Tires, also known as Tyres in Britain, are circular components that transfer the load of a vehicle to the ground and provide traction. They are made of materials like rubber, steel, and fabric, with their design varying based on the type of vehicle. These inflatable structures absorb shock and have a contact patch designed to match the vehicle's weight and the surface it rolls over. For this reason, tires serve as a gripping surface and cushion for wheels, and they can be found on various vehicles and conveyances such as cars and trucks.

 

Function


 

  • Load Bearing
    Tires bear the weight of the vehicle, evenly distributing it across the contact area with the road. The air filled in the tires serves as a vital support system, carrying the vehicle's weight. A vehicle’s weight moves around the roll center when the vehicle is braking, accelerating, turning or moving forward. In this process, the tires provide support and ensure stability, preventing the vehicle from sagging under its own weight.

  • Shock Absorption
    Tires act as a cushioning system, absorbing impacts and vibrations caused by irregularities in the road surface. This function helps enhance driving comfort and minimizes the transfer of shocks to the vehicle's suspension and occupants.

  • Acceleration and Braking
    Tires play a vital role in a car's overall performance as they generate and transfer the necessary forces to the road. They are responsible for important aspects like acceleration, braking, and cornering, making them crucial for achieving the desired level of performance.

  • Direction
    The tires of your vehicle have a crucial role in facilitating smooth and stable directional changes. When you turn the steering wheel, it is the tires that respond and enable your vehicle to navigate in the desired direction. Changing or maintaining the direction is only made possible because of them. Therefore, they are essential for maintaining control and stability, especially when executing turns.

Tire Structure


 

  • Tread: The outermost layer that makes contact with the road surface. The tread is designed using a thick rubber or rubber/composite compound to ensure a suitable level of traction and durability.

  • Sidewall(Shoulder): The sidewall area of the tire that transitions to the tread. The shoulder is the part of the tire that forms the outer edge and provides the contact area between the tire and the road surface.

  • Bead: The part that comes into contact with the rim of the wheel. The bead is typically reinforced with steel wire and made of high-strength, low-flexibility rubber. It tightly fits against the rims, preventing air leakage in tubeless tires and ensuring stability during wheel rotation.

  • Ply: The layers of cords embedded in the rubber. Its primary function is to prevent stretching in response to internal pressure, ensuring the tire maintains its shape and integrity.

  • Belt: Steel belts located beneath the tread, reinforcing the tire and improving stability and handling.

 

Types 


 

There are two main categories of tires: tube tires and tubeless tires. The specific application and the tire's desired properties will determine which of these two types to use.

 

 Categorized by Tube types:

  • Tube-type tires: Also known as "inner tube tires," these tires are made up of an inflatable tube that maintains the tire's air pressure. A valve serves as an air inlet to fill the space with air. Between the rim and the tire is where the tube is situated. A hole in the rim allows the tube valve, which is used to inflate the tire, to pass through. The inner tube performs the essential functions of maintaining the tire's shape and retaining the desired air pressure. 

  • Tubeless tires: Tubeless tires do not rely on an inner tube to contain the air. These tires are designed with the wheel rim in mind, forming an airtight seal that effectively stops any air leakage. Tubeless tires have a special lining that serves as a barrier to keep air from escaping. Without an inner tube, the tire can maintain air pressure thanks to the airtight seal that the rim and tire construction together create.

 Categorized by usage:

  • All-Season Tires: All-Season tires offer versatile performance in various weather conditions, ensuring traction, handling, and comfort.
  • Winter/Snow Tires: Winter tires provide superior traction, braking, handling in cold weather, snow, and ice with unique tread designs, which maintain flexibility at low temperatures to increase grip.

  • Performance Tires: Performance tires enhance handling, responsiveness, cornering, and provide superior traction and grip for sports cars and high-performance vehicles.

  • Touring Tires: Touring tires prioritize comfort, quietness, and long tread life for smooth, long-distance driving.

  • All-terrain Tires: All-terrain tires offer versatile traction on various surfaces with aggressive tread patterns for on- and off-road driving. 

  • Mud-Terrain Tires: Mud-terrain tires provide an aggressive tread pattern for off-road use in mud, loose soil, and rocky terrains.

  • Run-flat Tires: Run-flat tires provide continuous driving after punctures or air pressure loss, with reinforced sidewalls supporting vehicle weight.

  • Low Rolling Resistance Tires: Low rolling resistance tires enhance fuel efficiency and range in hybrid and electric vehicles by minimizing energy consumption.

 

But, remember that tire types can vary by brand and specific models within each category, so it's important to consult with a tire professional or refer to your vehicle manufacturer's recommendations to choose the most appropriate type of tire for your specific needs.

 

Tire Maintenance


 

    • Proper Inflation: Regularly checking and maintaining the recommended tire pressure is crucial for safety, fuel efficiency, and tire longevity.

    • Tread Depth: Adequate tread depth ensures good traction. Monitor the tread wear indicator bars or use a tread depth gauge to determine when tires need replacement.

    • Rotation: Periodically rotating tires helps achieve uniform wear across all tires, extending their lifespan.

    • Alignment and Balancing: Proper wheel alignment and tire balancing improve handling, prevent uneven wear, and promote a smooth ride.

 

Tire Safety


 

    • Load Rating: Each tire has a maximum load it can carry, indicated by a load index. It's important not to exceed this limit to maintain stability and prevent tire damage.

    • Speed Rating: Tires also have a speed rating that indicates the maximum speed at which they can safely operate. It's crucial to choose tires with an appropriate speed rating for your vehicle's capabilities.

    • DOT Code: The Department of Transportation (DOT) code on the sidewall indicates the tire's manufacturing details, including the date of production.

      How to read DOT Code:

 

Tire Replacement


 

  • Tires wear out over time due to usage and environmental factors. It's essential to replace them when they reach the recommended tread depth or show signs of damage, such as cracks, bulges, or punctures.
  • When replacing tires, it's advisable to choose the same size, type, and load/speed rating as the original equipment tires or follow the manufacturer's recommendations.

Remember to consult your vehicle's owner's manual and seek professional advice when purchasing, maintaining, or replacing tires. Proper care and attention to tires contribute to vehicle safety, performance, and efficiency.

 

Tire Repair


 

Sometimes your tire gets puncture. In this case you will have to call the insurance service or repair it by yourself,

We introduce our Tire Repair Kit.

 

You can easily fix your tire with our Tire repair kit.