The device and types of car tires
Disks, tires, wheels,  Car device

The device and types of car tires

One of the basic elements of a car wheel is the tire. It is installed on the rim and ensures stable contact of the car with the road surface. During the movement of the car, the tires absorb vibrations and vibrations caused by uneven roads, which ensures the comfort and safety of passengers. Depending on the operating conditions, tires can be made of various materials with a complex chemical composition and certain physical properties. Tires can also feature a tread pattern that provides reliable traction on surfaces with varying coefficients of friction. Knowing the design of tires, the rules of their operation and the causes of premature wear, you can ensure a long service life of tires and driving safety in general.

Bus functions

The main functions of a car tire include:

  • damping wheel vibrations from uneven road surfaces;
  • ensuring constant grip of the wheels with the road;
  • reduced fuel consumption and noise levels;
  • ensuring the passability of the vehicle in difficult road conditions.

Car tire device

The design of the tire is quite complex and consists of many elements: cord, tread, belt, shoulder area, sidewall and bead. Let's talk about them in more detail.

Cord

The basis of the tire is a carcass consisting of several layers of cord. Cord is a rubberized layer of fabric made of textile, polymer or metal threads.

The cord is stretched over the entire area of ​​the tire, i.e. radially. There are radial and bias tires. The most widespread is the radial tire, because it is characterized by the longest service life. The frame in it is more elastic, thereby reducing heat generation and rolling resistance.

Bias tires have a carcass of several cross-ply cords. These tires are inexpensive and have a stronger sidewall.

Tread

The outer part of the tire that is in direct contact with the road surface is called the “tread”. Its main purpose is to ensure the adhesion of the wheel to the road and protect it from damage. The tread affects the level of noise and vibration, and also determines the degree of tire wear.

Structurally, the tread is a massive rubber layer with a relief pattern. The tread pattern in the form of grooves, grooves and ridges determines the ability of the tire to perform in certain road conditions.

Breaker

The plies of cord located between the tread and the carcass are called a “breaker”. It is necessary to improve the relationship between these two elements, as well as to prevent the tread from peeling off by external forces.

Shoulder area

The portion of the tread between the treadmill and the sidewall is called the shoulder area. It increases the lateral stiffness of the tire, improves the synthesis of the carcass with the tread, and takes on some of the lateral loads transmitted by the treadmill.

Sidewalls

Sidewall - a rubber layer that is a continuation of the tread on the side walls of the carcass. It protects the frame from moisture and mechanical damage. Tire markings are applied to it.

Board

The sidewall ends with a flange that serves to secure and seal it on the wheel rim. At the heart of the bead there is an inextensible wheel made of steel rubberized wire, which gives strength and rigidity.

Types of tires

Tires can be classified according to several parameters.

Seasonal factor

According to the seasonal factor, summer, winter and all-season tires are distinguished. The seasonality of a tire is determined by the tread pattern. There is no micro-pattern on summer tires, but there are pronounced grooves for water flow. This ensures maximum grip on the asphalt.

Winter tires from summer ones can be distinguished by narrow tread grooves, which allow the rubber to retain its elasticity and keep the car well even on an icy road.

There are also so-called “all-season tires”, the pros and cons of which can be said as follows: they perform equally well both in hot and cold weather, but they have very average performance characteristics.

Internal volume sealing method

This indicator distinguishes between "tube" and "tubeless tires". Tubeless tires are tires that have only a tire. In them, tightness is achieved due to the device of the latter.

Off road tires

This class of tires is characterized by increased cross-country ability. The rubber is characterized by a high profile and deep tread grooves. Suitable for driving on clay and mud areas, steep slopes and other off-road conditions. But on this rubber it will not be possible to develop sufficient speed on a flat road. Under normal conditions, this tire does not “hold the road” well, as a result of which road safety is reduced, and the tread wears out quickly.

Tire tread pattern

According to the tread pattern, tires with asymmetric, symmetrical and directional patterns are distinguished.

Symmetrical patterns are the most common. The parameters of the tire with such a tread are the most balanced, and the tire itself is more adapted for operation on dry roads.

Tires with a directional pattern have the highest performance properties, which makes the tire resistant to aquaplaning.

Tires with an asymmetric pattern realize a double function in one tire: handling on dry roads and reliable grip on wet roads.

Low profile tires

This class of tires is specially designed for high-speed driving. They provide fast acceleration and shorter braking distances. But, on the other hand, these tires are not very smooth and are noisy when driving.

Slicks

Slick tires are another class of tires that can be distinguished as a separate one. How do slicks differ from other tires? Absolute smoothness! The tread has no grooves or grooves. Slicks perform well only on dry roads. They are mainly used in motorsport.

Car tire wear

During the movement of the vehicle, the tire is subject to constant wear. Tire wear affects its performance, including the length of the braking distance. Each additional millimeter of tread wear increases the braking distance by 10-15%.

Important! The permissible tread depth for winter tires is 4 mm and for summer tires 1,6 mm.

Types of tire wear and their causes

For clarity, the types and causes of tire wear are presented in the form of a table.

Type of tire wearCause
Tread wear in the middle of the tireIncorrect tire pressure
Cracks and bulges on the sidewall of the tireTire hitting curb or pit
Tread wear along the edges of the tireInadequate tire pressure
Flat wear spotsDriving features: hard braking, skidding or acceleration
One-sided wearIncorrect alignment collapse

You can visually check tire wear using a tire wear level indicator, which is a tread area that differs from its base in size and shape.

A tire wear indicator can be:

  • classic - in the form of a separate tread block with a height of 1,6 mm, located in the longitudinal groove of the tire;
  • digital - in the form of numbers embossed in the tread, corresponding to a certain tread depth;
  • electronic - one of the functions of the tire pressure monitoring system.

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