Tire

Tire

A tire or tyre (British English) is a ring-shaped component that surrounds a wheel's rim to transfer a vehicle's load from the axle through the wheel to the ground and to provide traction on the surface over which the wheel travels. Most tires, such as those for automobiles and bicycles, provide traction between the vehicle and the road while providing a flexible cushion that absorbs shock.

History

The first tires were bands of iron (later steel), placed on wooden wheels, used on carts and wagons. The tire would be heated in a forge fire, placed over the wheel and quenched, causing the metal to contract and fit tightly on the wheel.

Types of Tires

There are many types of tires, each designed for specific uses and vehicles. Some of the most common types include:

• Passenger vehicle tires are designed for use on passenger cars, minivans, SUVs, and light trucks. These tires are designed for comfort, longevity, and fuel efficiency.

• Commercial vehicle tires are designed for use on commercial vehicles such as trucks and buses. These tires are designed for durability and performance under heavy loads.

• Off-road tires are designed for use on off-road vehicles such as ATVs and dirt bikes. These tires have aggressive tread patterns for traction on rough terrain.

• Winter tires are designed for use in cold, snowy, and icy conditions. These tires have special rubber compounds and tread patterns to improve traction in winter weather.

Manufacturing

Tire manufacturing involves several key stages: material preparation and mixing, tire building, curing and inspection. The process begins with the preparation of materials, including rubber, carbon black, and chemicals. These materials are then mixed together under heat and pressure to form a rubber compound. The tire is then built up in layers on a tire-building machine, before being cured in a press under heat and pressure. The finished tire is then inspected for quality and safety.

Environmental Impact

Tires have a significant environmental impact. They are a major source of waste, due to their large volume and durability. Discarded tires can create breeding grounds for mosquitoes and other pests, and can also leach toxic chemicals into the environment. However, efforts are being made to recycle tires and reduce their environmental impact.

See Also

• Wheel
• Rubber
• Automobile
• Bicycle