Tyre Guide
Tyres are made of complex materials, including rubber, reinforced with layers of nylon, polyester, and/or steel cord belts. The tread is the critical part that grips the road. Tyre treads come in different patterns, made up in combinations of ribs, blocks, lugs and other elements.
The components of different Types of Tyre are shown below:
TreadTyre tread refers to the rubber on the outermost layer of a tyre that makes contact with the road – the rubber compound is customised depending on the application the tyre is designed for. The tread consists of various grooves, channels and notches arranged in specific patterns. These patterns help the tyres to maintain grip on different types of surfaces and in various weather conditions. The primary function of the tread is to provide traction. The grooves and channels help displace water, mud, snow and other substances, preventing the tyre from slipping and maintaining contact with the road.
ShoulderThe shoulder is the area of the tyre where the tread meets the sidewall. The shoulder is typically designed with reinforced rubber and additional layer of materials to provide strength and durability. It contributes to the tyre’s handling characteristics, especially during cornering and helps to dissipate heat generated during driving, especially at high speeds. It also provides protection against impacts and abrasions from curbs, potholes, etc. and extends lifespan of the tyre.
SidewallThe sidewall is the portion of the tyre that connects the tread to the bead, which is the part of the tyre that sits on the the rim of the wheel. The sidewall structure provides the necessary strength and flexibility to support the vehicle’s load and helps protect the tyres from impact, abrasion and other road hazards. It also affects the ride quality and handling of the vehicle – a stiffer sidewall can provide better handling and cornering performance, while a more flexible sidewall can offer a smoother and more comfortable ride.
BeadThe tyre bead is the part of the tyre that ensures it stays securely mounted on the wheel rim. It is a critical component for maintaining the tyre’s position and performance. It also creates an airtight seal that prevents air from escaping, ensuring the tyre remains properly inflated.
Breaker/BeltThe tyre breaker is a reinforcement layer that is situated between the tyre’s tread and its inner layers (such as carcass, or body plies). The breaker is typically made of synthetic materials such as polyester, nylon, etc. or steel. It provides the tyre with structural integrity, helping it maintain its shape and resist deformation under loads. It also helps to distribute the forces exerted on the tyre evenly improving handling, traction and overall driving performance.
CarcassThe tyre carcass is the foundational structure or load-bearing framework that serves as the backbone of the tyre and supports the tread and other components. It is typically made up of multiple layers of fabric or cords known as plies which are embedded in rubber. The carcass gives the tyre its basic shape and the ability to hold air under pressure. In bias-ply tyres, the carcass plies run diagonally, usually at angles of 30-45 degrees to the direction of travel. The plies in bias ply tyres criss cross each other, providing a tougher construction suitable for heavy-duty and off-road applications.
Inner LinerThe tyre inner liner is a crucial component of modern tubeless tyres, designed to maintain air pressure and ensure the tyre remains airtight. The inner liner is typically made of a specially formulated synthetic rubber compound which is chosen for its excellent air retention property. The inner liner being on the the interior surface of the tyre, forms the first layer of protection against air leakage so its primary function is to act as an airtight barrier, maintaining correct tyre pressure over time.
Bead FillerThe tyre bead filler, also known as bead rubber or bead filler compound, is a component used in construction of tyres particularly around the bead area where the tyre meets the wheel rim. The bead filler adds rigidity to the bead area, helping the tyre maintain shape and providing a firm, secure fit against the wheel rim.
Bead WireThe bead wire is a ring-shaped continuous strand of steel wires (sometimes coated with brass or bronze to improve adhesion) that provides reinforcement to the bead area and ensures secure, tight fit of the tyre on the wheel rim, thus helping the tyre to maintain position and preventing it from slipping or shifting during driving.
Nylon Chafer and Steel ChaferThe chafer fabric and steel cords provide a protective layer between the bead and the rim and helps prevent damage to the bead area during mounting, dismounting and regular use.
Different tyre patterns are designed to give optimum performance for different types of vehicles in different types of conditions. Birla Tyres produces a broad range of tyres, so there is an optimum tyre for everyone.
Rib patterns have ribs running around the circumference of tyre, with grooves in straight lines or parallel S-shaped voids along the axis.
Uses:
These tyres are generally designed for use on hard road surfaces, such as tarmac and concrete. Because they have good directional stability they are often fitted to the steering wheels of trucks and buses.
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This pattern refers to a series of grooves which are perpendicular to the tyre’s circumference.
Uses:
Lug tyres have high traction so are used for drive axles of commercial vehicles and for 4x4 vehicles designed for dirt roads.
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A mixed shape pattern combines lug and rib features, so may have combinations of S-shaped voids along the axis, as well as perpendicular grooves.
Uses:
These tyres are good for both paved and dirt roads and can be found on a variety of trucks and buses, and some can be used in all positions, including drive and steer axles.
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The traction pattern, often referred to as the Herringbone pattern, is a type of tread design commonly used in agricultural tyres. This pattern features deep, V-shaped lugs arranged in a herringbone formation, which provides exceptional grip in soft soils, mud, and loose surfaces typically encountered in farming environments.
Uses:
Traction patterns are specifically designed for agricultural applications, such as tractors and other farming machinery. These tyres are optimized for off-road use where maximum traction and minimal soil disturbance are required.
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