What is Tread? Car tyre tread expalained

TYRE TREAD

• Lugs are the actual tread that is in contact with the road at any given time, known as the contact patch.
• Voids are the gaps between the lugs allowing the tyre to flex as the contact patch leaves the road, also allowing the water to be removed.
• void ratio is between the amount of lugs and voids. The lower the void ratio the more tread it has in contact with the road surface giving better traction on dry tarmac. Mud and Snow tyres will have a higher void ratio to allow the mud and water to escape through the gaps in the tread.
• Grooves are the main channels that run around the tyres circumference that push the water into allowing the tread contact with the road.
• Sipes are the small slits that are cut across larger tread elements to allow the water from the groove channels to escape to the edge of the tyre, reducing the risk of aquaplaning. Up to a point, more sipes will produce more traction in snow and mud as well as over various terrains found off road.

The way your tyres are worn will tell you a lot.

• The tread should be slightly thicker in the middle than the edge
• If the outer edges are a lot more worn than the centre this means that your tyres are under in-flated.
• If the centre of the tyre is a lot more worn than the edges this would show your tyres are over inflated.
• If your tyres are worn a lot more on one side than the other this would indicate a suspension problem or you may need a wheel alignment.

You should Check your tyres regularly for uneven wear, keep to the correct tyre pressures, drive steadily and avoid excessive acceleration and heavy cornering, Swap your tyres around putting the new tyres to the rear this will ensure you get the most out of your tyres.

New tyres usually start at 8mm but some only 7mm, and some budget tyres only start with 6mm
so you have already lost 31% wear. This can be false economy when buying budget tyres.

Independent research by MIRA motor industry research association indicate.... read more

 

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The 4 essential steps to checking your tyres.

Looking after your tyres is ultimately what is going to keep you on the road and safe.

Many factors need to be taken into account before you are fully safe on the road.

The 4 essential steps to checking your tyres

• Correct Pressures
• Tread Wear
• Age of tyre (perishing on sidewalls)
• External damage (cuts or bulges)

These all need to be checked weekly or if you feel anything unusual or have an accident causing to skid, hit your tyre or drive over glass.


As the only point of contact between your car and the road is your tyres, the tyres play a critical role in keeping you safe.

You rely on your tyres for acceleration, steering and cornering, making it essential that they are properly cared for and regularly examined.

Poorly maintained tyres reduce performance and compromises
safety.

You should check your tyres condition as often as you check the pressure. If you park with the steering turned on full lock you will see more of your tyres.

Tread depth, most new tyres have a tread depth indicator built into them between the main grooves. When the tread gets down to these bars then the tyres need replacing.
Damage, look for any deep cuts, bulges, cracks or excessive wear.

It is illegal to drive with badly damaged tyres.

If you’re unsure about damaged tyres call into your local garage and they will give you free advice.

Driving on poorly maintained tyres has very serious safety implications not just for you and your passengers but also for other road users.

For more information and to carry on reading http://newtyresquick.com/tyre-care.html

Speed Rating on Tyres

Tyre speed ratings and up to (maximum) speeds that the car is capable, not necessarily how fast that you drive.

S 112mph

T 118mph

H 130mph

V 149mph

W 168mph

Y 186mph

ZR 149mph

Fitting tyres with a speed index lower to one of the original tyres or that the manufacture recommends is not allowed, and can invalidate your car insurance. Fitting a V rated to a vehicle that should have a W rated. However it is acceptable to tyres with a higher speed index. You can put a V rated tyre on a vehicle that should have a H.

Quick guide.

Engine size.

900cc - 1499cc T rated, 1500cc - 1799cc H rated, 1800cc - 2199cc V rated, 2200cc - 2499cc W/Z rated, 2500cc + Y rated

The engines torque has an impact on the speed rating and this will need to be taken in to consideration. It is always advisable to check your tyres or handbook.