Tread patterns
Peer into the bottom of the tread grooves of your tyre. Never let your tread wear down further than the tread wear indicators because your car's handling and roadholding will become unpredictable and unsafe.
Symmetric Tread Patterns
These are very common and feature ribs and tread blocks across the tread face where both halves of the tyre feature the same pattern. A tyre with a symmetric tread pattern can be fitted on all four positions of a car.
Directional (Unidirectional) Tread Patterns
A directional tread pattern is designed to rotate in only one direction and usually incorporates v-shaped type tread blocks. These patterns are efficient at ejecting water and have good wet grip. Specific mounting location required - a tyre with a directional tread pattern can be fitted on all four positions of a car but must be fitted with the correct direction of rotation.
Asymmetric Tread Patterns
An asymmetric tread pattern has a different pattern on the inside part of the tyre compared to the outside part to help improve dry grip and water dispersal. Larger tread ribs/blocks are on the outer side of the tyre, this is to improve cornering stability and grip on dry roads by offering greater contact area. This also reduces tread squirm and heat buildup on the outside shoulder. The inboard side of the tyre will feature smaller tread blocks to aid water dispersal and improve wet grip. Specific tyre to rim mounting required - a tyre with an asymmetric tread pattern can be fitted on all four positions of a car but must be orientated correctly with regard to the inner and outer facing parts of the tyre.
