TIRE BASICS

WHAT’S INSIDE A TIRE?

The tire’s INNERLINER – keeps air inside the tire.

The tire’s BEAD – assures an airtight fit with the wheel.

BEAD FILLER – reduces flex and aids in deflection.

A Tire’s BODY PLIES – give the tire strength and flexibility.

The SIDEWALL – protects the side of the tire from road and curb damage.

A tire’s BELTS – stabilize and strengthen the tread.

Its BELT EDGE INSULATION – helps to reduce friction.

The NYLON CAP PLIES – help maintain the tire’s structural integrity.

The TREAD – provides traction and cornering grip.

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IMPACT SUPPRESSION TREAD BLOCKSfor a quieter, more comfortable ride without sacrificing treadlife

PROTECTIVE SHIELD™

unique design and high-extension compound combine to provide long treadwear

TRIPLE SIPE CONCEPTthree kinds of siping, adapted for wet, dry and winter driving, provide traction in all-season weather conditions

HT BELT SYSTEM™

ultra high tensile steel belt system provides brute strength

TWO-PLY POLYESTER CORD BODYpromotes ride comfort with positive steering response

MICRO-SYNC FIBERS™

bond the rubber compound to reinforcing materials for driving confidence

INTERNAL CUSHIONING SYSTEMfor a smooth, comfortable ride

NOISE-CAPTURING POCKETSseparate pockets for high and low frequencies capture and absorb noise for a quiet ride

z BARS™

a system of connecting bars within the tread elements add circumferential stability for excellent braking, acceleration and cornering

RESPONSE GROOVES™ AND HYDRO CHANNELS™

provide directional guidance and eject water for excellent wet han-dling and traction with improved hydroplaning resistance

ECO-RIDE COMPOUNDthe latest generation tread compound that improves fuel economy and reduces CO2 emissions

TWO CAP NYLON PLIESfor improved uniformity for comfortand high-speed stability

Example: Grabber™ HTS

TIRE BASICS

WHAT’S INSIDE A TIRE?

TREAD ELEMENTS

Lugs are the sections of rubber that make contact with the terrain.

Tread blocks are raised rubber com-pound segments on the outside visible part of a tire.

Sipes are small lateral cuts made in the surface of the tread to improve traction.

Kerfs are shallow slits molded into the tire tread for added traction – often used interchangeably with sipes.

Grooves are circumferential channels between adjacent tread ribs or tread blocks.

Shoulder blocks are raised rubber compound segments on the part of the tire tread nearest the sidewall.

Voids are the spaces that are located between the lugs.

Asymmetric Tread

This tread pattern optimizes each side of the tread for excellent handling and outstanding traction.

*NOTE: Asymmetrical tires ALWAYS indicate on the sidewall which side of the tire should be mounted to the inside or the outside.

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TIRE BASICS

WHAT’S INSIDE A TIRE?

Directional

Arrangement of bars, grooves and ribs in any manner that gives most effective traction when the tire revolves in only one direction. Typically v-shaped.

*NOTE: Directional tires ALWAYS have an arrow on the sidewall indicating the proper rotation direction.

Symmetric or Non-Directional Arrangement of bars, grooves and ribs in a manner that gives equal performance in the forward or reverse direction.

Self-Cleaning

This tread design allows for the easy release of mud or material from the voids of the tread – for better traction, especially with off-road or all-terrain tires.

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