A few blog articles back, we took a look at the difference between 2 different tire treads, all-season and winter treads. In this article, we wanted to go a step further and look at 4 different tire styles and how their treads perform on different terrains. So, without further adieu, thanks to Tyroola, here’s how all-season, 4x4, track & competition, and performance tire treads work to get you home safely!
1. All-Season Passenger Tires
All-season passenger tires are a cross between summer tires, which handle better on dry and wet pavement, and winter tires. Their intermediate tread depth provides a relatively smooth, stable ride, with a longer longevity than a winter tire. Small siping "cuts" (the green areas of the graphic) molded into the all-season tire increase grip on snow, ice, and water.
The all-season tire’s conservative grooves (the yellow areas of the graphic) direct water and debris around the tread blocks, providing traction in adverse conditions. The mid-height sidewalls (the blue areas of the graphic) of all-season tires deliver decent handling in corners, while still providing cushion to assist the suspension for a smooth ride.
2. 4x4 Tires
Besides having a deep tread depth, off-road tire treads also have large grooves to allow mud, rocks, or debris to be redirected around the blocks. The grooves also help mud to fall off the tire instead of sticking to it. Siping increases the ability of the tire to mold around rocks or uneven surfaces while biting edges to increase grip.
Generally, off-road tires have tall sidewalls, allowing for lower air pressure; this can increase the tire’s ability to "wrap around" uneven surfaces or rocks, increasing grip.
3. Track & Competition (DOT) Tires
While track tires will typically be a smooth, solid piece of material, track and competition DOT tires have just enough grooving to be considered street-legal by the department of transportation (DOT). The minimal grooving and tread depth, soft material, and short sidewalls increase traction and cornering abilities on dry pavement significantly. However, they can also cause the tires to wear down quickly, affecting their performance.
4. Performance Tires
Performance tires are designed to function well on dry pavement at higher speeds, and also on wet pavement. To provide stability, a low tread depth is paired with wide blocks and grooves to more closely grip the road. Short sidewalls (low profile) boost stability around corners, but may increase the likelihood of damage to the tire like bulges or bubbles.
Want to find out what kind of tire is best for your car? Give our service department a call!
Golden Valley Service: (763) 522-2000
Lakeville Service: (952) 469-1500
Want to expand your tire knowledge even more? Check out these great articles!
Tread Carefully: How to Test and Maintain Your Tires [Infographic]
Yes, You Should Check Your Tires. Here’s How. [Infographic]
How to Change a Flat Tire [Infographic]
