Tire Guide: Types, Sizes, Capabilities and More - AAA

Round, rubber and reliably linked to safety – we’re talking about tires, of course. And while the difference in tire types can seem cosmetic on the surface, the benefits or consequences of the tires we choose turn out to be about a lot more than looks, or even cost. Whether you’re the A-to-B commuter or the long-haul vacationer, the tires you select, the care you give them and the intervals at which you replace them play an important role in road performance, fuel-efficiency, handling, grip and the life of your vehicle.

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In this guide, we’ll break-down the seven primary tire types, the reasons tire size and capability matter, some indicators for sidewall wear and replacement, tips for tire-pressure monitoring and general information on tire maintenance. Because if your vehicle’s contact with the road and its four supporting structures aren’t right, simple driving actions can quickly shift from routine to dangerous.

What are the different types of tires?

• All-Season Tires – Known for solid all-weather grip and extended mileage, all-season tires are suitable for most mainstream cars and SUVs and come in S- and T-speed ratings.
• Performance All-Season Tires – Offering extra grip, performance all-season tires are a good choice for cars that aren’t designated to “daily driving.” They come in H- and V-speed ratings and fit well to enthusiasts’ vehicles or those with upgraded wheels.
• Ultra-High-Performance All-Season Tires – Optimized for responsive driving with superior grip, ultra-high-performance all-season tires fit well to sports cars or performance sedans. They aren’t particularly long-wearing but offer maximum street performance with ZR-, W- and Y- speed ratings.
• All-Season Truck Tires – Designed for light-duty pickups, these tires have towing and hauling capabilities and are larger in size than regular all-season tires. They can handle most conditions, including dry and wet pavement and light to moderate snow.
• All-Season SUV Tires – Splitting the difference between car and truck tires, all-season SUV tires are made for light-towing, some offroad capabilities and general SUV performance. 
• All-Terrain Truck Tires – A more aggressive tread pattern is what differentiates all-terrain truck tires from all-season truck tires. They’re intended for on-road use but do well in moderate off-road conditions.
• Winter/Snow Tires – Identified by their sipes (a tread containing lots of slits), winter/snow tires are optimized for braking and handling in snow or icy conditions. They should always be purchased in sets of four and are available for both trucks and cars. They do tend to wear more quickly than other tires and don’t grip as well as all-season tires on normal road conditions. 

Why does tire size and capability matter?

In the tire-selection process, size and capability are crucial. No matter how high-quality your tires are, if they can’t properly support the weight of your vehicle, your ability to brake safely and counteract weather conditions could be compromised.

• Tire size – Tire size is represented by a combination of numbers and letters that convey:
  • Tire type – a metric that defines the proper use of the tire, such as “P” for passenger car tire or “LT” for light-truck
  • Tire width – a measurement in millimeters from one sidewall to another
  • Tire aspect ratio – the height of the tire’s sidewall
  • Construction type – how the tires are built and designed; the most common designation is “R” which stands for radial construction and means that the tire’s internal ply cords are oriented in a radial direction
  • Wheel diameter – the distance measured in inches across the face of the wheel

You can generally find the size of your tires listed on the inside frame of your driver’s side door, on the sidewall of your tire or in your owner’s manual. The number may display as something that looks like “P215/65/R15” or “P225/70/R16,” for example. (In the first number/letter combination example, “P” represents tire type, “215” is the width, “65” is the aspect ratio, “R” is the construction type and “15” is wheel diameter.)

• Tire capability – A tire’s capability is identified by load index (how much weight a tire can carry) and speed rating (how fast a tire can go in ideal conditions). These numbers follow the tire size number/letter combination and can be represented as “91S” or “103H,” for example, with “91” and “103” indicating the load index, and “S” and “H” representing the speed rating. 

What are tire treads, treadwear ratings and how do you find them?

Tire treads are the part of the rubber on the tire that makes direct contact with the road. As you drive, the rubber slowly rubs away, and treadwear grade (sometimes called treadwear rating) is a government-required number that indicates a tire’s expected wear (i.e., how long before it rubs away).

While treadwear ratings are found on most new tires, Consumer Reports warns they aren’t a true measure of how long a tire might last. Some of the reason for this is that tire manufacturers test and rate their own tires, as opposed to third-party, independent agencies doing it. Methods for testing can differ, and ratings may not be standardized across brands.

What are tire pressure monitoring systems?

