The design of tyre profiles depends on the intended use, taking into account the parameters of height-to-width ratio, construction and mixture and design. The aquaplaning properties are improved by increasing the negative proportion (light places in the tyre impression,). The shoulder region with its transverse water-drainage grooves is particularly important for its properties in a lateral direction and the middle region with straight longitudinal grooves is important for its properties in a longitudinal direction. An asymmetrical profile design (‘sports’ profile) is chosen for wide tyres, tread lugs in the outside shoulder, which are subject to greater stress during cornering, can be designed to be more rigid. By adjusting the correct balance between profile rigidity and belt rigidity, it must be ensured that no conical forces are produced. Profiled bands around the middle region increase noise reduction and improve the steering response properties and, via the increase in circular rigidity, the brake-response properties.

Winter tyre profiles are improved, in terms of their force transmission properties in the wet, snow and ice, by a higher negative profile component, transverse grooves and a large number of sipes. Directional profiles (TS770) can be used to increase water dispersal, the longitudinal force coefficient and self-cleaning by means of transverse grooves which run diagonally outwards. Noise control is improved by variation in block length, sipes cut up to under the groove base or ventilation grooves running around the tyre.

Tyres are differentiated according to the loads to be carried, the possible maximum speed of the vehicle, and whether a tubed or tubeless tyre is driven. In the case of a tubeless tyre, the air-tightness of the rim is extremely important. The wheel also plays a role as a ‘styling element’. It must permit good brake ventilation and a secure connection to the hub flange. a passenger car rim fitted with a tubeless tyre.