How Does it Work / Tires

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How Tires Work

The first pneumatic tire was made by Scot John Boyd Dunlop to aid his son's cycling. His son often complained of headaches caused by the bumps in the road. But officially Robert William Thomson was given credit of inventing the idea of the tire. Tire companies began establishing in the beginning of twentieth century. Since then there has been rapid growth of tire manufacturers and the top three tire companies are said to have sixty percent of the global market share. More than four hundred tire companies produce over one billion tires every year.

Basic Tire Size, Safety, Load and Pressure Information

Tires are made out of flexible rubber which is incorporated with wire and fabric. The tires of an automobile support the braking, load, traction, and steering. Tires also absorb shock caused by bumps in the road and help provide a smooth ride to the passengers. Different styles of tires are available depending on application. Tire categories are solid, bias ply, and radial.

Car Tire Basic Manufacture Configuration

You can reduce the maintenance and repair of your vehicle by checking the tire pressure with a tire pressure gauge regularly. After an air pressure examination, reinstall the valve cap to prohibit moisture from entering the valve stem mechanism. Tires can have different life expectancies depending on driver habits and road conditions. Inspecting tire wear patterns can warn about possible suspension or steering problems.

Tire Wear Patterns

Sometimes a tire can be have unusual tread wear patterns like flat spots, cupping and extreme wear on one side of the tire. All these can be indications of weight overload, balance problem, under-inflation, failed front end suspension components or misalignment. Inspect tires for small punctures, cuts and embedded sharp objects like screws, nails, broken glass and metal. A puncture that is releasing air can be detected by spraying soapy water on the suspected area and look for bubbles. Tire repair patches can be glued to the interior of the tire. Tire Plugs are also available in a tire repair kit that can be used for repairing a small puncture.

Tire Tread Wear Indicator

The tread wear can be tested with the help of tread depth indicator. Once the tread depth is at the specified minimum, the tire should be replaced. Most tires should be rotated at manufacturers recommended specifications. There are usually three rotation patterns, the directional tire rotation, non-directional rotation and alternate or cross rotation.

Tire Rotation Patterns

In a directional tire rotation the front tires are exchanged with the following back tires. In non-directional tire rotation the front and back tires are exchanges diagonally and so on. After the wheels are rotated, the air pressure in the tires should be checked and adjusted to specifications.

How Does it Work / Tires

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