This has been bothering me, ever since they introduced the asymmetric tires. I always assumed that the tread patterns were developed for max grip, wear, water expulsion, etc. Then how come the tread is reversed on the other side? Which side is giving the best grip? This is one reason why I like the Hancook EVO's. So let's hear from those knowledgeable about tires.

 

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.

 

First I saw was the Michelin XAS a few years back (understand Chuck is repopping now). The idea was to have a very open tread on the inside and an outside tread that would become a slick when enough side load was generated.

They were very good for SCCA Showroom Stock racing on narrow rims but do not work well with wide rims in a decambered suspension that increases the contact patch as the side load increases (would take a while to explain but is related to unladen understeer).

Today I would think more of a marketing gimmick than anything that would work.

Can say they should not be directional tires but the open area of the tread should always be to the inside.

Think I was on XASs here. Cars were supposed to be stock but some diddling was allowed. For racing I like a slight oversteer under power to minimize rolling resistance. Note the inside front tire is not loaded at all.

 

Replying as directed.

 

You guys are missing the question. If you look at the car from the front and the drivers side tire has an inward and upward sweep to the tread, good for H20 dispersal, when you flip it over to the passenger side, the tread has an inward and downward sweep. I fully understand the variation of tread patterns with each tire. Take a look at the Gyear Eagle F1 asymmetric 2, the inside shows an upward sweeping pattern, as mounted on the drivers side. Flip it over to the passenger side and it will be downward sweeping. So, I can't be the only idiot that's noticed this.

 

No idiots here, why not ask an idiot at a tire store?

 

"Time for the really smart guys to reply"

I'm always being left out!

 

You are entirely correct, having the dispersion tread directional makes no sense unless different right and left.

Keep in mind that the whole asymmetrical tread design was for relatively tall narrow tires that moved A Lot under cornering. That way the tread could be very open with low/no side loads but roll closed as side loads increased and present more of a slick aspect to the contact patch.

The Crossfire has very wide wheels and low profile tires. They do not move much in a corner so a combo tire like the Michelin XAS makes no sense, it won't do anything well.

On a Crossfire, it is just a marketing gimmick. Use street tires for street/rain and track tires for competition.

 

I did ask at Tire Rack, they couldn't give me an answer, they said no one had ever asked.

 

Grip, anybody who's running close to 10's is pretty damn smart in my book. You're probably smart to sit back and see what others say.

 

Just noticed that my new Crossfire has asymmetrical tires, Continental DWSs on all four and they have an inside and outside but are non-directional.

Now why a tire that is good in snow would be on a Florida car...

 

Great, now you given me a swollen head. The wife is in for it tomorrow.

 

Don't know about smart, but here you go...

Symmetric tire tread patterns attribute a repeating collection of ribs or impartial tread blocks that showcased across the whole encounter of the tire. Both equally the inboard and outboard halves of the tire share the identical pattern – the sides are symmetrical.


Asymmetric tire tread designs feature two or a lot more diverse designs across the deal with of the tire. This mix of designs is utilized to raise the assortment of driving circumstances the tire is able of executing in. More substantial ribs and tread blocks could be showcased on the outboard side of the tire to aid with cornering, even though the inboard confront of the tire could element scaled-down blocks to assist balance on wet surfaces. There are a large number of possible tread blend that can be applied to accomplish very particular benefits when developing a tire. Every tire manufacture may design it different based on their desired functional goal.


Directional patterns, also known as unidirectional treads, only roll in one direction. Lateral grooves are utilized in these examples to develop V-shaped tread blocks that level in a single direction. This type of design tremendously enhances the tire’s potential to tackle hydroplaning, as water is effectively channeled by way of the siping in a straight line.