FACING PROBLEMS IN CHOOSING THE RIGHT TREAD FOR YOUR TYRE?

Tyres? Every one of us uses tyres, whether in a car, bus, truck, trailer, auto, or Jeep Tractor. A vehicle is a waste without tyres.

The fact that there are thousands of different tyre tread patterns makes it much harder to choose from one out of all of them, which is a huge issue.

What shall I do? Don’t worry. SURYA RUBBER INDUSTRIES will assist you in comprehending the concept of tread design and assisting you in selecting the appropriate tread for your tyre.

Detailed guide by Surya Rubber Industries To choose the right tread for your tyre

The sole component of a vehicle that touches the ground is its tyres, which can also directly encounter tough terrain, travel through trenches, navigate muddy or wet roads, and endure intense heat. The handling and stability of the vehicle are influenced by the tread pattern of the tyres. Although it may appear straightforward at first glance, choosing and creating tyre tread is both a science and an art in the modern automotive world. The section of the tyre that makes contact with the road surface is known as the tread, but as a fleet owner, you may not be aware that the sort of tread patterns your tyres use can affect how well they function and how much traction they offer under various driving circumstances. Regardless of whether it is a bus or a truck, every commercial vehicle tyre is uniquely created. 

Some tyre tread designs are made to perform on highways at high speeds, while others are made to run in mountains where traction is greater, in snow, on flooded roads, or with load-bearing vehicles.

First, we must understand the different sorts of tyres, and then we must comprehend tread design.

Types Of Tyres:

Manufacturers of tyres perform the extremely specialised work of constructing tyres. The manufacturing of a tyre carcass consists of precisely positioned plies. There are two different kinds of plies utilised. Tyres can be classified into two sorts based on how their carcasses are built: either using nylon plies or bias tyre plies or in another technique that uses steel plies or radial tyre plies.

BIAS TYRE

The Bias Ply tyre is made up of a rubber-fabric casing and an impermeable inner tube. The inner tube is inflated to a specific pressure in a working condition. A bias ply tyre has an even number of crossing plies in its sidewall, which is symmetrical and arranged in a grid pattern.

Bias ply tyres have a structure where the cords that make up the ply extend to the tread beads and are alternately arranged at angles of 30-45 degrees to the tread centerline. Synthetic textiles, such as nylon, polyether, etc., are typically used to make cords. The resistance to impacts and cuts of a bias ply tyre is higher. Its carcass exhibits traits like strength and endurance when sprinting on a hard path. Due to their strong construction and rough tread patterns, they are particularly ideal for off-road conditions. In addition to offering a stronger ride and being more capable of supporting large loads than radial tyres, they are frequently less expensive. Trucks and other off-road vehicles can benefit from bias tyres because their more flexible sidewalls offer better traction on uneven surfaces.

But there are some disadvantages also connected to using bias tyres. 

• Bias ply tyres are not fuel efficient or as durable as radial tyres as they do not handle high-speed driving and due to high rolling resistance affects fuel economy.
•  Cost per kilometer is relatively much higher than radial tyres.
• One other major disadvantage is tread wears faster due to high traction.

RADIAL TYRE

Radial tyres are the most common type of tyre used on modern vehicles. They have a sidewall that runs straight up and down and are made of a single layer of steel belt plies that runs at a 90-degree angle to the centerline of the tread. Radial Tyres offers a smoother, more comfortable ride than Bias ply tyres and runs cooler at higher speeds and under load. They are more fuel efficient have a longer lifespan and are more resistant to punctures and can handle high speed driving better. They are more expensive than bias ply tyres but their longer lifespan and improved performance make them a better investment in the long run. They are majorly used in trucks runs on highway, cars, and SUV’s. Radial tyres are fuel efficient and the mileage of a radial tyre is about twice of a bias tyre. Cost per kilometer is relatively much lower than bias ply tyre.

• Their only limitation or disadvantage is they are costly, vulnerable of sidewall to mechanical stress and damage and Radial tyre increases tyre noise as well.

Having trouble deciding which tyre to use?

The decision between bias ply and radial tyres depends on a number of variables, including the type of vehicle and the driving environment.

The most popular option, radial tyres have a number of benefits over bias tyre ply. They are more durable, use less gasoline, and offer a smoother, more comfortable ride. Additionally, radial tyres are more puncture-resistant and handle high-speed driving better. Modern automobiles frequently have radial tyres, which are advised for high-performance cars, SUVs, and trucks.

Bias ply tyres, on the other hand, are better suited for older cars and off-road use because of their tough tread pattern and rugged construction, which are better suited to the demands of rough terrain and irrational surfaces, making them a better option for some uses like off-road vehicles.

According to Surya Rubber Industries, you should select tyres based on the particular requirements of your car, the terrain, and area in which it will be driven, as well as the style of driving you prefer.

TYRE TREAD DESIGN

Elements of Tyre Tread Pattern

Before we begin, here’s a quick introduction to the basic elements that a modern tyre’s tread pattern comprises:

• Tread Blocks: The raised rubber segments that will make contact with the road surface.
• Ribs: Raised sections of the tread pattern that are composed of tread blocks.
• Sipes: Small slits moulded into the tread blocks that increase the number of biting edges, which enhances traction.
• Grooves: Channels that run around the circumference of the tyre, between the tread ribs.
   