Many newer vehicles ( and beyond) have wheels that are fitted with sensors that monitor tire pressure and notify the driver when there’s a significant loss in inflation. Though federally required, there’s no mandate about which tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) technology must be used. Some TPMS systems may alert you with a simple light indicator, others provide a full read-out on the compromised tire(s).

If your vehicle does not have a TPMS, be sure to check your tires manually at least once a month, when the temperature changes or when your tires look low on air. There are places you can purchase aftermarket TPMS systems, but they tend to require professional installment and can be expensive.

How to read the tire pressure information on vehicle door?

If you’re looking to find the recommended air pressure for your tires quickly, check the placard on the inside panel of the driver’s door. Along with the car manufacturer’s recommended tire size, this placard will inform you of the correct level of air needed for your tires in pounds per square inch (PSI).

While there is information on your tire’s sidewall about the maximum air pressure your tire could hold, the correct number to reference when filling your tires will be on the driver’s side door jam. 

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Last Updated on May 30,

The Composition of Light Truck and Car Tires

Dive Into What They’re Made Of!

Have you ever wondered what goes into making a tire?

There is much more to a tire than just rubber and air. Most car and light truck tires combine natural and synthetic rubbers, fabric, steel cords, and other additives like carbon black and silica. Tire manufacturers are continuously working to replace non-renewable materials with renewable materials and reduce the overall weight of the tire.

Tires, those indispensable components of our vehicles, are more than just rubber rounds. Their composition is a fascinating fusion of various materials that grant them durability, flexibility, and safety. Whether for a light truck or a sedan, understanding the elements of your tires can offer insights into their performance and longevity. Let’s unravel the layers.

Here are the main components of typical light truck and car tires:

1. Natural Rubber

Natural rubber is made from a white liquid called latex that oozes from certain plants when you cut them. Over 200 plants in the world produce latex. The most plentiful amount of latex can be found in the rubber tree. Latex is extracted from the rubber tree in much the same way that maple syrup is extracted. An incision is made in the bark of the Rubber Tree, and latex is harvested slowly as it drips out of the live tree.

Rubber Trees can only grow in hot, humid climates like Brazil and Southeast Asia and require plenty of water. Therefore, it would be advantageous to harvest latex closer to where tires are produced and at a lower cost. For example, Cooper Tire, which has factories in the United States, is experimenting with Guayule as a latex source. This plant can flourish in the deserts of the Southwest United States, much closer to the manufacturing location than the rubber plantations of South America or SE Asia.

Guayule requires very little water and produces good quantities of latex. Cooper Tire believes that Guayule is a viable source of latex to reduce the cost of making a tire and the overall impact on the environment. Other Manufacturers are looking for the same type of bio-based alternatives to latex from rubber trees.

2. Synthetic Rubber

A synthetic rubber is any artificial elastomer. The elastomers that go into tires are a petroleum byproduct. During the Second World War, the United States began mass producing synthetic rubber because natural rubber was in short supply to support the war effort.

Today, there are nearly 20 synthetic rubbers, each produced through petroleum refining and containing unique ingredients added to make the tire last longer, grip better, or improve rolling resistance for better fuel economy. Per the US Rubber Manufacturer’s Association, about 70 percent of all rubber used in tires is synthetic.

3. Additives in Light Truck and Car Tires

Most tires are black. This is because carbon black is a key ingredient added to the natural and synthetic rubber mix. Carbon black is tiny dust-like particles that act like a bonding agent for the other ingredients in the tire. Carbon black adds the feature of catching ultraviolet rays and absorbing the sun’s heat. This helps protect the tire against ozone and UV damage.

No other additive is as effective as carbon black at protecting rubber and prolonging tire life. In the absence of carbon black, ozone and UV rays attack the rubber’s molecules and chemical bonds, causing the rubber to rot and weaken over time.

Contact us to discuss your requirements of tire fabric. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.

Another substance added to tires is silica. At a molecular level, silica is very rough and gritty. When mixed into tread rubber, this property gives car tires extra grip on wet roads and ice. Another property of silica is that it is tough. This makes it effective at resisting wear due to abrasion and helps extend the tread’s life.

Silica uniquely improves tire performance by making it last longer and giving it a better grip. Since silica is relatively expensive, it is not uncommon to find higher levels of it in more expensive light trucks and car tires like Michelin tires, Bridgestone tires, Pirelli tires, or Goodyear tires.

4. Steel Cords

An estimated 15% of the material in a tire is steel, mainly in the form of cord. Rubber is vulcanized to steel cords, which are spirally wrapped to form bead wire. The bead is the part of the tire that attaches to the rim. Mounting a tire on the wheel requires a lot of pressure.

