Tire

A comprehensive overview of tires, their history, types, and applications

Tire

A tire (or tyre) 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 traveled over. Most tires, such as those for automobiles and bicycles, are pneumatically inflated structures, which also provide a flexible cushion that absorbs shock as the tire rolls over rough features on the surface.

Assorted stacked automotive tires

History

The development of tires has been a significant factor in the evolution of transportation. The first tires were bands of leather, then iron (later steel) placed on wooden wheels used on carts and wagons. The invention of the pneumatic tire is credited to John Boyd Dunlop, who developed it in 1887 for his son's tricycle.

John Boyd Dunlop, inventor of the pneumatic tire

Construction

Modern tires are made from synthetic rubber, natural rubber, fabric, and wire, along with carbon black and other chemical compounds. They consist of a tread and a body. The tread provides traction while the body provides containment for a quantity of compressed air.

Components

• Tread: The part of the tire that comes in contact with the road. It is designed to provide traction and resist wear.
• Sidewall: The side of the tire, which provides lateral stability.
• Bead: A loop of high-strength steel cable coated with rubber, which ensures an airtight fit with the wheel.
• Plies: Layers of fabric that make up the body of the tire. They provide strength and flexibility.

Diagram of tire plies

Types of Tires

Tires are classified into several types based on their application and construction.

Passenger Vehicle Tires

These are designed for use on cars and light trucks. They are optimized for comfort, fuel efficiency, and durability.

Truck and Bus Tires

These tires are designed to carry heavy loads and are built to withstand the rigors of long-distance travel.

Giant tires on a truck

Off-the-Road Tires

Used for construction vehicles, mining equipment, and other heavy-duty applications. They are designed to handle rough terrain and heavy loads.

Aircraft Tires

These are designed to withstand the extreme forces of landing and takeoff. They are built to be lightweight yet strong.

Boeing 777-300 chassis with aircraft tires

Winter Tires

Winter tires are designed to provide better traction on snow and ice. They come in two main types: studded and studless.

Studded winter tire

Studless winter tire

Performance and Safety

Tires play a crucial role in the safety and performance of a vehicle. Proper tire maintenance, including regular inflation checks and tread inspections, is essential for safe driving.

Related Pages

• Wheel
• Automobile
• Bicycle
• Rubber
• John Boyd Dunlop