When faced with the task of buying new tires, alongside choosing the right size,an equally important factor is selecting the appropriate tread pattern.

The shape of the tire tread is a crucial element that significantly affects its properties. For everyday vehicles, tire manufacturers use three types of tread patterns: symmetrical, asymmetrical, or directional.

What are tire tread patterns and how to choose them?

Tires used in passenger cars come in three types of tread patterns - symmetric, asymmetric, and directional. Check what characterizes each of them and how to select the appropriate tread.

Types of Runners

Symmetrical tread tire

This type has identical tread patterns on both halves. Its shape is best suited for compact cars, which we use for daily errands in urban traffic.

This type of tread is also used in vans and trucks. A symmetrical tire is characterized by excellent stability when driving straight, and its deep, wide grooves handle, for example, ruts filled with water relatively well.

Another advantage of this solution is the low rolling resistance it offers, which ultimately significantly affects slower tread wear, as well as lower fuel consumption.

Symmetrical tires usually come in smaller sizes (passenger tires) and belong to the more affordable price range.

Types of car tire treads

Tire with an asymmetric tread pattern

This type of tread is mounted on the rim with the "outside" label (visible on the side of the tire) facing outward from the vehicle. A tire with an asymmetric pattern has differently shaped sides. Each side serves a different purpose.

The inner part of the tread is responsible for water drainage and protection against aquaplaning. The outer blocks are designed to keep the vehicle stable while cornering and to enhance our grip on dry surfaces.

Drivers of sports cars or high-powered limousines should pay particular attention to tires with an asymmetric tread pattern.

Directional tread tire

Directional tread is characterized by grooves arranged in a V-shape. In this type of tire, water is literally expelled at high speed from beneath the rubber.

This tread pattern is most commonly found in winter tires, as it effectively handles the drainage of slush. It is worth mentioning that directional tires must be mounted on the rim according to the rotation direction of the wheel on the vehicle.

On the side of such a tire, we will find an arrow indicating the direction of travel. Installing the wheels "against the grain" will result in improper water drainage from the tread, thus the tire will not perform its intended functions.

Which type of tire tread to choose ?

You have learned the characteristics and know how the different types of tire treads look.

A directional shape will drain water or slush much better, while a symmetrical tire is a good choice for a small city car.

An asymmetrical tire tread will perform excellently during fast cornering.

Before making a final choice, you need to reach a compromise and define your priorities. In this case, expensive does not always mean good.

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