Where to Look at Tire Tread Patterns?
2 Answers
Tire tread pattern models can be found on the side of the tire. Generally speaking, tire treads refer to the grooves composed of various longitudinal, transverse, and diagonal patterns on the tire surface. Here is an introduction to tire tread patterns: 1. Longitudinal tread patterns, due to their continuous longitudinal characteristics, primarily serve the function of draining water in rainy conditions and also help with tire heat dissipation, but they lack sufficient grip. 2. Transverse tread patterns, on the other hand, provide greater grip, thereby compensating for the inherent shortcomings of longitudinal tread patterns. 3. The longitudinal tread patterns on tires mainly serve to quickly drain water, but they result in insufficient grip; whereas the transverse tread patterns on tires offer higher grip but have poor water drainage and directional stability. Therefore, hybrid tread patterns were developed, combining the quick-draining longitudinal treads in the middle with the grip-providing transverse treads on the shoulders, achieving an optimal balance.
As a driving enthusiast who frequently takes long-distance trips, I believe checking the tread pattern should focus on the depth of the central grooves, as they are crucial for water drainage and providing traction. If the grooves are shallow, the car is prone to skidding in rainy weather. Also, pay attention to the tire shoulders—if this area shows uneven wear, stability during turns will decrease. You can use a coin to measure the depth: insert a one-yuan coin with the flower side facing down into the groove. If the flower side is completely invisible, the depth is adequate and ensures safety. Overall wear should be even; if one side wears out faster, it might indicate wheel alignment issues, which can affect braking performance. I always take a quick glance before setting off—identifying problems in time can prevent accidents and extend tire lifespan.