Now, it is necessary to understand the different functions of Tyre tread patterns. We have taken example large truck trailer tyres to make you understand better.

What is a tread pattern on a tyre? The rubber on a Tyre's perimeter that makes contact with the ground or road is referred to as the tread pattern. It is made with grooves and ridges that are organised in a pattern to give traction and stability when driving on slippery, snowy, or muddy roads.

Based on the design, there are three distinct groups of tyre tread patterns.

Tyre Tread Pattern With Ribs

Tyres with rib-shaped tread have grooves that are either straight or have an S-shaped gap, and the tread is ribbed all the way around the tyre. This tyre tread is distinctive for its opulent appearance.

The following are some benefits of using ribbed tread patterns

• It provides directional stability and complete control over the steering.
• Reduced rolling resistance, which in turn provides improved fuel efficiency.
• Rib-shaped Tyre patterns can be used for high-performance vehicles.

Hence it is recommended for the front drive or steering axle of the vehicle.

Lug-shaped Tyre Tread Pattern

Tyres with rib-shaped tread have grooves that are either straight or have an S-shaped gap, and the tread is ribbed all the way around the tyre. This tyre tread is distinctive for its opulent appearance.

The following are some benefits of using ribbed tread patterns:

• It offers complete steering control and directional stability.
•  greater fuel efficiency as a result of decreased rolling resistance.
•  High-performance automobiles can use tyre designs with ribs.

Consequently, it is advised for the vehicle's front drive or steering axle.

Mixed Rib-Lug or Semi-Lug Tyre Tread Pattern

This hybrid tyre tread design seems symmetrical and has elements of both lug and rib tread patterns. As a result, the rib-lug tyre pattern includes perpendicularly oriented S-shaped spaces and lug-shaped grooves.

Which vehicle type benefits most from rib-lug tyre tread? 

• This kind of route is best suited for heavily loaded trucks and buses travelling on both paved and dirt highways.
•  Rib-lug tyre tread also has the benefit of offering balanced performance and better braking.

Therefore, it is advised to utilise the front or drive axle wherever in the truck.

Main Functions of Tyre Tread Patterns:

As mentioned above, there are different Tyre treads, and each is designed for a specific purpose. Now, what is the need for different Tyre tread patterns? Or how can you benefit from different Tyre tread patterns?

Tyre tread patterns are made on the circumference of Tyres to displace water on muddy roads. As a result, the Tyres can make contact with the ground, providing a smooth ride.

 A few benefits of Tyre tread patterns include the following:

• Traction

Traction control systems are integrated into vehicles to detect any loss of Tyre grip on the road. And how do Tyre tread patterns aid in providing traction? Tyre treads are primarily designed to provide traction on any road surface. The grooves and ridges of the Tyre treads displace water, mud, snow, and other materials that act as barriers against a smooth ride.

By increasing the area of contact between the Tyre and the track, Tyre tread patterns improve grip. This in turn reduces the risk of sliding on slippery surfaces, hydroplaning, skidding, and losing control.

• Durability

Tyre tread patterns also aid in improving the longevity of Tyres by ensuring equal weight distribution. Tyre tread patterns made of hard rubber ensure the quality and durability of your vehicle’s Tyres. In addition, there are different Tyre tread patterns suitable for each type of road to evenly distribute weight and stress. Therefore, wear and tear on Tyres is greatly reduced, contributing to an extended warranty.

• Noise Reduction

An effective Tyre tread pattern also contributes to providing a smooth and comfortable ride, which in turn greatly reduces noise and vibrations. It is the presence of mud, debris, and other things that make you uncomfortable and noisy. Tyre tread patterns remove this uneasiness and provide a smooth ride, which disperses these barriers. Thus, Tyre pattern designs aid in noise reduction.

• Easy Handling and Braking

Tyre tread types are also great at handling by reducing the risk of sliding or hydroplaning and providing better stability. Tyre pattern designs improve brake performance as well, thus saving you from major accidents. It ensures improved braking by providing grip and slowing down from a distance with ease.

How to Choose the Right Tyre Tread Pattern?

To ensure safety and comfort while travelling long distances, it is quite important to check the Tyres and make sure to upgrade them based on the road conditions. The following are some factors to consider when selecting a Tyre tread pattern:

• Look for the road conditions. You may check if the road is muddy, dry, or snowy. And choose Tyre tread that could easily displace ground debris.
   
• For 4x4 vehicles lug shaped tread patterns are recommended as the main benefit of this particular tread design is that it could provide higher traction, providing excellent gripping while accelerating and braking
   
• Rib-lug or Semi lug patterns are best suited for heavy-loaded vehicles such as trucks and buses on dirt and paved roads and it’s also provide balanced performance and better braking.

CHOOSE RIGHT TREAD COMPOUND FROM SURYA RUBBER INDUSTRIES

The compound used in our tread rubber is formulated in such a way that the tread performs based on the needs of the vehicle owner. We have developed different compounds under different brand names which can assure parameters such as rolling resistance, mileage, cooler running, traction, and cut-chip resistance. Based on your needs choose the brand which suits your needs.

Surya Rubber Industries is committed to helping its clients to choose the right tread pattern and the compound which is best suited to them so that they can get the best performance from retreaded tyres.