. When correctly fitted they ensure excellent road holding, even under the wettest conditions, with superb traction. Because of the level of grip they provide, even on wintry roads, they are often used as winter tyres. In order to achieve the desired level of grip, directional tyres must always be fitted correctly, with the stamped arrowhead on the sidewall facing in the direction of travel.

Choosing the Right Tyre Made Easy

When it comes to your car's safety and performance, tyres can play a huge role. That's why we've put together a collection of helpful articles to guide you through the process of selecting the perfect tyres online for your ride and maintaining your vehicle in general.

If you're looking for a smoother, more luxurious driving experience, premium car tyres might be the way to go. Or, if you want added security against flats, run flat car tyres could be your best bet. Trying to decide between summer car tyres and winter car tyres? We've got you covered there, too.

We also dive into the world of tyre brands, comparing top manufacturers like BF Goodrich tyres, Bridgestone tyres, Continental tyres, Dunlop tyres, Falken tyres, General tyres, Goodyear tyres, GT Radial tyres , Hankook tyres, Michelin tyres, Pirelli tyres, Runway tyres, Sumitomo tyres, and Toyo tyres.

But we don't just stop at helping you choose the right tyres – we also share tips on how to keep them in tip-top shape. From checking your tread depth and keeping your tyres properly inflated to extending their life through regular rotation and balancing, our articles have got you covered.

So, whether you're a car enthusiast or just looking to keep your vehicle safe and reliable, our car help and advice articles are here to help you make informed decisions about your tyres. Check them out and feel confident in your tyre choices!