Your Guide To Tyre Tread Patterns

Tread patterns channel water, bite snow, eject stones, and tune noise. Symmetric designs simplify rotation; directional designs optimise wet evacuation one way.

Ribs and grooves

Continuous ribs stabilise straight-line tracking; lateral grooves improve wet braking.

Sipes

Thin slits add edges for ice and light snow; too many can flex and heat on hot highways.

Shoulder blocks

Large shoulder lugs help dirt and mud; on road they can squirm and roar.