Search CarPedia
Flag as InappropriateTire
A tire is a rubber, either solid or inflated, item that surrounds a wheel in order to improve the function. They assist in traction, steering, and braking.
Table of Contents
Parts
Tread
The tread is the part of the tire that makes contact with the road. The tread pattern helps the tire grip the road. It is subject to wear and tear under normal usage.
Bead
The bead is the part of the tire that makes contact with the wheel rim. It is reinforced by a steel wire. It creates a seal to hold air in a tubeless tire.
Sidewall
The sidewall is the part between the tread and bead. It usually contains the tire codes and manufacturer's name.
Casing
The casing is the part underneath the tread and sidewall that keeps the structure of the tire when inflated.
Valve
The valve lets air in and out of the tire.
A tire valve
A tire valve with the cap on
Tire Codes
A tire code on the sidewall
Tires have an alphanumeric code that describes various attributes of the tire such as vehicle type, diameter of the wheel, and tire section width(measured across the tread in millimeters).
An example of a tire code is P245/50ZR-16.
P is Passenger
245 is the tire section width (245mm).
50 is the aspect ratio(the sidewall height is 50% of its width).
Z is the speed rating(149+mph).
R is the tire type (radial).
16 is the diameter of the wheel.
This article was last edited on August 25th, 2010 at 2:48 AM
Category: Parts