News

What’s Inside Your Tires?

posted on 2/6/2019 7:41:38 AM

The construction of the modern tire is a testament to how far engineering and technology have come over the centuries. No more are the days of an air-filled donut comprised of rubber. Years of research by the world’s top tire companies have resulted in the tires we have today, which are full of state-of-the-art materials and technology.

Tread

The outermost layer of your tire is called the tread. This is the patterned rubber layer you can see. The pattern of the tread will depend on the type of tire you purchase and what use it is intended for.

Belts (or Belt System)

Directly below the tread of your tire are the belts. Most commonly, belts are constructed of steel. Their primary purpose is to provide stability and strength to the tread so that the tires will handle better and last longer.

Body Ply

One of the most important parts in the construction of the tire, the body ply, is located beneath the steel belts. The body ply is typically a sheet of polyester material topped with a bit of rubber. The body ply is integral to helping the tire bear weight and hold its shape.

Bead

On each side of the tire, you will find something called the “bead,” which is made of a mix of wire and rubber materials. The bead connects the tire to the rim and creates a seal, preventing air from escaping.

Inner Liner

The innermost layer of the tire is the inner liner, whose job is to keep the air inside the tire. So that the inner liner can do its job properly, it is made of materials which air cannot penetrate.

Sidewall

On either exterior side of your tire, you have sidewalls. The sidewalls are made of rubber of varying stiffness that protect your tire from curbs and other damaging elements.

Over time, each element of a tire has been added to improve their performance and longevity, so that we now have tires lasting as many as 100,000 miles! That’s a long way from the typical lifespan of a bias ply tire in 1970—a mere 20,000 miles.

Categories: Tire 101 | View Count: (70) | Return

Keep Your Cool This Summer 6/17/2014
Something is Leaking: What Is It? 10/11/2018
So You Get A Flat Tire...What Now? 7/14/2016
Our Recommended Tire Safety Checklist 2/11/2021
How Does Power Steering Work? 6/10/2021
The Different Types of Engine Oil 10/11/2018

Tires

Services

About

Visit Our Shop

. Powered by Net Driven
Login

Make A Tire or Auto Repair Appointment Today

Fussell Tire Pros provides a well-trained staff specializing in the sale and installation of passenger car, performance and light truck or SUV tires. Complete under-car services, such as oil changes, brakes, shocks, struts, alignment, and transmission fluid flush for both foreign and domestic vehicles are readily available at competitive prices. Fussell Tire Pros located at 1775 Westside Way, Valdosta, GA 31601 provides quality Tire and Auto services to customers in Valdosta, GA, Quitman, GA, Lake Park, GA, Madison, FL, Adel, GA, and Jasper, FL. Fussell Tire Pros is the leading seller in Valdosta, GA for tire brands such as, Michelin®, BFGoodrich®, Uniroyal®, Continental, General and Fussell Tire Pros also offers Commercial, Farm, & OTR Services for the communities of Valdosta, GA, Quitman, GA, Lake Park, GA, Madison, FL, Adel, GA, and Jasper, FL. We pride ourselves on being your number one choice for all your auto repair needs, let us earn your business. Call Fussell Tire Pros today at 229-255-2265 or schedule an appointment online!