While in the UAE, we have hot and dry weather as a norm, the rainy season, which does come around presents its own set of issues for drivers. We see heavy rainfall, water-filled roads, and slippery surfaces which in turn requires tyres that keep safety at the fore in wet weather. During the rain we also see great interest in a certain tyre type which is the directional tyres. At Sanddance Tyres we report that we get asked often if these tyres are right for the random rain we get in the UAE and the quick answer is yes, but there is more to it.
What Are Directional Tyres and How Do They Work?
Directional tires, what some also refer to as unidirectional tires come in a specific tread pattern which is to be rotated in only one direction. We see a V shaped or arrow like tread which is meant to direct water away from the contact patch, which in turn improves performance on wet roads. The tire design is put forth for water evacuation which in effect reduces the chance of hydroplaning and also provides better stability at high speed during rain.
Why Directional Tyres Are Ideal for Wet Conditions
Directional tyres’ unique design reports better wet grip performance. They have a tread that is put together in a way which pushes water out to the sides of the tyre from the center which in turn increases rubber to road contact. This is very true of UAE roads which tend to fill up with water very quickly during rain. At Sanddance Tyres we note that customers which mainly use their cars during rain report better results in braking and cornering which is a result of these tyres.
How Directional Tyres Prevent Hydroplaning
Hydroplaning is out when a film of water forms between the tire and the road which in turn causes the car to lose grip and slide. Directional tires greatly reduce that risk by what they do to prevent it. They have a strong V shaped tread pattern which pumps out water and quickly gets rid of it and keeps the car planted. That design also improves handling during acceleration, turning and emergency breaks which is very important during sudden rain in the UAE.
The Importance of Correct Tyre Installation
While directional tires do indeed provide great performance in wet weather, they must be put on properly to get the best out of them. There is an arrow on the tire’s side wall which indicates the correct direction of rotation. If you install them the wrong way you may see a reduction in traction and an increase in wear. At Sanddance Tyres we make sure all directional tires are fitted by our trained staff which align the tire to the car’s rotation for optimal performance and safety.
Are Directional Tyres Good for Dry Roads Too?
Although we see that they are mainly put out for use in wet conditions, directional tires also do very well on dry roads. They feature great straight line stability and performance at high speed which is why you will see them in sportier cars and on the highway a lot. That said, they do wear out a little faster than asymmetrical tires and also have less flexibility in terms of rotation which in turn affects their life span. Still in the UAE where we have some rain but mostly dry roads that trade off is usually worth it.
When Should You Consider Switching to Directional Tyres?
If you are a frequent traveler on the highways, live by the coast or in a rainy area, or want better grip in that unpredictable rain, directional tires may be just what you need. They provide a great mix of performance and safety which is especially true when rain water is heavy on the roads. At Sanddance Tyres we look at your driving routine, the areas you drive in, and what type of car you have to put forth the best recommendation for you regarding if a directional tread is the right choice.
Read More: How to Choose the Right Tyre Compound for UAE Roads
Final Thoughts
Though in the UAE which is a dry climate rain is at a premium but when it does come it comes in heavy doses which in turn makes road conditions a lot worse than what is usual. We put at your service directional tires which have better wet grip, which also do a great job at preventing hydroplaning and which handle the water which is on the roads much better. At Sanddance Tyres we put forward to our customers that these are the tires you should go for if you are an Emirati driver looking for year round safety which includes that short but very tough rainy season. It is not just a question of what is comfortable to drive, it is what will keep you safe and perform at the best when you need it the most.
FAQs on Directional Tyres in the UAE
Do directional tires do better in the rain?
Sure. They have tread patterns which improve water flow and which in turn reduce the risk of hydroplaning which is seen particularly on the roads of the UAE.
Can I use winter tires all year round in the UAE?
Surely. Also they do well on dry roads with great high speed stability and performance.
Do directional tyres last longer?
They will wear out faster if rotated improperly or driven aggressively. At Sanddance Tyres proper installation and regular alignment checks will see to it that they last longer.
How to tell if my tire is directional?
Check for an arrow or “Rotation” mark on the sidewall. That indicates the direction the tyre should rotate for best performance.
