Best Way to Understand Tyres Tread Design

by Rohit Gautam SEO Analyst

Have you ever looked at the profile of your tyres more closely? There are large differences between the different tyre profiles, whether it’s compared to a summer or winter tyre profile or a profile comparison of different tyre brands. Here you can find everything you need to know about tyre profiles:

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• Tyre profiles in comparison

• Minimum tread depth

• Measure the profile depth

• Different types of tyres

• Correct tyres

Comparison of summer and winter tyre profiles

The tyre profile influences the driving behaviour. In summer and winter tyres it is equally adapted to the prevailing weather conditions in the corresponding seasons. Therefore the tyre profile of summer and winter tyres also differs.

Summer tyre for dryness and wetness

In the summer, the streets are either dry or wet, and the temperatures usually go beyond the 10-degree mark. So, the rubber mixture of a summer tyre is comparatively hard and the profile mainly has longitudinal grooves. In these, the water collects, which can be found after a downpour on the road. It is then derived via transverse grooves. Together with wiping edges on the profile blocks, the aquaplaning risk is reduced.

Winter tyres for ice and snow

Winter tyres are softer than summer tyres so that the rubber mixture remains flexible even at low temperatures. Also, the profile blocks have hundreds of small incisions, the so-called slats. They act as grip edges, which intertwine with ice and snow. This improves the traction and ultimately also the braking distance. But this is also influenced by the profile depth.

The 1.6 mm prescribed by the legislature is to be understood as the extreme minimum and considerably increase the braking distance compared to a new tyre (approx. 8 mm profile depth). Experts recommend a tyre change at 3-4mm.

 This is not a guideline, but a legal requirement. Experts, however, regard this minimum profile of 1.6mm as too low, because they have a severe adverse effect on the driving behaviour of the vehicle. As a winter tyre profile depth, therefore, 4 mm, as a summer tyre profile depth 3 mm is recommended.

But how can you measure the tyre profile?

Many modern tyres have a tyre wear indicator. If this is not the case, you can easily measure the profile depth yourself. The edge of a coin is around 3 mm wide - if it is not visible when checking, the profile is still ok. Small measuring devices are also available.

If you are not sure how to measure, just come to our workshop in Rotherham. We will check the tyres for you free of charge.

A sufficient profile depth is not only useful for legal reasons but also safety-relevant. In the grooves, the water collects on a wet road surface and is led away from the tyre. This works against aquaplaning. The many cuts in winter tyres, called slats, act as a grip on ice and snow. If the profile is traced, the traction drops noticeably.