Symmetric Tread Patterns

symmetric tread patters are the most common type of designs and they feature continuous ribs or independent tread blocks across the entire tread face where both inboard and outboard halves feature the same pattern. Tires featuring symmetric tread patterns allow using multiple tire rotation patterns. Furthermore tires with symmetrical tread patterns typically emit a higher level of noise compared to other treaed patterns.

Asymmetric Tread Patterns
An asymmetric pattern is designed to blend the requirements of dry grip and water dispersal/snow traction where the tread pattern changes across the face of the tire. An asymmetric tread pattern usually incorporates larger tread ribs/blocks on the outboard side to increase cornering stability on dry roads by offering greater contact area. This also helps to reduce tread squirm and heat buildup on the outside shoulder. The inboard side usually features smaller independent tread blocks to aid wet and/or winter traction when driving straight ahead. Tires featuring asymmetric tread patterns allow using multiple tire rotation patterns.

Directional Tread Patterns
A directional or unidirectional tread pattern is designed to roll in only one direction. It incorporates lateral grooves on both sides of the tire’s centerline that point in the same direction and result in v-shaped tread blocks. These grooves enhance hydroplaning resistance at high speeds by pumping water more efficiently through the tread pattern. Directional tires are intended to be rotated from the front axle to the rear axle.

Asymmetric and Directional Tread Patterns
Asymmetric and directional tread patterns have v-shaped tread grooves that are offset compared to the centerline of the tire. Tires featuring asymmetric and directional tread patterns must be treated as directional tires for tire rotation. However, if different tire sizes are used on the front vs. rear axle, they become location-specific and prohibit any tire rotation possibilities.

For example  slick mud with a hard bottom layer is best approached with narrow mud tires since a narrow mud terrain tire can cut through the top layer to find traction on the hard surface below.  When a wide mud terrain tire encounters the same mud in this situation, it tends to float or “hydroplane” on the slick top layer without reaching the hard surface below. The best mud tires are those that offer maximum clearance and traction.

Some mud tires produce noise, in part because of how they were treaded. However the given the nature of the terrain on which such tires are used it comes to nothing more than a minor pain in the back.  One distinct advantage of mud tires is that they perform well, not just on mud terrains, but also on rocky or deeply snowy tracks. Conversely there are a poor choice for a rainy track and can be quite hazardous. It is important to note that tread designs, apart from possible noise pollution, are what make or break a mud tire. These treads can vary widely from one manufacturer to the next. If a tire is poorly designed for mud it will not self-clean and eventually get clogged up and packed with mud in voids, making it a tire with zero traction.

A very useful tip when encountering mud for the first time is to check it out on foot first and get a closer look at the mud type to try and find a solid base. This can be done by inserting a long object. If  vehicles have driven though the mud before it would be a good idea to check out any tire ruts. The aim of this to establish a solid base, because that base will allow to get traction on it. There are various reputable manufacturers of mud tires. Mickey Thompson produces top-notch brands.