Introduction to Tyres

Today, cars are all about comfort, technology, and performance and have advanced massively over the years. However, there is one thing on a vehicle of any kind that has advanced but at the same time stayed the same. Yes, we are talking about tyres, those large rings of rubber that cover the wheels. They are one of the most crucial elements of the vehicle as the only ‘contact patch’ the vehicle has with the road it is travelling on. All the power, torque, refinement, delivery, efficiency, traction, handling and much more that your vehicle may possess are all connected to the way your tyres perform. However, while their basic job is quite straightforward, understanding them is a whole different and slightly complicated game and so we have broken down for you tyre types, treads and tubes.

Types of Tyres

Application:

The most basic way to look at the different types of tyres is through their classification according to applications. If we were to classify tyres according to the purpose then this would include tyres used for light motor vehicle, off-roading, two/three/four and multi wheelers, aerospace, commercial vehicles special operations and heavy machinery.

Contruction

The next way to classify tyres is according to their construction. This is generally of two types – bias-ply and radial designs and each type of tyre construction has its own unique set of characteristics.

Bias ply/Cross-ply tyres

Bias ply/cross-ply construction utilises rubber layers called plies that are placed diagonally from one bead to another bead at an angle not exceeding 30-degrees to each other. One ply is set on a bias in one direction and succeeding plies are set alternately in opposing directions as they cross each other and the ends are wrapped around the bead wires, anchoring them to the rim of the wheel. The layers of plies are then covered with more rubber to form the tread of the tyre.

Radials

Radial tyres are constructed with rubber coated, reinforcing steel cable belts that are assembled parallel and run from side to side, bead to bead at an angle of 90 degrees to the circumferential centre line of the tyre. Over the bias-ply/cross ply, radials are more flexible which in turn reduces rolling resistance and improves fuel economy.

Tread Design

A tyre can be also classified according to the tread on which it runs and this includes symmetrical /asymmetrical or directional/non-directional with each tread design having its own uses. For off-road applications, the tread pattern would be bigger with deeper grooves for better grip. The tyre types also vary depending on whether or not they use a tube, thus – tube or tubeless. Tube tyres require an inner tube to seal the air inside the tyre. And tubeless tyres eliminate the inner tube altogether by making the complete wheel and tyre assembly air-tight.

Special Purpose

Speciality tyres

Tyres are also categorised according to weather, so there are summer tyres, winter tyres (for snow), and all-weather tyres. In India, we could even opt for wet weather tyres. In the automotive application, we could further differentiate tyres as performance/high-speed tyre, racing tyres (slicks), or SUV/4x4 tyres.

Run flat tyres

Run flat tyres can continue the journey within the specified speed and distance limits, even after a puncture and loss of pressure, thus avoiding the need to immediately pull over to the side of the road and replace the wheel right away. However, because of the extra materials used in the construction of the run flat tyres, they are also quite expensive and are usually made for a stiff ride.

Know more about tyres here.