What Is Tread Void and Why Is It Important?
Tires are critical to your vehicle’s handling, braking, and overall performance. At GT Radial—with over 25 years in North America and a global legacy under Giti Tire—we know performance comes down to the smallest details, like tread void.
You can think of tread void like the grooves on a sneaker—engineered to grip and channel away moisture. While it may look like empty space, it serves essential purposes that directly impact safety, handling, and traction. Let’s explore why tread void is so important for your vehicle’s performance and tire longevity.
What is Tread Void?
Tread void refers to the grooves or channels in your tire’s tread pattern. These voids are not simply for aesthetics—they are carefully engineered to provide specific driving benefits. Tread void is typically measured as a percentage of the tire’s footprint area that is not in contact with the road surface.
More void means more space for water evacuation and off-road grip. Less void results in a greater rubber-to-road contact area, which generally improves dry handling, cornering stability, and braking. This balance is what defines each GT Radial tire’s performance.
Why Tread Void Matters
Tread void plays a crucial role in several key performance areas:
- Water Evacuation: The primary function of tread void is to channel water away from the contact patch to prevent hydroplaning. Deeper or wider voids are essential in wet conditions.
- Off-Road Traction: For light trucks and SUVs that venture off-road, tread void provides grip on loose surfaces such as dirt, mud, and gravel.
- Snow Performance: In winter tires, tread void gives snow somewhere to pack into, improving traction. More void helps the tire bite into snow and slush.
- Noise and Comfort: The design of the void pattern also affects road noise and ride comfort. Non-directional tread patterns, for example, offer lower noise due to balanced void spacing.
Tread Void and Tire Types
GT Radial offers a variety of tread patterns to cater to different driving needs, and each design utilizes tread void differently:
- Directional (Unidirectional): These V-shaped patterns have prominent lateral grooves that maximize water evacuation. They’re ideal for drivers who prioritize high-speed performance and wet grip.
- Non-Directional (Symmetric): These feature uniform void patterns on both sides of the tire. They are designed for a quiet, comfortable ride with solid all-season traction.
- Asymmetric: With differing void ratios on the inner and outer tread, these tires balance wet handling and dry performance. They’re excellent for sporty driving and variable weather conditions.
Understanding the Tradeoff
More tread void improves performance in wet or off-road conditions but reduces rubber contact, limiting dry grip and responsiveness. Tires with minimal tread void, such as ultra-high-performance models, maximize contact patch for cornering and braking but sacrifice traction in slippery conditions. GT Radial engineers its tires to strike the ideal balance based on your driving needs.
This tradeoff is also reflected in UTQG treadwear ratings, which estimate how long a tire should last under normal driving conditions. Tires with more tread void may have lower treadwear ratings due to faster wear on dry pavement. Comparing UTQG scores can help you weigh performance against longevity when choosing tires.
How Tread Void Affects Wear and Maintenance
GT Radial tires are designed with balanced tread voids that provide optimal performance and longevity. To get the most from your tires:
- Look for the Tread Wear Indicators (TWIs) molded inside the tread grooves. Triangles on the sidewall point to their location
- Replace your tires when tread wears to 2/32″ or if traction decreases in wet or snowy conditions
- Keep an eye out for bulges, patches, and cracks that may compromise performance, regardless of tread depth
Final Thoughts: Trust GT Radial for the Right Tire Fit
Whether you prioritize comfort, performance, off-road capability, or winter traction, GT Radial has a tire designed with the optimal blend of tread void and tread block design for your needs. Backed by Giti Tire’s global engineering excellence and over 6,500 U.S. retail locations, GT Radial is your trusted partner for tire safety and performance.
Ready to find the best fit for your vehicle? Visit a GT Radial dealer near you and experience the performance today.