It would be best to have a tight fit to ensure that air does not seep. The rubber-covered steel bead wire remains stiff and solid once mounted to the rim. Besides the bead wire, Steel cord is often used to reinforce light truck tires in the sidewall area and occasionally in the tire cap to protect against punctures through the tread.

5. Nylon and Cotton Fabric

An important element in tires is the fabric belt that forms the tire’s casing and helps it maintain its shape even at high speeds. The casing forms the main body of the tire, and it is made of strips of cloth-like fabric covered with rubber. Each strip of rubberized fabric forms a layer called a ply in the body of light truck and passenger car tires. Passenger car tires may have as many as four plies in the body, so quite a lot of fabric is used in most pneumatic light truck and passenger car tires.

It is reassuring to know that tire companies are cutting down on using materials that are harmful to the environment and reducing the amount of material used. A lighter-weight tire made of stronger materials will last the same time while increasing the vehicle’s fuel efficiency. As a result of less fuel used, CO2 emissions are also reduced. That is a good thing for the environment.

Also, tires that last longer mean fewer trips to replace tires. Tire manufacturers don’t have to produce as many tires, saving materials and the energy needed to create the tires. Ultimately, manufacturers producing high-quality, eco-friendly tires are in our best interests.

Conclusion

The anatomy of car tires is a testament to the marvels of engineering and innovation. A harmonious blend of nature-derived materials and human-made compounds ensures our journeys remain smooth, safe, and efficient. The next time you’re on the road, you can appreciate the intricate orchestra of materials working seamlessly beneath you.

Your Next Step: Investing in Quality

When it comes to tires, compromise isn’t an option: your safety, comfort, and the overall health of your vehicle hinge on them.

• Diverse Range at Tires Easy: At Tires Easy, we understand the art and science behind tires. Our collection is curated to ensure that you get only the best. From sedans to trucks, our range promises quality and performance.
• Safety First, Always: With our tires, safety isn’t just a feature; it’s a guarantee. Designed with the best materials and tested rigorously, they promise to be your trusted companions on every journey.
• Elevate Every Drive: Performance isn’t just about speed; it’s about how you feel on the road. Our tires promise a driving experience like no other – smooth, efficient, and unparalleled.

Your vehicle deserves the best, and at Tires Easy, that’s precisely what we offer. Don’t just change your tires; elevate your entire driving experience.

Dive into a diverse range at Tires Easy and elevate your driving experience. Prioritize safety, performance, and durability.

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FAQs

What materials are used to make car tires?

Car tires are constructed using a combination of both natural and synthetic materials. This includes natural rubber, which provides flexibility and grip; synthetic rubber for enhanced performance characteristics; and fabric materials like polyester, nylon, or rayon for structural integrity.

Additionally, steel is used for reinforcement, and chemical compounds such as carbon black, silica, and sulfur are added for strength, color, and the vulcanization process, respectively.

How are car tires made?

The process of manufacturing car tires involves several stages. Initially, raw materials like rubber, chemicals, and fabric are prepared. Then, the three main parts of the tire – the inner liner, fabric-coated layers (or plies), and steel belts – are built.

Once assembled, the tire, often referred to as a ‘green tire’ at this stage, is vulcanized by heating it in a mold. This step solidifies the tire’s structure, transforming the soft rubber into a firm, elastic material suitable for driving. Each tire is then inspected for quality to ensure it meets stringent standards.

What are the basic elements of a tire?

A tire comprises several essential elements. The tread is the outermost layer that contacts the road and can have different patterns suitable for various conditions. The sidewall is the side portion of the tire, providing stiffness and protection. Plies are layers of fabric, giving the tire its strength and flexibility.

Steel belts positioned below the tread add stability and puncture resistance. The bead is a steel wire-reinforced section, ensuring the tire remains attached to the wheel rim. Finally, the inner liner is a rubber layer inside the tire that retains air and maintains consistent tire pressure.

What are the metal things on tires?

Tires incorporate several metal components for strength, stability, and secure fitment. Bead wires are steel wires in the tire’s bead section, ensuring the tire remains securely fixed to the wheel rim. Steel belts beneath the tread provide added durability and puncture resistance.

Additionally, though not directly part of the tire, wheel weights are often seen on wheel rims; these small metal pieces are crucial for balancing the tire, ensuring a smoother and vibration-free ride.

Are you interested in learning more about Tire Bead Wire? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!