How are tires manufactured?

To understand how tires are manufactured, we must understand their purpose. This may seem like an obvious answer, but it is the purpose of the tire function that directs the type of build to be used and results in tires incorporating so many technologies in its manufacture.

Tires are used to assist in the displacement of the car. To ensure that it is capable of fulfilling this function, it must be resistant to cuts, perforations, extreme temperatures, in addition to being malleable, easy to change and strong enough to carry high levels of weight at speed. Tires should also give sense of direction, provide better grip in wet conditions, among other attributions. Considering this, we have selected some of the things that a good tire must feature:

• Ability to carry and support loads.

The load is supported by the air inside the tire at a given pressure.

• Damping capacity.

The tire housing is built to flex while working under load.

• Torque transmission capability.

The engine drive force is transmitted to the ground by the housing structure.

• Directional responsiveness.

Slow or fast flexing, according to the movements of the steering wheel.

• Ground adhesion capability.

The grip depends mainly on the dimension of the tread radius, the design of the tire and the tread compound.

Tires also have other functions, such as maintaining a good braking level and a low noise level.

Being easy to repair is also important for tires.

Now that we understand what tires are for, we can talk about their composition. A tire consists of various materials and parts. In general, the tire’s composition includes some chemical and mineral ingredients such as silica, black powder, sulfur, and different oils. And, consequently, its assembly will consist of parts mixed with these compounds, each part is responsible for one or more characteristics. Check them out below:

Tread

The upper part of the tire, which has the most contact with the ground, manufactured with an abrasion resistant rubber compound. It is responsible for ensuring gripping the ground, reducing resistance to rolling, assisting in traction and braking and promoting dispersion of water in wet pavement conditions.

Sidewall

The lateral part, where all the information in relation to the tire is displayed. Manufactured using a special rubber compound, the sidewall is responsible for supporting the flexing of the tire, in addition to protecting the housing against cracks, impacts, friction, and wear.

Casing 

This is the entire inner part of the tire that cannot be seen due to being covered by a layer of rubber. The casing is comprised of cords in materials such as nylon, polyester, among others and is responsible for supporting the internal air pressure of the tire, supporting loads, receiving and transmitting the vehicle engine’s drive force (torque) to the ground and must be resistant to bending and wear

Beads

Located in the tire’s internal rim and manufactured in steel coated with a special rubber compound that defines the size of the rim and promotes the fixing the tire to the rim preventing longitudinal displacement, in addition to assisting in flexibility and load resistance. 

Liner

The inner part of the tire. Produced with special rubber compounds of very low porosity, it is used in tubeless tires being responsible for keeping the air inside the tire.

Straps

One of the best-known parts of the tires, the straps are also manufactured from steel cords coated with a rubber compound placed diagonally and are responsible for strengthening the tread region against cuts and perforations as well as from impacts or different objects.

Overlay

Located between the tread and the second strap, the overlay has the same functions and structure of the straps, but instead of steel, materials such as nylon and the like are used in building it. This is an additional reinforcement used in the construction of performance tires.

The construction of a tire is a complex process and involves numerous technologies. But by understanding a little more about the manufacturing process, your tire’s needs and its quality can be more easily understood.

Would you like to find the ideal tire for your car, manufactured with the best materials and with the transparency and trust you already know? Visit our website and find the right tire model for your car in a store near you.