Before you fork out hundreds of dollars for new tires, do you know what type of tire tread you need? There are four standard tire treads, and depending on the location and weather, each is created to improve the drive’s performance. We’ve outlined a few differences between them all to help you decide which is best for you:  

There are symmetrical tread patterns that have grooves that are uniform across the tire’s tread face. Symmetrical tire treads are popular for touring tires. They provide a quiet ride and a long lifespan. Symmetrical treads are versatile and useful for a variety of drives. These tires are multidimensional, so they can be rotated in any direction without impacting performance. 

The asymmetrical tire tread has a mix of tread patterns. They usually have a section down the middle and on the edge, that’s designed for wet weather. The outside edge of the tire has an aggressive tread that gives optimum cornering ability. Tires with Asymmetrical tread usually have sidewall markings that say, “outside only” and “inside only.” the sidewalls to optimize how well they wear and their traction abilities. This tread enhances performance in areas such as water dispersal, dry grip, and snow traction.

The directional tire tread has a pattern of grooves and chevron shapes; all pointed in one direction. The tread is usually a noticeable V-shaped. This design makes it easy to direct water away from the tire and prevent hydroplaning in wet weather. Tires with directional tire tread also high performance are quieter. Directional tire treads can only be rotated front-to-rear and not side-to-side or diagonally.  

There are some brands like GoodYear and Goodrich over a directional asymmetrical tire tread combination. This tread offers the best of both worlds. They are usually a V-shaped tread that directs water away from their footprint. At the same time, the asymmetrical section is perfect dry-weather traction and handling. Directional asymmetrical tires can only be rotated front to rear or rear to front.

If you need advice on what type of tire tread would be best for your driving needs, don’t hesitate to reach out to German Car Depot. We’d be happy to provide suggestions.