The Anatomy of a Tire
Tires are an aspect of transportation that many people take for granted - until they need to be replaced, that is. While tires may seem basic, the development and construction of these vital auto parts is well thought-out and heavily researched.
The simplistic appearance of most tires belies their complex construction. There are several components involved in the building of a tire, and understanding those components can help consumers understand how tires work the way we need them to.
The Parts:
The bead - This is a ring of strong steel coated with rubber and serves to give the tire strength, as well as a resistance to wear. The bead also allows a tire to stand up to the force exerted by mounting machines when a tire is installed on a wheel rim.
The body - The body of a tire isn't truly a solid piece of rubber, but actually made up of layers known as plies. These plies are made generally made of polyester cord, running perpendicular to the tread of the tire. The strength of a tire can often be described using the number of plies used in its construction. For example, a regular automobile tire may be made with only two plies, while a commercial jet can include thirty or more.
The sidewall - The sidewall of a tire is designed to provide stability and support to the body of a tire. It also serves to allow for flexibility to prevent rough rides on challenging terrain.
The tread - Perhaps one of the most important parts of a tire, the tread is created from a blend of various rubbers and serves to provide the needed traction to keep a vehicle rooted firmly to the road. It is standard practice for tires to be replaced once the tread has worn smooth.
Depending on the type of tire in use, there may be additional parts involved in the construction. For instance, steel-belted tires include a (who'd have guessed?) belt of steel that lay just under the tread of the tire. This steel belt helps prevent puncture and ensures that the tire maintains steady contact with the surface of the road. Similarly, tires rated for higher speeds (such as race cars) require a little extra help combat the wear and tear inherent in their intended use. To this end, high-speed speed tires will often include cap plies - extra layers of material that help hold everything together.
Once all of the necessary parts are in place, manufacturers have what is called a "green tire". The components are only loosely combined and roughly round with a smooth surface. Tires will not take on their more traditional appearance until they are run through a curling machine. This machine works like a heated mold - bonding all of the materials together into a solid piece and impressing the ridged shaped of the treads into each tire. This process is known as vulcanizing, and its primary purpose is to generate a solid, dependable tire with all the parts necessary to keep drivers safe.
The simplistic appearance of most tires belies their complex construction. There are several components involved in the building of a tire, and understanding those components can help consumers understand how tires work the way we need them to.
The Parts:
The bead - This is a ring of strong steel coated with rubber and serves to give the tire strength, as well as a resistance to wear. The bead also allows a tire to stand up to the force exerted by mounting machines when a tire is installed on a wheel rim.
The body - The body of a tire isn't truly a solid piece of rubber, but actually made up of layers known as plies. These plies are made generally made of polyester cord, running perpendicular to the tread of the tire. The strength of a tire can often be described using the number of plies used in its construction. For example, a regular automobile tire may be made with only two plies, while a commercial jet can include thirty or more.
The sidewall - The sidewall of a tire is designed to provide stability and support to the body of a tire. It also serves to allow for flexibility to prevent rough rides on challenging terrain.
The tread - Perhaps one of the most important parts of a tire, the tread is created from a blend of various rubbers and serves to provide the needed traction to keep a vehicle rooted firmly to the road. It is standard practice for tires to be replaced once the tread has worn smooth.
Depending on the type of tire in use, there may be additional parts involved in the construction. For instance, steel-belted tires include a (who'd have guessed?) belt of steel that lay just under the tread of the tire. This steel belt helps prevent puncture and ensures that the tire maintains steady contact with the surface of the road. Similarly, tires rated for higher speeds (such as race cars) require a little extra help combat the wear and tear inherent in their intended use. To this end, high-speed speed tires will often include cap plies - extra layers of material that help hold everything together.
Once all of the necessary parts are in place, manufacturers have what is called a "green tire". The components are only loosely combined and roughly round with a smooth surface. Tires will not take on their more traditional appearance until they are run through a curling machine. This machine works like a heated mold - bonding all of the materials together into a solid piece and impressing the ridged shaped of the treads into each tire. This process is known as vulcanizing, and its primary purpose is to generate a solid, dependable tire with all the parts necessary to keep drivers safe.