WHAT'S INSIDE A TIRE?
Modern tire technology blends a unique mix of chemistry, physics, and engineering to give consumers a high degree of comfort, performance, efficiency, reliability, and safety. Many tires are custom-designed to meet the stresses and performance needs specified by the maker of a particular model vehicle. Every tire is carefully inspected, and random samples are pulled for additional safety tests. As part of these tests, tires are x-rayed, cut apart and examined, run on test wheels, or road-tested to evaluate handling, mileage, and traction performance. If properly cared for, tires can last a long time - usually from 40,000 to 80,000 miles, depending on the application.
The construction of a tire includes:
TREAD: Provides traction and cornering grip BELTS: Stabilize and strengthen the tread SIDEWALL: Protects the side of the tire from road and curb damage "BODY PLY": Gives the tire strength and flexibility BEAD: Assures an airtight fit with the wheel INNERLINER: Keeps air inside the tire