Auto Tires Information
The modern-day pneumatic auto tire has a history dating back to 1845. It is easy to overlook the importance of auto tires, as they have become a staple on all major thoroughfares across the world. Understanding tire types, features, stamped sidewall markings and how to buy them will help you drive safely from point A to point B.
Other People Are Reading
-
History
-
In 1845, Robert William Thompson took out the first patent for a pneumatic (compressed air-filled, rubber-design) tire. It wasn't until 1888, when John Boyd Dunlop, unaware of Thompson's patent, created a superior pneumatic tire blueprint and started a massive industry around it. According to a 2010 report from Modern Tire Dealer, North American tire plant capacity as whole has the potential of producing 320,167,050 units not including race tires. Led by Goodyear, the U.S. alone has tire plant capacity of 260,600,000. It is clear the modern tire industry has a firm grasp on society from a business perspective.
Significance
-
Driving on safe auto tires is important. Tire longevity depends on car type, driving style, road conditions, weather and tire design, so it is impossible to answer how long a single tire or set will last. Every car owner will have to buy, replace, install, repair or learn about auto tires to stay safe on the road, maintain vehicle performance and get from one place to another.
-
Identification
-
Edmunds categorizes auto tires into three main types including all-season, performance all-season and ultra performance. Each tire responds differently according to the construction, tread pattern and vehicle used. In a buying situation, it is important to ask yourself what kind of driver you are and what kind of conditions you drive in the majority of the time.
Features
-
Each auto tire has stamped markings across the sidewall, which acts as an identification badge as to size, ratings, limits and specifications. For example, 240/35/R17 90W stands for key aspects of a specific tire. "240" is width in millimeters across the tire, "35" is the aspect ratio of the sidewall read as a percentage of tire width, "R" stands for radial construction, "17" is rim diameter in inches this tire is made for, "90" refers to the standard load index chart and signifies the maximum weight this tire can handle, and "W" signifies a speed rating. Other auto tire features include maximum PSI, tread-wear grade, traction grade, DOT certification, tire construction materials and the original equipment marking for tires designed specifically for a vehicle.
Expert Insight
-
Edmunds answered the question of when to replace a tire with this simple test: Take a penny and place it in the tread. If you can see Lincoln's head, your tires need to be replaced. There are also tread-depth gauges for sale that indicate a more accurate reading. Legally, treads must be at least 2/32 of an inch deep for safety.
-
References
- Photo Credit auto image by jasmina nemanjic from Fotolia.com
