SCIENCE OF TREADS OF TYRES

Hi guys, have you ever observed the patterns on your tyres of bike or car? What we call those patterns? And what are the uses of these patterns?

  

The pattern which is appear on the tyre is called, TREAD. So why we've to discuss that?

Science behind the treads of tyre?

How would be the driving of vehicle during the rain on the roads? And in some places roads will become very muddy. Why I'm speaking about wet roads is, here is the tread will play crucial role.

The main job of tread is to expel or disperse the water away from the tyre on the wet road which is ahead of tyre surface, which can increase the contact between tyre and road to provide the grip and traction power.

Generally when driving on wet roads, the lump of water can built between the tyre and road surface. Which can cause the lose of steer of vehicle, then vehicle may slips on the road which again cause accidents. This phenomenon known as hydroplaning.

How to avoid Hydroplaning?

• Keep the tyre inflation properly
• We've to check the tread depth.  Deeper the groove, more the expelled water.

Legally in India the depth of tyre tread shouldn't fall below 1.6 mm. 

The minimum depth of tyre tread is 3 mm during all seasons for safety.

During winter and rainy seasons it is recommended to maintain 4 mm is minimum, in order to expel the snow and water.

We can measure the depth of tyre tread by using tyre guage accurately.

How a tread expel the water?

The above image clearly shows that how water is expelling through the tread.

Different types of treads.

1. Symmetric

 As it name indicates, this type of tread has same pattern on both halves of the tyre.

This type of treads we can find commonly.

It's suitable for passenger cars. But not for high performance.

It will give smooth driving.

High directional stability.

2. Asymmetric 

This design is different from each side. Exactly opposite to symmetric pattern. 

But each design will perform different task.

It will give greater performance diversity. And it will give high level performance on any kind of road surface.

3. Directional

A directional tread pattern designed to roll in only one direction. That's why we will see arrows on side walls pointing in the direction that tyre has to be mounted. And lateral grooves of both sides of the tyre point towards centre creating a V shape.

It will give super wet traction and hydroplaning resistance at high speeds.