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Basic Tire Construction
 

Tires: Greater Than the Sum of Their Parts

When it comes to tires, most people are familiar with a few basics: tread. Sidewalls. Size. But tire construction has evolved over the last century, from merely covering a wooden wheel with a thin coat of rubber to becoming an engineering marvel.

The elements that go into making a tire are largely hidden from view, but are critical to creating a tire that supports the weight of today’s vehicles and their contents, with one single goal in mind: To keep you and your precious cargo safe.



1. Liner

  • Prevents air from permeating through the tire

2. Toegard

  • Protects bead area during mounting and dismounting

3. Ply (Plies)

  • Typically fabric or steel
  • Provides structural integrity to the tire

4. Beads

  • Secure the tire to the wheel

5. Apex

  • Rubber component that adds support between the bead and plies
  • Provides transition from the bead area to the sidewall

6. Chafer

  • Protects bead area where tire touches the wheel
  • Protects the ply from chafing against the rim flange

7. Sidewall

  • Protects plies from damage and cuts
  • Adds flexibility to the tire
  • Provides aesthetics

8. Wedge

  • Rubber insert between ply and belts
  • Helps keep the tread level and flat against the road
  • Provides stiffness at the belt edge

9. Belts

  • Rubber coated steel used to keep the tire stable
  • Provides dimensional and tread stability
  • Creates puncture resistance in the tread area

10. Overlay

  • Stabilizes belt package
  • Increases high speed capability
  • Increases durability

11. Tread

  • Rubber component that provides the contact between the tire and the road
  • Provides traction
 
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