Tyre tread patterns - How to tell the difference

Curious, or even wonder the tyre that you purchase has what sort of pattern?

There are three types of tyre pattern in general:

Directional, Asymmetric and Symmetric

     Directional tyre has a tread pattern that points towards (to the front) one direction. Instead of indicating whether the tire should install on the left side or the right side of the vehicle, it has an arrow sign imprinted on the tire sidewall indicating the direction of the tire pattern.

Example of directional tyres available in Hong Kong include

Dunlop DZ102

                                   Yokohama V701                               Sailun Z4

With a myriad of models available, you can count how many directional tire just with a single hand. (Except racing performance tyre such as Yokohama AD08R, Sailun R01 Sport, Dunlop ZIII which are normally directional tyre pattern). Theoretically speaking, directional tyres got a upper hand in wet performance.

    Symmetric tyre tread pattern allows users to mount without concerning mounting directions. It can be installed on whichever side of the vehicle. 

Example of symmetric tyre available in Hong Kong

                                                 Dunlop LM704                        Kenda KR30

 

Most of the commercial tyres such as Michelin Agilis, Kumho PorTran KC53

Theoretically speaking, symmetric tires are more longer lasting. Just like directional tires, there are only a few symmetric tyres model available in HK.

    Lastly, Asymmetric tyres models takes up the major share in the automotive world (at this moment). 

The tread pattern of the tire on one side is different from that on the other side, which is defined as OUTSIDE and INSIDE, indicated at the sidewall.

The word OUTSIDE implies that the mounting of the tyre at that side should face out. 

Example of the assymetric tyres available in Hong Kong

                                            Falken FK510                      Michelin Pilot Sport 4

Yokohama AE category such as AE50, AE51, AE61

                                               Yokohama AE51                 Sailun ZSR 

Kumho PS91, etc etc etc

The designers wanted to combine directional tyres and symmetric tyres strength, resulting in asymmetric tyres that most people are purchasing now.

These asymmetric tyres can be installed at any side of the vehicle ............... Or is it?