Adigrat university school of mechanical engineering department of mechanical engineering

Tire Size

Alpha-Numeric–Uses letters and numbers to denote tire size in inches and its load-carrying
capacity in pounds

P-Metric–Uses metric values and international standards

Aspect Ratio

Height-to-width ratio of a tire.

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Adigrat university school of mechanical engineering department of mechanical engineering

Maximum Load Rating

Amount of weight the tire can carry at the recommended inflation pressure
Printed on the sidewall
P-metric: given in kilograms and pounds
Alpha-numeric: indicated by a letter such as B, C, or D
Maximum Inflation Pressure
Highest air pressure that should be pumped into the tire
Many tires have a maximum recommended pressure of 32 to 40 psi (220 to 275 kPa)
Tread Plies
Number of plies and ply rating:
 2-ply
 2-ply with a 4-ply rating
 4-ply
Greater number of plies usually indicates a greater load-carrying capacity
DOT Serial Number
 Identifies the manufacturer, plant, location, construction, and date of manufacture
 Stamped into the sidewall
 Department of Transportation rating means the tire has passed prescribed safety tests

Tire Grades
 Tread wear
 given as a number, 100 to 500
 higher number is more resistant to wear
 Tire traction: given as an A, B, or C
“A” rating has the most traction
 Tire temperature resistance: given as an A, B, or C
“A” rating resists temperature buildup best
Speed Rating
Maximum allowable sustained road speed a tire can safely withstand without failure
Ratings range from B to Z
“B” rating 31 mph or 50 km/h
“Z” rating 149 mph or 238 km/h
Wear Bars: When too much tread has worn away, solid rubber bars will show up across the
tread
Self-Sealing Tires
A coating of sealing compound is applied to the liner
If a nail punctures the tire, air pressure will push the soft compound into the hole to stop air
leakage
Self-Sealing Action

A. A nail punctures the tir

B. The nail is pulled out

C. Sealing compound flows

into the hole

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Adigrat university school of mechanical engineering department of mechanical engineering

Tire Inflation Monitoring System

 Often used with run-flat tires
 Pressure sensors are mounted on each wheel
 If tire pressure is not correct, the sensor produces a radio signal
 The signal is received by a module that turns on a dash warning light

Wheels
 Designed to support the tire while withstanding loads from acceleration, braking, and
cornering
 Made of steel,

Drop-Center Wheel
 Allows for easier installation and removal of the tire
 The center of the wheel is smaller in diameter than the rim
 When installing a tire, it can fall into the recess, then, the other side of the tire bead can
be forced over the rim

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Adigrat university school of mechanical engineering department of mechanical engineering

Dimensions of a Wheel

Valve Stems and Cores

 Valve stem: pressed into a hole in the wheel of a tubeless tire to allow inflation and
deflation
 Valve core: spring-loaded air valve that is threaded into the valve stem
 Valve cap: protects the air valve and stem threads from dirt, moisture, and damage

Valve Stem Assembly

• A valve stem snaps into the hole in the wheel
• The press fit forms an airtight seal
• The valve core screws into the valve stem body