Do you feel like you need help to speak the language of tires?
In this article we break some of the common tire terminologies to help you understand the tire industry better and consequently make your next trip to your mechanic much more confident.
- ALIGNMENT
Often referred to as wheel alignment; is a process which ensures that the wheels are pointed in the optimum direction relative to the road and each other.
- ASPECT RATIO
The dimensional relationship between tire section height and section width
This can be found on the sidewall of a tyre.
- BEAD
This is the section of the tyre that sits on the wheel.
- RIM
This is the metal edge of the wheel where the bead then sits on and holds the tyre to the wheel.
- SIDEWALL
This is the vertical side of the tyre where you find all your tyre’s specific information & performance details.
- SUSPENSION
This refers to a system of devices supporting the upper part (body and chassis) of a vehicle on its axles. It includes: various springs, shock absorbers and linkages.
- TREAD
The tread is the raised part of the tyre that makes contact with the road.
The tread patterns of a tyre usually vary and are made up of an arrangement of blocks, sipes and grooves and enable effective traction and grip.
- TREAD DEPTH
The distance from the tread surface to the bottom of the grooves
- TREAD LIFE
The life of a tyre before it is pulled from service, mileage.
- TYRE SIZE
This is a combination of different measurements and can be found printed on the sidewall of your tyre.
- TYRE WIDTH
This refers to the width of the tyre in millimetres. It’s a three-digit number and you’ll find it at the beginning of all the numbers & letters you see on your tyre sidewall.
- VALVE
It’s a device that lets air in or out of a tyre.
It comes fitted with a valve cap to keep out dirt and moisture, plus a valve core to prevent air from escaping.
Learn more about how to read your tyre here.
Conclusion
Being in the know of common tyre terminologies certainly ease the pressure when it comes to choosing new tyres or explaining what tyre problems you may be experiencing.
For further information or help defining a tyre term that we have not listed, simply call or visit your nearest Maxxis Tyre Center where one of our trained technicians will be on hand to help.