Tread is that part of the tire that is responsible to make physical contact with the ground surface. The performance of a tire is often determined by the quality of tread. A tread is made up of rubber compounds and whenever it hits the road and that is the reason there is always a risk of wear.
We know that these days there are several kinds of tires available and hence they are not easily identifiable. However, one can identify them by observing their tread pattern. The tread pattern is the design of tread grooves and blocks that enhances the performance of a tire and plays an important role in providing the required traction. Here is the list of tread patterns that can help you in the identification of the tires.
Directional (Unidirectional)
Directional treads are those treads that are designed to roll in one direction only. They have one directional pattern and a sign that identifies the direction. These treads prevent the risk of aquaplaning by not letting the water get stored in them. Directional tread patterns are mostly found in winter tires and other passenger tires. They are meant to roll from front to back and it is important to roll them in the right direction.
Symmetrical (Multi-Directional)
The most common tread pattern found in the tires is symmetrical which means the pattern remains the same on both the outer and inner sides of the tread. This pattern forms a symmetrical pattern as it is just an identical mirror image of the tread grooves. Almost all of the passenger tires have a symmetrical pattern in their treads. It helps them by providing extra traction and firm handling on the road. These treads are often known as multi-directional treads.
Asymmetrical
As their name suggests, asymmetrical tread patterns are those that have different types of patterns in both outer and inner blocks. This allows them to dissipate extra water that gets stored beneath the treads. The middle part in these tires is designed to perform efficiently on wet surfaces while the outer parts are designed to provide stability and traction on dry surfaces. These are commonly used in all-season tires and other specialized tires.
Directional/Asymmetrical
These tires combine the features of both directional and asymmetrical tires. These kinds of tread patterns provide an all-round performance as they can be used in different types of weather and on different surfaces. One should always keep in mind that it is important to check the direction of the tread patterns before mounting them.
Conclusion
It is important to know the tread pattern of your tire before mounting a tire. It also helps in identifying the type and specifications of the tire. That being said, it is recommended to take great care of your tires and tread patterns.
