Tyre Treads Explained
Tyre treads play an important role in ensuring optimal grip, handling and safety on various road surfaces. Each tread pattern is engineered to cater to specific driving conditions and vehicle types. We briefly explore the different tread types, their characteristics, the different makes of tyres we have available at Protyre and for what conditions they are suitable.
Symmetrical Tyres
Symmetrical tyres feature a continuous rib design around the circumference of the tyre and this design helps provide even tread wear and a smooth, comfortable ride. They are suitable for passenger cars, sedans and vehicles used primarily for motorway driving.
Asymmetric Tyres
Asymmetric tyres have distinct outer and inner tread patterns. The outer section is designed for enhanced dry handling and cornering, while the inner section focuses on water evacuation and wet traction. They are suitable for high-performance vehicles, sports cars and vehicles that require excellent handling and traction in both dry and wet conditions. It's easy to identify an asymmetrical tyre.
Directional Tyres
Directional tyres feature angled tread grooves that are designed to efficiently channel water away from the tyre's contact patch. This pattern enhances hydroplaning resistance and wet traction. They are suitable for vehicles driven in wet or rainy conditions, as well as SUVs and trucks that may encounter off-road scenarios.
Multi-Directional Tyres
Multi-directional tyres combine elements of both symmetrical and directional patterns. They feature lateral grooves that aid in water evacuation while maintaining a continuous rib design for even tread wear. All-season tyres and vehicles that require balanced performance in various weather conditions have multi-directional tread patterns.
All-Terrain Tread Pattern
All-terrain treads feature an aggressive tread design with larger tread blocks and wider grooves. This pattern provides excellent traction on various surfaces, including mud, gravel, and rocky terrain. They are suitable for off-road vehicles, SUVs, pickup trucks, and vehicles intended for both on-road and off-road use.
Winter/Snow Tread Pattern
Winter/snow treads are designed with numerous biting edges and deep grooves to provide optimal traction on snow and ice. These treads are typically made from a softer rubber compound that remains flexible in cold temperatures. At Protyre, we stock a wide range of tyres suitable for all seasons and conditions, including tyres from Bridgestone, Pirelli and Falken.
Mud-Terrain Tread Pattern
Mud-terrain treads feature an extremely aggressive tread design with large, widely spaced lugs and deep grooves. This pattern excels in providing traction in muddy, rocky and challenging off-road conditions and is suitable for off-road enthusiasts, rock crawlers and vehicles intended for extreme off-road use.
When selecting tyres, it's important to consider the primary driving conditions, vehicle type and intended use. Consulting with our qualified fitters at Protyre or referring to manufacturer recommendations can help ensure the right tread pattern is chosen for optimal performance and safety. We have Protyre garages across the UK where you can book car servicing and MOTs, and our tyre professionals can offer same-day tyre fitting.
The frequency of tyre replacement depends on several factors, including the tyre's tread depth, age, and driving conditions. As a general rule, it's recommended to replace tyres when the tread depth reaches approximately 3 mm. However, some tread patterns may require earlier replacement, particularly for tyres designed for specific conditions, such as winter or off-road use.
It's generally not recommended to mix different tread patterns on the same vehicle , as it can adversely affect handling, traction, and overall performance. Each tread pattern is designed to provide specific characteristics and incorrect tyre fitting can lead to inconsistent performance and uneven tyre wear. For optimal safety and performance, it's best to use tyres with the same tread pattern on all four wheels. If replacing all 4 tyres is financially prohibitive, you can buy your new tyres now and pay later with Klarna
The tread pattern can impact a vehicle's fuel efficiency. Tyres with a more aggressive tread design, such as those intended for off-road or winter conditions, tend to have higher rolling resistance which can lead to increased fuel consumption. Conversely, tyres with a smoother, more streamlined tread pattern, like those used on passenger cars and sedans, generally have lower rolling resistance and can contribute to better fuel efficiency. When selecting tyres, consider the balance between tread performance and fuel economy based on your driving needs.
