Ask an expert

I have a 2004 Audi Quattro, imported second hand from Japan. The tyres need replacing.

Can you explain to me the difference between non-directional, directional and asymmetrical tyres?

Out of the above, what would you recommend for an all-wheel drive car?

Carl

From the "Ask Jack" archives - 16 December 2009

An asymmetrical tyre is one with a different tread pattern on its inner and outer edges.

The inner pattern has more grooves to displace water in wet conditions while the outer edge is designed for high speed cornering.

A Directional tyre is one designed to rotate in one direction only and has excellent stopping and heat dissipation qualities. Fitting the tyre to run in the opposite direction as indicated would be considered dangerous especially in wet conditions.

Non directional means the tyres can be fitted to either side of the car without affecting performance.

Directional tyres have been the preferred option in recent years for vehicles like the Audi however in more recent times the asymmetrical tyre has won favour within the new car industry.

Downsides of Directional are;

- Noise Vibration and Harshness (NVR) which gets worse with wear.
- They can only be used on one side of the car and often the spare is a problem
- Heavy focused on wet weather performance

Upside of Asymmetrical;

- Rotation not a problem
- Handle both wet and dry conditions similarly
- Swing toward this type of tyre within the new car industry
- There is a very good Asymmetrical tyre sold by Goodyear which is the Eagle F1

My understanding is the Audi A4 and A6 were sold new with Directional tyres.