Modern car tyres are made up of rubber compounds with precise formulations and built-in treads for safety purposes. The condition of your car’s tyres is greatly influenced by the wear on them. Thus it is important to comprehend tyre tread depths given the significant influence tyres have on the overall safety of your car. People can drive more securely and pleasantly if they understand the value of tyre tread and the various tread patterns.
What is a tyre tread?
The tyre tread is a part of the tyre that actually meets the road and keeps your car moving forward. It can generally be identified by a design that has been carved into the rubber. Additionally, a tread pattern is a distinctive design that improves a vehicle’s grip and handling under particular driving circumstances. If you take a close look at your tyre, you will find that there are a lot of variations in the tread patterns available in the market.
Types of tyre tread patterns:
There are various tread types and patterns that are designed for different types of car performances. Knowing the various tread patterns available, how they impact tyre performance under various situations, and how they affect the possibilities for tyre rotation can help you choose new tyres properly.
- Symmetric: Symmetric tread patterns have the same symmetry on both sides of the centre line of the tyre. This type of tread pattern offers maximum tyre rotation without compromising daily operation. They are appropriate for tyres on passenger cars, but not for use in high-performance cars or in changing weather situations.
- Directional: A sequence of V-shaped patterns seems to emerge on tyres with directional tread patterns, all heading in the same direction. This style is great for diverting water from the road and lowering the risk of hydroplaning. On roads with mud or snow, their added traction provides great handling.
- Asymmetric: A tyre with an asymmetric tread pattern has two distinct tread patterns, one on the inside and one on the outside. As all-season tyres, they are utilized for ultra-high-performance cars since they offer protection in both dry and rainy conditions.
Importance of tyre treads:
- Your tyre runs on the roads but it is tyre treads that provide the grip on the roads.
- Tyre tread provides proper traction while driving as it creates enough friction with the road.
- Tyres offer the friction required for braking, turning, and accelerating the car. They also contribute to a smoother ride by reducing shock and vibration caused by minor road imperfections.
- Tyre tread maximizes fuel economy which can save you lots of money.
- There are tyres treads specially designed for off-road driving which can save your tyre from wearing out.
- Treads provide a place for water and moisture to filter into, ensuring that your tyres stay on the road even when there is a lot of water on them.
- Tyre tread plays a major role while driving in snow and rainy conditions. They get their firm grip on these types of roads which can save you from an accident.
Advantages of tyre tread:
- Helps drive in rainwater: The tread in your tyre is an arrangement that makes your tyres capable and safe for changing weather conditions. Without tread, your tyres will float on the watery road which is known as hydroplaning.
- Helps to indicate tyre wear: The tread depth can help you to identify if your tyres are worn out. In general, if the tread depth is 1/16th of an inch, it’s time to replace your tyres.
- Different tread patterns are available for different driving needs: If you are driving off-road then tyres with deep and thick patterns are available for vehicles like SUVs or trucks. For on-road driving, tyres with thin treads are also available. For the best performance, safety and longevity, you can use an all-season tyre that comes with deeper tread patterns.
Tyre treads maintenance tips:
- Uneven tread wear can shorten the life of your tyres hence you must be careful while driving on rough roads.
- For ensuring even wear and pressure on all four tyres, rotate your tyres regularly every 6000-7000 miles.
- Keeping your tyres properly inflated will improve the tyre’s life and help with gas mileage.
- Perform wheel alignment and wheel balancing from time to time to avoid unwanted risks while driving.
Finishing up:
We have learned everything related to the tyre tread. Knowing a bit more about the significance of tyre treads will help you realize the need of maintaining them properly. As it is important to maintain the tyres, it is also necessary to go for car tyre replacement every 3-4 years to ensure maximum safety. And also remember that whenever you go for car tyre replacement, do replace them in pairs as it is safe than replacing a single tyre.
Swift Tyre Specialist provides excellent tyre repair and tyre alignment services. To keep your tyres performing at their peak as the miles pass, we can even assist with tyre rotation. Get your tread depth examined by our expert mechanics today. Contact us now.