Asymmetrical tires

[blackdiamond]

Hi,

I thought we needed a bit of a break from the winter tire topics , so here is my question: what are the advantages/inconvenients of asymmetrical tires???

The reason I am asking is that I bought a set of KW17 and they are asymmetrical tires. It is the first time I see such tires and as I don't know much about tires, I thought I would just ask the question.

Thanks a lot.

[capriracer]

As a general rule, asymetrical tires are designed such that part of the tire is doing the work that part of the tire is best siuted for.

For example, many high performance asymetrical tires have a dry traction portion (the mostly solid tread part) and a wet traction portion (the fancy grooved part)

Do not confuse asymetrical tires with directional tires.  Asymetrical tires will say "THIS SIDE OUT", where directional tires will have an arrow pointing in the direction of rotation.

Directional tires are designed with wet traction in mind - the water is channeled away from under the footprint.  The BIG disadvantage to directional tires is that they can only be moved on the same side of the vehicle otherwise the direction of rotation is wrong.

I suppose another disadvantage to directional tires is that the wet traction improvement is relatively small - on the order of a 10% improvement, which most drivers are not going to be able to take advantage of.  A Michael Schumacher - sure, but Mr. Joe Average - I don't think so.

Hope this helps.

[blackdiamond]

Thanks Capriracer, but what are the disadvantages of the asymetrical tires then? And yes, I am talking about asymetrical and not directional tires.

Thanks a lot.

[capriracer]

Disadvantages?

They seem to be a bit more sensitive to irregular wear.

And the big one!!

They are way overpriced for what you get, IMHO.