article on tyre tread patterns

[Lang]

Originally Posted by Keith Orpin

Hi Hanno,
Nice article, the British actually marked their Chevron pattern tyres with an arrow, to show the direction of rotation. This shows the open end of the V striking the ground first, which is completely opposite to the way the Canadians show it in their manuals. Having stated that, driving my Chev with the open end of the V striking the ground first, makes it slightly easier to handled, than with the closed end hitting the ground first. I was told years ago, that the reason for mounting the tyres with the V striking the ground first, was that if you became stuck, you could always back out of trouble, which is hardly going to affect us on todays roads !
Regards
Keith

Keith,

Most of the original directional tyres I have seen actually had two arrows, "Driving" and "Rolling"

I have a 1944 Australian Army TM (which is just a reprint of a US Army TM with a different cover) on "Care and Maintenance of Rubber Tires". It says all tires should be fitted with open side of "V" striking the road for vehicles used on formed surfaces. Up to 20% greater life can be expected. For vehicles used off road the rear driving wheels should be fitted with the point of the "V" striking the road. A considerable increase in traction on soft surfaces has been demonstrated by this fitment. Only wheeled armoured vehicles should have all wheels with the point of the "V" striking first at all times.

Lang