Description: Tires are simply the
wearable and therefore replaceable part of the tire/wheel assembly.
Although many different types of tire designs have been used since
the dawn of the automobile, the radial tire has virtually replaced
all other varieties. Radial tires, by far, deliver better safety and
handling, fuel economy, steering, traction and cornering. The
typical radial tire consists of a bead, a casing, belts, and tread.
Today, nearly all tires have belts made from steel. Radial tires
also last much longer than any
previous tire design. Although driving habits and tire care play a key role
in tire life, radial tires may last as long as 100,000 miles.
Virtually all of today’s tires used on automobiles, and many
used on light trucks, have a tubeless design. This means
there
is not a separate balloon-like tube
inside the tire, as was the case with
older tire designs.
Purpose: Tires serve as the wearable
part of the overall tire/wheel assembly, but they also play a large
role in vehicle safety. Today’s tires must provide good
traction
under a
wide range of
driving and road conditions while providing long tread
wear.
Maintenance Tips/Suggestions:
Check tire pressure frequently
and also inspect the tires for abnormal tread wear and cuts and
bruises along the sidewall. Rotate and balance the tires on a regular
basis. If your car has a flat, have the tire professionally repaired. Since
most flats are caused by damage to the tire, such as a puncture, anything less than
quality
repairs can affect
the integrity of the tire. The best way to repair a
tire is to have it removed from the rim, the
inside inspected and corrective measures taken. The quick plug,
done from the outside, is no longer recommended by the tire industry.
According to experts, the repair could fail, inviting a blowout.
When replacing tires, install only tires of
the size recommended for your vehicle. Installing the wrong tires
can result in contact with body panels
or steering and suspension parts. The wrong tires can also
affect speedometer readings and engine/transmission control.