There’s a lot more to a tire than meets the eye. The treads are comprised of several different components that, together, maximize traction and make for a smoother ride. As a driver, you should know what certain parts do. This knowledge can help you when choosing a new set of tires for your vehicle. This is a guide to help you understand the anatomy of a tire tread and why each piece is crucial to overall performance.

Ribs

The ribs are the raised section of the tread made up of several tread blocks. They’re located along each side of the tire and directly down the center of the tread. Each rib strip is designed to have as much contact with the road as possible to boost traction.

Tread Blocks

Tread ribs are the key to overall tire traction. However, it’s the individual tread blocks that make this possible. Each tread block is a piece of rubber that’s slightly taller than the rest of the pattern. These components are the parts that connect the most with the road.

Sipes

Since traction can suffer in certain conditions, it takes another component to mitigate this occurrence. Sipes are small, thin cuts made along the tread blocks to provide extra grip when driving over snow or mud. They can be made on all sections of the tire tread, but the ones on the ribs are the most effective for providing stability.

Grooves

In order to fully understand the anatomy of a tire tread, you need to know about tread grooves. This part of the tread consists of deep channels that run at various angles around the tire in accordance with its tread pattern. Grooves leave room for the rubber to flex. This makes it easier for tires to go over bumpier terrain without taking damage. To learn more about what makes your tire treads effective, reach out to RNR Tire Express. Not only are our shops staffed with knowledgeable employees, but we also supply some of the highest quality tires in Greenville, SC. We are your one-stop location for your tire needs.