Tread pattern makes more of an impact with the road than you think.
Have you ever closely looked at your tyres and considered why they look the way that they do? Lets face it, the majority of us rarely take a second look at our tyres except to check tyre pressure and tread occasionally. However apart from this, it is pretty safe to say that most of us do not go beyond this. Yet, if you increase you knowledge just a little about the tyres on your vehicle it can make all the difference to your driving experience, the type of tyres you buy and how safe you are on the roads. This week we take an in depth look at why tyre tread design is more important than you think.
There are several main components to tyre design, however one of the most crucial parts of tyre design is the tread pattern. To many motorists they just appear to be a set of patterns that make the tyre look a bit nicer, or separate them from other tyres on the market. However these “nice markings” are in fact crucial to a tyres performance and the science that goes in to it can potentially save your life.
Tyre Tread Design
Groove: The groove is the sunken part of a tyres tread. The groove improves breaking performance and the driving power of a tyre. The groove depth directly effects road noise and the rate of a tyres tread wear.
Sipe: A sipe is the finer groove in the tread pattern. Its primary function is to enhance braking and driving performance whilst providing stability and comfort. In winter tyres, it allows grip on icy roads and improves breaking on wet roads.
Rib shape: Is the pattern along the circumference of the tyre. It gives good directional stability and steering control thanks to lateral resistance.
Blocks: The pattern of the independent block, which the groove is connected with each other. It allows for good steering control and stability on snow covered and wet roads and disperses water on wet roads.
Dimples: These are the indentations of the tread and improve cooling.
Shoulder: Provide continuous support with the road whilst maneuvering.