Inverted tread grooves are commonly found on the front wheels of certain small vehicles and the majority of large displacement vehicles.
The reverse tread pattern is designed with the tread direction facing towards the center of the tire, whereas the upright tread pattern has the tread grooves facing outwards towards the sides. What is the reason behind the presence of these forward and reverse spikes?
The purpose of having two tires is to facilitate different functions for the vehicle. The rear tire is responsible for generating thrust, enabling the vehicle to move forward. On the other hand, the front tire is designed to help in braking and stopping the vehicle.
The purpose of tire tread is to create channels that can drain water and dirt, enhancing the tire’s ability to grip the road surface effectively.
The tread direction on the rear tire is designed to be advantageous. It allows the groove to efficiently channel water and dirt to the sides, creating optimal conditions for the tire surface to maintain close contact with the road as the wheel moves forward.
There are two distinct scenarios for front tires: forward tread and reverse tread.
Typically, convenient treads can be found on tires that are popular or relatively more affordable. These tires feature a central longitudinal groove, serving as the primary escape route. As a result, the remaining treads don’t necessarily need to be arranged in the opposite direction.
Reverse tread tires are typically found in the high-end segment of the market, and unlike forward tread tires, they lack grooves in the middle. This design choice aims to maximize the contact area between the tire and the road surface.
The front tire is crucial for braking as it allows the wheel to decelerate and stop rapidly. Tires equipped with reverse treads exhibit enhanced braking performance since the reversed tread directions effectively redirect waste and water towards the sides.
When the tread is oriented inward, braking suddenly can cause the tire surface to come into contact with debris and water that are directed inward. This can greatly diminish the tire’s grip.
Hence, when reversing the tread on the front tire, verify if the directional instructions mentioned on the tire sidewall are accurate.
