do directional tires make for better handling?

[holden j caufield]

So I've had my first set of directional tires for month or so and my goodness the car handles so much better. It's tough to actually compare unless you have 2 tires made from the same company, same compound etc. but only difference would be the directional tread. I don't think I'll go back to regular tread although I'm sure directional tires probably wear out faster.

 

[Argo]

By directional you mean staggered? As in left-front, right-front, left-rear, etc? If so yes, I've noticed a difference too.

 

[IHateMyJob2004]

Typically, thsoe are the models that are made for handling.

It's a laoded question. Tires designed for handling are better for handling. Coincidentally, directional tires are the best designs when handling is your concern.

 

[jlee]

Directional

 

[Apex]

It depends on what the manufacturer is trying to do.

Here's the most apples to apples example I could find:

With the Pirelli Corsa tires (as seen on the Ferrari F360 Challenge Stradale), the directional are more for water channeling, and the asymmetric are for grip. 1 manufacturer, 1 tire line, 1 build structure, 1 tread material:

Directional

Asymmetric

 

[Viperoni]

I dont' believe directional vs assymetrical makes any difference in terms of water channeling, infact there are MANY more important design factors than directionality.

 

[RiDE]

I think Jim@Tirerack mentioned something about testing directional tires in of the forums he posts in. Dry grip wasn't affected when it was mounted backwards, but there was less wet grip.

 

[Apex]

Originally posted by: Viperoni
I dont' believe directional vs assymetrical makes any difference in terms of water channeling, infact there are MANY more important design factors than directionality.

They do make a difference, though I definitely agree with you that there are many other more important factors.

 

[skyking]

Originally posted by: RiDE
I think Jim@Tirerack mentioned something about testing directional tires in of the forums he posts in. Dry grip wasn't affected when it was mounted backwards, but there was less wet grip.

I had some on a mustang, and it made a heck of a difference in the wet.

 

[sdifox]

Mostly it is for more efficient water channeling. Not sure it has to do with handling though it could be all good handling tires are directional.

 

[mercanucaribe]

All that matters is the tread compound and the size. You probably got summer tires or something.