Tyre knowledge gives the basic knowledge about passenger cars and MUV radial tyres. It provides technical advice for all those dealing with Bridgestone passenger cars and multi utility vehicle (MUV) radial tyres and tubes. We also share our experience and recommendations to prevent common tyre/tube damages occurring most frequently to passenger cars and MUV radial tyres/tubes.

BASIC STRUCTURE OF RADIAL TYRE

The construction of a radial tyre

1. Tread: Tread is the part which comes into contact with road surface. It protects the carcass & provide high grip, longer life, maneuverability and durability.

2. Steel Belts: This provides stiffness to the tread & protect the carcass.

3. Spiral Layer: This provides high durability & maneuverability.

4. Shoulder: Shoulder is the thickest part of the tyre. It protects carcass from external shocks & damages.

5. Sidewall: Sidewall is the most flexible part of the tyre. It protects carcass & provides comfortable ride.

6. Plycord: Plycord is the main body of a tyre. It sustains the inflation pressure and endures load and road shocks.

7. Bead Filler: This provides high durability & maneuverability

8. Bead Wires: It holds the tyre on rim.

9. Chafer: Chafer protects plycord at the bead area from the heat generation developed due to the abrasion of bead and rim flange.

Note : Construction may vary with size and pattern.

HOW TO READ TYRE SIDEWALL - Decoding the sidewall codes

TYRE SIZE DESIGNATION- Uncovering the size guide

The tyre size written on the sidewall can be easily understood by this helpful guide.

SPEED SYMBOL: This indicates the maximum safe speed corresponding to its given load index at which the vehicle can be plied, under specified conditions.

LOAD INDEX: Index figure indicating the maximum load (mass), the tyre can carry under specified conditions

* Total Load Carrying Capacity.

BIAS & RADIAL TYRES - Comparing tyre types

In a radial tyre plycords run from bead to bead in a radial manner and are protected with dual steel belts, which makes tread very stiff. But in bias tyre plycords run diagonally and are protected with nylon breakers.

* Construction may vary with size and pattern.

ADVANTAGES OF RADIAL TYRE - GIVING YOU THE EDGE

Why radial tyres are safer and more economical ?

TUBELESS TYRES - No tubes, no hassles

There is no tube in a tubeless tyre. The tyre and the rim of the wheel form an airtight container to seal the air as the tubeless tyre has an inner lining of impermeable halobutyl. The valve is directly mounted on the rim. If a tubeless tyre gets punctured, air escapes only through the hole created by the nail, thus giving substantial time between a puncture and a flat tyre.