The tread of a tire refers to the rubber on its circumference that makes contact with the road or ground. As tires wear, the tread diminishes, affecting traction.
Tread patterns are designed to expel water, prevent hydroplaning, and impact noise levels and traction. Street tires have grooves for water expulsion, while racing slicks lack grooves for maximum contact.
Different tread patterns cater to specific needs like dry weather grip or off-road traction. Checking tread depth is crucial; new tires start with 8-9mm depth and should be replaced at 1.6mm for safety in wet conditions.
Tire wear indicators help monitor tread depth, ensuring safe driving. Various tread patterns like symmetrical, directional, and asymmetrical offer different benefits such as grip, stability, and rolling resistance[1][2][3].
Citations:
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tire_tread