What Are Asymmetric Tyres?

Car tyres come in many different designs, yet asymmetric treads are one of the most popular types around. Many drivers like to apply the best tyre types to their vehicle, whether it's summer, winter or all-season models, and the right choice of tread is a big part of this selection process.

So what, then, are asymmetric tyres? As the name implies, these products have different designs on either side of the tyre. On the outside edge, the pattern consists of larger tread blocks, while the inside edge favours smaller blocks with more grooves and sipes. This gives each side different characteristics, ensuring the different patterns focus on providing specific parameters, rather than compromising (like a symmetrical tyre).

The Benefits Of Asymmetric Tyres

The main benefit of asymmetric tyres is that their design allows them to focus the right characteristics where they are most needed. The outer edge, for instance, uses large tread blocks to provide excellent traction and smooth driving. This area has the largest contact patch with the road, so the strong handling ensures a comfortable experience.

On the inside, however, the tyre favours smaller blocks with an increased number of grooves. This smaller, detailed design offers better grip in wet conditions, while the sipes ensure excellent water repulsion (to protect against aquaplaning and losing control of the vehicle). In this way, drivers get the best of both worlds, rather than having to choose a product that strikes a balance between the various conditions.

The Drawbacks Of Asymmetric Tyres?

The major downside to an asymmetric tyre is that it offers a balanced set of parameters. While this might not be a drawback to many drivers it does mean, however, that you might want to choose another product if one specific criteria is important. If you’re looking for excellent, strong grip in snow, then a typical directional tyre will offer that more than an asymmetric tread.

The other potential drawback to asymmetric tyres is that they have to be fitted correctly, much like directional designs. While the direction of the tyre is not a problem, these products have specific outside and inside designs. Fortunately, most good products will have these labelled clearly on the sidewall, to help ensure an easy fit.

Where Are Asymmetric Tyres Best Used?

Asymmetric tyres have decent qualities in numerous areas, making them ideal in all weather conditions. This makes them an excellent choice for drivers who can expect dry roads, wet roads and even slush on frequent occasions. They also have excellent grip in a variety of conditions so, if you regularly switch between smooth roads and those that are less well maintained, an asymmetric tyre can adapt better than most other options.

However, as mentioned earlier, they do not excel at one specific area. If you’re looking for excellent grip on snow, then you may want to choose directional tyres in the winter. Similarly, symmetrical tyres will be cheaper and, while lacking the sipes and grooves, can often offer additional fuel efficiency, making them ideal for summer driving on smooth roads (such as cities and motorways).