Tyre Tread Patterns- All Types

Directional (Unidirectional)

The directional tread is meant to roll in one direction and typically features arrows which display that direction. This tread type allows for water to be displaced from the tyre to avoid hydroplaning. Directional tyres should be rotated front to back from the side that they are in since each tyre is designed and angled to perform best on their specific side.

Symmetrical

Symmetrical tyre tread has the same pattern – continuous grooves and/or independent lugs – across the whole tyre. This type of tyre is the most common and found on most non-high-performance passenger cars because it is typically quiet and long-lasting. Symmetrical tyres can be rotated in many different ways, which helps to prolong the life of the tyres and makes them more versatile.

Asymmetrical

Asymmetrical tyre tread, most commonly found on sports cars, is a bit of hybrid in that it combines a variety of tread patterns for maximum grip on both wet and dry roads. Usually, the inside and middle parts of the tyre will be designed for wet and/or winter traction while the outside of the tyre will have large tread blocks for maximum cornering capability on dry surfaces. To
ensure that the tyres are positioned correctly on the car (to maximize handling capabilities), the sidewalls are marked “outside only” and “inside only.” Many different rotation patterns can be used for tyres with asymmetrical tread patterns.

Multi-DIrectional

The most common tyre pattern type is the multi-directional pattern which is not sensitive to orientation with regards to a fitting position on the vehicle. The tyre performance is equal regardless of the direction of rotation.

Directional/Asymmetrical

Directional/Asymmetrical tyre tread is the best of both worlds – it features the V-shaped pattern of the directional tread for discharging water away from the tyre and the dry weather traction of the asymmetrical tread. You should follow the same rules as directional tyres when it comes to rotation patterns. Vehicles equipped with different size tyres on the front and rear, prohibit the ability to rotate directional/asymmetrical tyres unless they are remounted.