Car tires
Tires were fitted to the wheels of the automobile to protect the wheel rim and also to make travel by car more comfortable. The progress and development of the tire industry has been phenomenal. The high performance tires required by the aviation and racing car industries have compelled the tire industry to invest heavily in research and development. Heavy duty tires had to be developed for the truck manufacturers, who were steadily increasing the size and load bearing capacity of their vehicles. Special tires had to be manufactured for a wide variety of vehicles required for defense and industrial purposes.
The demand for bicycle and motorcycle tires has also increased, and both categories require special tires for racing. But passenger cars are the largest consumers of tires world wide. Tire manufacturers focus most attention on this segment to keep their industries running. The most intensive research and development in tires is concentrated on ensuring the safety and comfort of persons traveling in cars. The fierce competition between tire manufacturers drives them to develop the best tires to outdo their rivals.
History of Car Tires
Vulcanized rubber was first invented by Charles Goodyear in 1844 . The new invention was utilized for various applications, including tires for wheels of automobiles. Robert Thomson patented a pneumatic tire in 1845, but it was commercially unviable. Pneumatic tires were subsequently developed in 1888 by John Dunlop. These air filled tires were first used for bicycles . The process was made commercially viable for car tires and Dunlop became recognized as the pioneer of the modern tire. Andre Michelin first experimented with pneumatic tires for cars in 1895.
The combination of a tire with an inner tube filled with air was developed by Philip Strauss in 1911. P.W. Litchfield of Goodyear Tire Company experimented with tubeless tires as early as 1903, but the product became commercially viable only around the mid 1950s. The concept of drivers changing their own deflated tires became feasible with the introduction of detachable wheel rims in 1904. The need for the tires to have a better grip on the road surface led to the invention of grooved tires in 1908, the credit for this going to Frank Seiberling. In 1910 the B.F. Goodrich Rubber Company successfully experimented with carbon and rubber compounds to add strength and durability to the tires. In 1937 they became the first to develop synthetic rubber tires, using a patented compound called chemigum. Michelin came out with radial tiers in 1946. Within a couple of decades these tires became widely used internationally. In 2005 the company was reported to be developing a combination of tire and wheel called Tweel, meant to run without air.
Types of Car Tires
Most tires are manufactured either out of synthetic rubber or out of rubber compounds. Steel is sometimes used to reinforce the tire. The car tire has three main functions: 1 to protect the metal rim of the tire; 2 to provide a cushioning for the vehicle when it is driven over rough and bumpy surfaces; 3 to provide traction between the vehicle and the road for better driving control. The type of tire required for each car is mainly dependent on the type of road surface it will be used on. All-Round tires are what most car manufacturers provide as standard tires. These combine several features necessary for different terrains and driving conditions. Performance tires give more comfortable rides but may not be durable.
Wet-weather tires are intended for rainy areas and wet, slippery roads. All-terrain tires are more common with SUVs, being larger in size and having firm sidewalls and bigger tread patterns. Mud tires are meant for sandy roads. Tread designs on the tire tread are crucial for driving control, riding comfort and life of the tire. They include sipes, grooves, blocks, ribs, dimples, and shoulders. The Void Ratio of the tread indicates the quantity of open space in the tread. It may be high or low depending on normal road conditions. The pattern and depth of the tread design are also important.
Symmetrical patterns have the same design all over the tires tread surface. Asymmetrical patterns have differing designs across the face of the tread, which can improve road control. Unidirectional patterns are meant to rotate in a single direction. These tires will have an arrow on the sidewall indicating the direction in which they are to roll. Fitting it wrongly can affect the control of the car and wear out the tire. The depth in the tread design must be suited to that particular design neither too deep nor too shallow. Other factors that need to be looked into are section width, aspect ratio, radial or non-radial, rim diameter, load rating, speed rating, temperature rating, traction rating, and tread wear rating. Getting information on these technical specifications will be easy.
Conclusion
As the rubber content in a tire degrades with the passage of time, even brand new tires that are over five to six years old should not be fitted to a car. Tire manufacturers and dealers guarantees should not be taken at face value, but should be studied in detail. The reputation of the tire dealer also should be considered. A faulty tire can cost the lives of passengers. Todays tire industries manufacture products tailored to the needs of the automobile industry. As such, the car manufacturers choice of tire is certain to be the best for each car and for specific road surface and weather conditions. Radial tires have become the most popular choice. A good set of tires will give a comfortable and safe drive.
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