When racing tyres roll at a high speed on a racing track, they make perfect traction because of their smooth tread. The tread is the outer area of the tyre that directly touches the surface. Since racing tyres have a larger contact area, they maintain optimum traction at a high speed. The same tyres cannot expel water on a wet surface. As a result, they will lose proper traction at a high speed if the surface is full of standing water. Therefore, we see sipes, blocks, and grooves in normal passenger Goodyear Tyres Smethwick. They need these designs to maintain proper grip on both dry and wet roads. The tread pattern is not only important for proper grip but a driver needs it for proper handling stability.
Nowadays, tyres come with a number of tread patterns. Every tread pattern offers a different set of features. Therefore, the behaviour of a car tyre completely changes because of its tread pattern. It means a tyre may behave differently in wet or dry road conditions because of the tread design. For example, a set of winter tyres will perform well on snowy roads but it will struggle on a hot surface. Mainly three types of tread patterns are common in tyres. These tread patterns are symmetrical, asymmetrical and directional.
Symmetrical tread pattern
Passenger tyres run mostly with this tread pattern. The outer and inner sides of this pattern will be symmetrical as the name suggests. In this common tread pattern, you will observe a continuous pattern of ribs on the entire circumference. You are free to change the sides and position in this pattern while you rotate your tyres.
Asymmetrical tread pattern
The outer and inner sides of this tread pattern will show different designs. Tyres with this pattern provide better stability and traction in both wet and dry road conditions. Any rotation method is possible in this tread pattern. But you have to consider the outer and inner patterns while installing the tyre.
Directional tread pattern
The directional tread pattern comes with a design that is similar to the English letter ‘V’. The arrow shape of this tread pattern points towards a certain direction. It means you cannot change their direction while you rotate your car tyres. These tyres are very effective on wet roads. As you see, car drivers essentially need a suitable tyre tread pattern to drive their vehicles safely. Moreover, optimum tread depth is also necessary to maintain proper grip and traction on unfavourable road surfaces.
The tread depth and its importance
Tyres come with optimum tread depth according to their functions. Tread depth is not the same in car tyres. For example, tyres for the winter and summer seasons come with different tread depths. Proper tread depth is extremely important for tyres to perform their functions. Unfortunately, tyres lose their tread depth gradually due to various factors. A shallow tread depth will reduce the ability of tyres to hold the surface.
Clearly, low tread depth invites unsafe conditions for car drivers. Therefore, it is better you drive always with optimum tread depth.The Government of the UK has set a limit for tread depth. This limit is 1.6mm and you have to follow the guidelines to drive your car safely on roads. Change your tyres if the tread depth in your tyres is below this limit.
You can measure the tread depth easily with the help of a penny. Just place a coin in the groove of your tyre. Your tyre is balding if you can clearly see the head of the coin. Another way to take measurements is to use a tread depth gauge. Actually, this is a more precise way to examine the tread depth.
Looking at tread wear bars is also a good idea because these bars are visible when a tyre is severely balding. Driving on bald tyres brings the following negative effects:
The main function of a tyre is to provide proper grip on the surface. Tyres perform this function effectively with proper tread depth. On the other hand, bald tyres would not ensure proper grip on the same surface due to their smooth surface.
Riskier wet conditions:
Tyres with proper tread depth reduce the risk of hydroplaning. The same conditions will be dangerous for you if you are driving on bald tyres. Bald tyres are unable to scatter water. You will suffer in wet conditions due to this incapability of your tyres.
Risk of punctures and blowouts:
A thick tread pattern functions as a protective layer against punctures and blowouts. Bald tyres do not have this layer. Therefore, they are more susceptible to face issues like punctures and blowouts.
Loss of air pressure:
Tyres with low tread depth lose air pressure quickly. Therefore, you are going to face all the issues that occur due to low air pressure. Conclusively, the tread is an essential part of Cheap Tyres Smethwick. You must not drive on bald tyres because of the risk of these clear reasons.
