Would You Wear Hiking Boots to The Office Or Heels to The Beach?
Just as with the right shoes, a tyre’s tread pattern works the same way. It makes sense to understand whether a tyre will be safe, stable and represent value for money.
In a nutshell, it must suit the way you drive, the places you go and the value you are looking for.
So let’s take a closer look at the features of tread design that represent the latest generation in tyre technology.
What represents the latest technology for SUV/Car tyres?
Your tyres keep your vehicle on the road and needs to respond in all types of weather, so it makes sense to take a closer look to the technology that makes just that happen.
Here is a quick reference guide to select the right tyres for your SUV or Car.
- Consider the benefits of having extra treadwear and traction.
Check the ratings of the tyres you’re comparing, to ensure you’re getting the best value and longevity from higher treadwear ratings and safety from higher traction ratings.
2. Latest features in tread design.
Just as with vehicles, not all tyres are the same. They look similar, but there is a massive difference in technology. Since the introduction of pneumatic tyres, 3D Micro Gauge Siping and Silica Compounds have caused a revolution in tyre technology to enhance grip, reduce fuel consumption and decrease wear to an extent that would have been thought completely impossible just a decade ago. That’s proof that technology matters!
Let’s take a closer look at the latest technology in tread design:
Stabiledge™ Technology
Stabiledge™ Technology keeps the tread open under the pressure of driving for maximum traction. This gives you excellent stability, better handling and a more ‘on-centre’ feel.
Specially designed 3D Micro Gauge™
Specially designed 3D Micro Gauge™ Sipes allow the tread blocks to interlock for maximum stability. This gives you increased traction, handling and safety, even at half worn.
Wear Square™ Visual Indicators
Indicators change as your tyres wear, making it easy to determine the tread life remaining. This gives you convenience, confidence and safety you can see.
So, when it’s time for tyres check the Treadwear and Traction Ratings to make sure you are getting tyres with good grip and life expectancy, and remember to always ask for the latest tyre technology for a safer, more comfortable drive.
What represents the latest technology for 4WD tyres?
Buying tyres for your 4WD can be a bit overwhelming, but there is no need for it to be that way. There are three key things to consider that will help you make the best choice: the driving you do, the tread depth and the technology in your tyres.
Here is a quick reference to select the right tyres for your 4WD.
- Identify the type of driving you do most
A. Mostly on-road driving? A highway tread design is the way to go.
B. Weekend get-aways with light off-road, dirt, sand and forest tracks? An all-terrain tread design is best for this application.
Tip: Choose an all-terrain tyre with a slightly open tread pattern for that little extra grip and one with rounded shoulders, perfect for the sand such as the A/T3. Avoid going for something too aggressive with chunky, big open spaces between tread blocks, as this can result in uneccessary wear and noise when driving on sealed roads.
C. Regular off-road adventures? An aggressive all-terrain tread design will give you medium traction and a tough, durable design for long distances on un-sealed roads.
Tip: Choose an aggressive all-terrain tyre with a more open, deeper tread pattern like the S/TMAXX. Check before you buy as not all brands make this in-between all-terrain hybrid.
D. Serious off-road trips? A mud tyre tread design will give you maximum traction for tackling mud, rocks and plenty of unsealed roads.
Tip: Even if you aren’t conquering lots of mud, mud tyres are the best for rocks and steep hill traction. Make sure they are at least three ply construction and remember that Angle Ply sidewall construction is the ultimate protection against off-road damage.
2. The depth of tread
The deeper the tread, the longer the tyre will last and the better grip the tyre will have. Check the tread depth of all tyres you are comparing to make sure you are getting value.
3. Latest features in tread design
Just as with vehicles, not all tyres are the same. They look similar, but there is a massive difference in technology that matters.
Let’s take a closer look at the latest technology in tread design:
Micro Gauge Sipes
Micro Gauge Sipes reducing cutting and chipping whilst enhancing tractionin wet, soft surfaces, giving you improved stability and longevity.
Anit Stone Retention
Stone repelling technology built into the tread to resist damage by discharging stones to avoid drilling. This gives you extra resistance to cut and chip.
Mud Dimples and Scoops
Mud dimples and scoops create air pockets that prevent mud from sticking between the tread blocks. This gives you exceptional mud, dirt and rock traction.
Flex Groove
Flex groove allows the tyre to flex – dampening the impact generated by inconsistent terrain. This gives you greater flexibility and a smoother ride
So, when it’s time for tyres, think about the terrains you want to tackle, ensure you measure the tread depth of all tyres you are considering and demand the latest technology for better value, safety and performance.
You may also be interested to learn about:
Carcass Construction, or the way the tyres are built.
Compound, the materials used to build a tyre.