Tire pattern design question/discussion
 

Firstly I want to start off letting everyone know that I haven't done any research in this area. This is just a question that popped into my mind walking through my work's parking lot today.

Do tire companies cater more towards the look of the tire more than the performance?

I keep seeing all these different designs and patters on tires and I wonder if they are actually as functional as they look.

Ok pros.... Edumacate me

Most tire patterns seem to be the manufacturer trying to find the best balance between road holding, water channelling and quietness. They like large flat surfaces for road holding but those dont' channel water, They like big outward grooves to channel water, but those aren't quiet. I think they are just trying to find a balance. I don't think they are really thinking about what looks good. There are some custom manufactures that will put "flames" or another custom tread pattern on though.

A good tread pattern is tough for a couple reasons, the load on the tire has a wide range, and the road conditions have a wide range, and the tire needs to be "not terrible" under any combination.

I look at tread, but buy by road tests and ratings.

I do the same. Look at the Dunlop Direzza Z1 now that is a pretty tread with some awesome feedback. You'll see similar ones with other tire makers as well. Most those that will handle well, will also wear fast due to the stickier compound.

You might look at tirerack.com. They have a really big selection. I have been to their warehouse and it is very large, with test track and all. Also lots of feed back from customers on various tires.

I just put the Direzzas on my Geo Storm. Satisfied so far especially since it's hard to find anything reasonably priced in a 205/50-15. They handle nice, stick nice and the tread looks nice but the built in rim protector looks like ass!

There are two models of Direzzas. The Z1's I have on my Euro Rears. the DZ 101's are what I have all around on my S. I couldn't afford Z1's for the S, they are expensive. Yes, already broke a couple parts of the rim prot bead when getting to close to right turn curbs. Friggin gives me a heart attack as it also take a small chunk of my rim with it.

DZ101

http://www.tirerack.com/images/tires...z101_ci2_l.jpg

Z1

http://www.tirerack.com/images/tires...spec_ci2_l.jpg

I use Kumho XS on my track 951 which stick great
I use Bridgestone 760's on my 928 and it doesn't really matter it's a road car. They are quiet and round and channel water, guys buying the ultimate sticky tires for a street only car is a little more about thumping ones chest than being usefull

this is a good test

Top Tires: Grassroots Motorsports Magazine Articles

Yes, the reason why I invested in a stickier tire for my Euro as it will eventually be my Track Car.

That's one of the other tire manufacturers i was talking about as well. The Kuhmo Excsta XS are great sticky tires as well.

http://www.tirerack.com/images/tires...ku36_ci2_l.jpg

Here are more performance tires with good reviews:

Bridgestone Potenza RE11

http://www.tirerack.com/images/tires...re11_ci2_l.jpg

Goodyear Eagle F1

http://www.tirerack.com/images/tires...scg2_ci2_l.jpg

Hankook Ventus RS3

http://www.tirerack.com/images/tires...srs3_ci2_l.jpg

Yokohama Advan AD07

http://www.tirerack.com/images/tires...ad07_ci2_l.jpg

Good to see which tires are getting good reviews. =) I'll be looking for tires once I get my car road worthy. Another reason I wanted to open this up for discussion. Love learning!

Just remember the ones I posted are "sticky" tires and will not last as long. The Dunlop Direzza DZ101's are a great compromise. Plus, if you have an Evans Tire near you, they always have some sort of promotion going on.

No Evans tire here. But there are a few good places around here I will be pricing when the time comes. It will be a while before I'm ready to try any extreme driving with my car so I may go with a lesser tire for now while I sort everything out. I know my first set of tires will probably be used as I don't have the money for a new set.

eventually better be soon, these tires lose it year to year, after 5 they are hard rocks and junk. Don't wait, hit the track! :

I believe the Direzza star spec may be a Tirerack only tire.

Well it's probably gonna be a hard with a flat spot since it's on my Euro with a busted Tranny. I just need to get off my busy parent asss and get her done ;)