Why Tyre Grip Matters: A Driver's Guide to Safety and Performance
Good grip is one of the most important attributes that a tyre needs. This is because it is important from both a safety and a performance perspective. It directly impacts on a car's ability to accelerate, brake, and corner.
What determines tyre grip?
Tyre grip is determined by several factors, including the tread pattern, the compound, and the tyre pressure.
Tread patterns
The tread pattern refers to the design of the tread on a tyre. It incorporates ribs, blocks, grooves, and sipes. The tread pattern on a tyre plays a key role in maximising grip. A tyre's rib is the raised section of the tread pattern. The ribs run circumferentially around the tyre and are separated by grooves. The rib and groove pattern on each individual tyre is carefully engineered to give optimum grip, handling, and durability. Read this article on How to know when you need new tyres to find out if you need new tyres
Tread patterns feature special grooves/channels on the tread to disperse water that would otherwise stay on the tyres. This helps to prevent aquaplaning and sliding, and to preserve traction on wet surfaces. Sipes are miniscule cuts/slots in the tread which create additional surface area to help to improve traction and enhance grip in snowy, icy, muddy, and wet conditions.
The importance of tread depth
Tread depth is very-important when it comes to grip. The deeper the tread, the more water a tyre can clear from the road surface as it travels, helping maintain a good grip. As the tread wears down, less grip is provided. This is why it is important to make sure you have plenty of tread depth and to replace tyres when the tread depth gets too low.
Protyre: the tyre experts
All Protyre garages stock a significant range of tyres. This includes premium options from major brands such as Pirelli, Michelin, Bridgestone; mid-range offerings from the likes of GT Radial, Sumitomo, and Falken; and economy options from brands such as Ovation and Autogrip. Most of these are available in summer, winter, all-season, and XL varieties. You can find suitable tyres for your vehicle using the tyre finder here on our site.
Types of tread patterns
The four main types tread patterns are: symmetrical, asymmetrical, directional, and all-terrain.
Symmetrical tread patterns are the most common type, and they have a uniform pattern across the surface of the tyre. Asymmetrical tread patterns have a different pattern on either side of the tyre. Directional tread patterns have a 'V-shaped' pattern that rotates in just one direction. All-terrain tread patterns feature larger tread blocks and a more 'open' tread design.
Tyre compounds
The specific formulation of the rubber compound used on a tyre directly impacts the grip. Tyres with a softer compound can increase the contact area - and, therefore, the grip. Being softer means they can also 'adapt' to irregularities on the road, deforming and then recovering to their shape as needed. Harder compounds are less malleable so tend to offer less grip. But they are more robust and durable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What factors influence grip?
The three main factors that impact on the levels of car tyre grip are the tyre tread pattern, the type of compound used, and the tread depth of the tyre.
What is the recommended tread depth for optimum grip?
Whilst the minimum legal requirement for tread depth is 1.6mm, the recommended tread depth for optimum grip is 3mm or above. Grip will be negatively affected if the tread falls below this level, so it may be worth replacing your tyres if they have less than 3mm of tread remaining.
