Car tyres are one of the most critical components of a vehicle. Here at ALLOYHUB we take tyres on your vehicle very seriously as they provide an essential link between your vehicle and the road. Tyres are designed to ensure traction, support a vehicles weight, and enable safe steering, braking and handling.
There are five main components of a vehicle tyre; these are:
- Tread – The tread is the part of the tyre that contacts the road. Its pattern plays a crucial role in grip, handling, and performance in different weather conditions. The tread is made up of grooves and channels that help expel water, reduce hydroplaning, and improve traction.
- Sidewall – The sidewall is the outer part of the tyre, located between the tread and the bead (the part that connects the tyre to the wheel rim). It provides structural integrity and flexibility, and it often displays important tyre information, such as size, brand, and speed rating.
- Bead – The bead is the part of the tyre that ensures it stays securely mounted on the wheel rim. It is made of steel wire and is responsible for maintaining the tyre’s shape and structure.
- Casing – The casing is the structural layer inside the tyre, made up of several plies of material (usually fabric or steel) that provide strength and flexibility.
- Inner Liner – The inner liner is a rubber layer inside the tyre that helps to seal it, keeping air from escaping and maintaining proper inflation.
Tyre sizes and codes:
Tyres have a specific code that gives you important information about their size, structure, and capabilities. This code is usually found on the sidewall of the tyre, and it typically looks something like this: 205/55 R16 91V. We will outline below what each of these codes refers to:
205 – This number represents the width of the tyre in millimetres (measured from sidewall to sidewall).
55 – This is the aspect ratio, which is the height of the tyre’s sidewall as a percentage of the width. In this case, the sidewall height is 55% of the tyre’s width.
R – This indicates the type of construction, with R meaning the tyre has a radial construction (the most common type in passenger vehicles).
16 – This number shows the diameter of the wheel in inches that the tyre fits. In this case, the tyre fits a 16-inch rim.
91 – This is the load index, which indicates how much weight the tyre can support. Each number corresponds to a specific weight.
V – This is the speed rating, indicating the maximum speed the tyre can safely handle. In this case, V means the tyre is rated for speeds up to 149 mph (240 km/h)
Here at ALLOYHUB we not only ensure that the tyre size is correct for your vehicle, but also; the construction type of the tyre, the load index (weight rating of the tyre) and the speed rating. These are crucial factors to consider not only for safety reasons, but also when maintaining a vehicles manufacturer’s warranty.
What type of tyre is suitable for my requirements?
Once at ALLOYHUB we have established what tyre specification is required for your vehicle, the next consideration is the type of tyre to suit the customers’ requirements. There are a number of different types of tyres to consider; summer tyres, winter tyres, all season tyres, all terrain tyres and run-flat tyres. We will outline the benefits and drawbacks of each below:
Summer Tyres (Warm Weather Tyres) – These tyres are designed for optimal performance in warm, dry, and wet conditions. They provide excellent grip on dry roads and perform well in the rain, but they lose flexibility and traction in colder temperatures.
Winter Tyres (Snow Tyres) – Designed for cold temperatures (below 7°C or 45°F), winter tyres are made of softer rubber compounds that stay flexible in cold weather. Their tread patterns are designed to provide better traction on snow, ice, and wet roads, making them ideal for winter driving conditions.
All-Season Tyres – These tyres are a compromise between summer and winter tyres. They perform reasonably well in various conditions, including light snow, but they don’t offer the same level of performance as dedicated summer or winter tyres in extreme conditions.
All-Terrain Tyres – Typically used for off-road vehicles, these tyres have a more aggressive tread pattern that can handle rough, uneven surfaces like gravel, mud, and dirt, while still providing decent on-road performance.
Mud-Terrain Tyres – Designed for extreme off-roading, mud-terrain tyres have large, deep treads that provide excellent traction in off-road conditions like mud, sand, or rocks. However, they may be noisier and less comfortable on paved roads.
Run-Flat Tyres – These tyres are designed to continue functioning for a limited distance after a puncture, usually up to 50 miles (80 km) at reduced speeds. They have reinforced sidewalls that allow the tyre to retain its shape and support the vehicle even without air pressure.
Customer Example 1 – John is a landscape gardener who owns a Land Rover Discovery 5. He uses the vehicle as an everyday vehicle to assist him with his landscaping business taking the vehicle both on and off road. He does a combination of motorway driving, farm tracks, and general town driving.
In this scenario we would recommend that John goes for an All-Terrain tyre that would give him all year round performance. Depending upon the size required, we would be recommend a General Grabber All Terrain Tyre -this are a favourite among the land rover community as they offer the best on and off road ability in their class.
Customer Example 2 – Sarah is alawyer who drives a BMW 4 Series.She travels up and down the country to meetings and does a lot of motorway driving. Sarah’s BMW doesn’t have a spare wheel, resulting in the of a puncture the vehicle would have to be recovered.
In this scenario we would recommend run-flat tyres, as their structure of reinforced sidewalls allows the tyre to retain its shape and support the vehicle even without air pressure. Run-flat tyres would enable Sarah to continue driving for a limited distance (usually up to 50 miles) to get the tyre replaced. Our recommendation would be a Michelin, Pirelli, Continental or Bridgestone branded tyre due to their premium rating and high performance.
Tyre Maintenance and Safety
At ALLOYHUB we would recommend routine examination of your tyres to ensure the best performance and safety. We would therefore recommend checking the following:
Check Tyre Pressure Regularly – Maintaining proper tyre pressure is crucial for safety, tyre life, and fuel efficiency. Under-inflated tyres can cause excessive wear, reduce fuel efficiency, and increase the risk of a blowout. Over-inflated tyres can lead to a harsh ride and uneven wear.
Tread Depth and Tyre Wear – The tread depth of your tyres is crucial for safety, especially in wet conditions. As the tread wears down, the tyre’s ability to channel water and provide grip reduces. In many regions, the legal minimum tread depth is 1.6mm, but it’s safer to replace tyres before they reach this point.
Rotate Your Tyres – Tyres wear unevenly depending on the position on the vehicle (e.g., front tyres often wear faster). Regular rotation helps ensure even wear and prolongs tyre life.
Alignment and Balancing – Misaligned wheels or unbalanced tyres can cause uneven wear, vibrations, and poor handling. Ensure regular alignment and balancing checks to keep tyres in optimal condition.
Inspect for Damage – Regularly check tyres for visible damage, like cuts, bulges, or punctures. If you notice any issues, it’s important to get the tyre inspected by a professional. Even small issues can affect the performance and safety of the vehicle.
Conclusion:
Car tyres are essential for ensuring the safety, performance, and comfort of your vehicle. By understanding how tyres work, choosing the right type for your needs, and maintaining them properly, you can extend their lifespan, improve fuel efficiency, and enhance driving safety.
Always ensure your tyres are properly inflated, regularly inspected, and rotated for even wear to get the most out of them.
Should you be unsure of what type of tyre is best for your vehicle, or the best way to stay on the road safely, then please get in touch with a member of our team at www.alloyhub.com
