A tire’s tread is literally where the rubber meets the road. It’s the only part of the tire that contacts the pavement. Aside from the way it looks, tread design affects important factors like handling, traction and tire noise.

Tread Design Types

Symmetric Tread

A symmetric tread design is consistent across the tire's face. Both halves of the tread face are the same design.

Asymmetric Tread

An Asymmetric tread design features a tread pattern that changes across the face of the tire. It usually incorporates larger tread blocks on the outer portion for increased cornering stability and smaller inner blocks that aid in traction and dissipating water.

Unidirectional Tread

The terms Directional and Unidirectional are used interchangeably and mean that the tire has been designated to rotate in only one direction (and must be dedicated to a specific side of the vehicle). Unidirectional tires enhance straight-line acceleration by reducing rolling resistance and provide shorter stopping distances.

Tread Elements

Sipes
The small, slit-like grooves in tread blocks that allow the blocks to move. This added flexibility increases traction by creating an additional biting edge. Sipes are especially helpful on ice, light snow, and loose dirt.

Blocks
The segments making up a tire's tread. The primary function of tread blocks is to provide traction.

Ribs
The straight-lined row of blocks that create a circumferential contact band around the tire.

Shoulder
Shoulders wrap slightly over the inner and outer sidewall of a tire and provide continuous contact with the road while maneuvering.

Void Ratio
The amount of open space in the tread. A low void ratio means more rubber is in contact with the road. A high void ratio increases the ability to drain water.

Grooves
Circumferential grooving is used to create voids for better water channeling on wet road surfaces and is the most efficient means of channeling water from the front to the rear edges of the contact patch.

Tread Design and Wet Road Conditions

Tread design plays a crucial role in dispersing water while driving in wet conditions. Grooves are used to create voids within the tread face for better water channeling. The most efficient means of channeling water is circumferentially around the tire, providing the shortest distance between the front and rear edge of the contact patch. Additionally, lateral grooves help break up the wedge of water that forms at higher speeds, reducing the chance of hydroplaning and increasing the tire's contact with the road.