Tyres come in three tread types: symmetric, directional and asymmetric. They differ in how the tread is arranged, how the tyre must be fitted, and what it does best. Knowing which type a tyre is explains the markings on its sidewall and how it can be rotated.
The three types at a glance
| Type | Tread | Key marking | Fitting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Symmetric | Same across the whole tyre | None specific | Any way round |
| Directional | One-way pattern, often V-shaped | Rotation arrow | Arrow must point forward |
| Asymmetric | Different inner and outer halves | Outside / Inside | Outside must face out |
Symmetric tyres
Symmetric tyres have the same tread pattern across the whole width, with no inner or outer side and no set direction. They are the simplest and most flexible type: they can be fitted any way round and rotated in any pattern, which makes maintenance easy. Often found on standard and budget tyres, they are dependable and economical, though they do not specialise in the way the other two types can.
Directional tyres
Directional tyres have a one-way tread, usually a V or arrowhead shape, marked with a rotation arrow that must point forward in the direction of travel. The pattern excels at channelling water out from under the tyre, giving strong resistance to aquaplaning in heavy rain. The trade-off is fitting: a directional tyre can only be moved front to back on the same side, not crossed over, without being remounted on the wheel. The way the rotation arrow works is covered in full in its own guide.
Asymmetric tyres
Asymmetric tyres have two different halves, a firmer outer section for dry grip and cornering, and a more open inner section for clearing water, marked Outside and Inside. They balance dry and wet performance well, which is why they are common on quality road and performance tyres. Because they are not tied to a rotation direction, they can be fitted on either side and rotated freely, as long as the Outside face stays outward. The detail of the Outside and Inside markings has its own guide.
Which to choose
There is no single best type; the right one follows the car and how it is driven:
- Symmetric suits drivers who want simple, economical, easy-to-rotate tyres
- Directional suits drivers who place a high value on wet-weather and aquaplaning resistance
- Asymmetric suits most drivers wanting a strong all-round balance of dry and wet grip, and is the common choice on quality tyres
In practice, the tread type usually follows from choosing a good tyre in the right size and rating for the car, straightforward to do by size when buying online at Tyres.co.uk, rather than being picked first. Whichever it turns out to be, getting it fitted the right way round is part of a proper fitting.
From the workshop: people rarely set out to buy a "directional" or "asymmetric" tyre, they pick a good tyre and it comes as whatever it comes as. Where it matters is at fitting and rotation time, because each type has its own rule for which way it goes on.
Common questions
What is the difference between directional and asymmetric tyres?+
Directional tyres have a one-direction tread marked with a rotation arrow and must point forward. Asymmetric tyres have different inner and outer halves marked Outside and Inside and must face the right way, but can go on either side of the car.
What are the three types of tyre tread?+
Symmetric, directional and asymmetric. Symmetric has the same pattern across the tyre and fits any way. Directional has a one-way pattern with a rotation arrow. Asymmetric has different inner and outer halves marked Outside and Inside.
Which tyre tread type is best?+
It depends on the use. Asymmetric tyres balance dry and wet grip well and are common on quality road tyres. Directional tyres excel at clearing water. Symmetric tyres are simple, flexible to rotate and often cheaper. The right choice follows the car and the driving.
How do I tell which tread type my tyres are?+
Look at the sidewall. A rotation arrow means directional. Outside and Inside markings mean asymmetric. A uniform pattern across the tyre with neither marking means symmetric.