Tire Tread

Each tire has a tread pattern, which is the part of the tire that comes into contact with the driving surface as the tire rolls. The area that is actually touching the road at any given moment is known as the contact patch. Treads are made up of tread blocks, which can vary in size, shape, look, and function. Additionally, the tread pattern is made up of the area known as the tread void, which consists of the grooves between the tread blocks and allow the tread blocks to remain flexible. Tread grooves also remove water out from under the tire as it rolls. Some tread patterns possess rain grooves, which are often deeper than the tread void and are designed to enhance water evacuation from between the contact patch and road surface.

Tires contain what is known as a wear bar. The wear bar serves as a built-in warning system to alert you when the tire needs to be replaced. This small raised feature within the tread void or groove is easy to see upon visual inspection.

Tire Sidewall

The sidewall is the side of the tire that's easily seen when a tire is mounted on a vehicle. It has a great deal of information on it including the manufacturer's name, the size of the tire, the maximum inflation, etc.

The tire bead is the part of the tire that holds it securely onto the rim. It is constructed of a durable rubber compound that's reinforced with a small steel cable. Keeping your tire properly inflated is crucial for ensuring that the tire bead keeps a strong seal between the tire and the rim.

Tire Shoulder

The tire shoulder is the area of the tire where the sidewall and the tread meet.

Tire Ply

Layers of various materials, including fabrics, plastics, metals, and rubber are laid inside the tire to help it maintain its shape throughout the wear and tear it experiences with pressure from the air inside and the road outside. Each layer is known as a tire ply.

Tire Specs

Most tire specifications can be found on the sidewall of the tire. They are included in the series of letters and numbers sometimes referred to as the tire code. The specifications included in the tire code are the tire size, whether or not the tire has radial construction, the type of vehicle the tire was manufactured for, and may also include the speed rating. You'll also find inflation information on the sidewall of the tire, including maximum PSI that a tire is capable of. Tire specifications also include the load rating, which is important for vehicles that will be used for hauling or towing. The optimal inflation level and load rating can be found in your vehicle owner's manual.

Tire Sizes

When many people begin shopping for tires, they have a certain look in mind for the type of tires they'd like to see on their vehicle or a specific tire that they've had good experience with. While you may want a certain look or a certain tire, you may not find one that fits your vehicle. It's absolutely necessary to use the manufacturer-recommended tire size in order for your vehicle to perform safely. In fact, automaker-certified technicians like those employed by dealership won't install any tires on your vehicle that aren't the perfect size. And these technicians know your vehicle best.

As mentioned before, the size of the tire is listed in the tire code. The code can be read as follows: the first three digits are the width of the tire in millimeters. This measurement is followed by a slash and then a two digit number. That two digit number is the height of the sidewall as a percentage of the tire's width. For example, if the tire code starts like this: 205/55, then the height of the sidewall is 55% of 205, or 110 millimeters. If an "R" appears after the sidewall height, that means the tire has radial construction. The next two digits are the diameter of the rim the tire fits on. The next number is the code that indicates the maximum load capacity of the tire. Finally, if there is a letter at the end of the code, it is the tire's speed rating. Here is an example of a tire code: 205/55R16 88V