A tire’s sidewall is the area from the tread to the bead of the tire, the latter being where the rubber connects with the rest of the wheel. It forms the protective shield for the radial
Radial tire
A radial tire (more properly, a radial-ply tire) is a particular design of vehicular tire. In this design, the cord plies are arranged at 90 degrees to the direction of travel, or radially (from the center of the tire).
What do the numbers on a tyre sidewall mean?
- "Star": Original tyres for BMW
- A/S: All-season tyre
- A/T: All-terrain tyre
- B: Bias construction, typically for motorcycles.
- C: Commercial / passenger car tyre
- BSW: Black SideWall
- C: Commercial; tyres for light trucks. ...
- E4: Tyre approved according to ECE-regulations. ...
- EL: Extra Load; tyre for vehicles of heavier standard weights
How to repair sidewall damage to tires?
When to Replace the Tire
- Pinch Shocks. Pinch shocks are a kind of sidewall damage that is quite terminal. ...
- Tread Area Damage. Tread is the part of the tire which is directly in contact with the ground. ...
- Shoulder Punctures. As discussed above, this area is one step farther from the road. ...
- Dry Rot. ...
How to read sidewall tire numbers and markings?
Reading a Tire Sidewall. The sidewall of your tires is filled with important information that tells you everything about your tire regarding the dimensions, construction, operating characteristics and manufacturer. The easiest way to understand tire markings is to take an example and break it down. For our example, these numbers are: P225/60R16.
What is the middle part of a tire?
Here you can browse some popular wheel size combinations:
- 15x10 wheels
- 17x9 wheels
- 20x10 wheels
- 20x12 wheels
- 20x14 wheels
- 22x12 wheels
- 22x14 wheels
How close to sidewall can a tire be patched?
For a safe repair, the puncture must be 1/2 inch away or more from the edge of the tire tread where the internal steel belt begins. Any puncture less than 1/2 inch from the start of the internal steel belt on the shoulder or sidewall of the tire cannot be repaired (highlighted in red).
What happens if you repair the sidewall of a tire?
1:304:56How To Fix Sidewall Punctures Without Replacing Your TireYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSidewall permanently glue tread is sold as an emergency sidewall repair. But they have patched tiresMoreSidewall permanently glue tread is sold as an emergency sidewall repair. But they have patched tires that are still in use and holding. Years after the first repair.
How do you determine tire size from sidewall?
The first number to appear in your tire size information is the width, in millimeters, of the correct tires for your vehicle: P225/70R16 91S. Tire width always refers to the measurement from one sidewall to another.
Is tire width measured at tread or sidewall?
There are 3 common width measurements when talking about tires. Section width is the measurement from sidewall to sidewall, at its widest point. It is generally expressed in millimeters. Any raised lettering or protective ribs on the sidewall are not included.
How much tire sidewall damage is too much?
If you can see the threads or the radial cords, it's time to replace the tire. These threads are located 0.125 to 0.188 of an inch beneath the surface of the sidewall.
Can a sidewall be patched?
A damaged tire can only be repaired if: Tire Repair Ann Arbor. The puncture is within the tread area* of the tire – sidewall punctures are NOT repairable.
What does R mean on tires?
radial tireThis is indicated in percentage of the tire width. “R” stands for the construction method of the tire indicating the tire is a radial tire. The following two numbers (16) indicate the diameter of the wheel rim in inches. The next two or three numbers (94) indicate the load index of the tire.
What does Gr 78 15 mean on a tire sidewall?
What does GR 78-15 mean on a tire sidewall? G: Indicates the lead and the size relationship ( Higher the letter then larger the size and load carrying ability) R: Means the tire is radial. 78: The aspect; or the height-to-width ratio. 15: The rim diameter in inches.
How wide is a 275 tire?
275/70R17 tires have a diameter of 32.2", a section width of 10.8", and a wheel diameter of 17". The circumference is 101.0" and they have 627 revolutions per mile. Generally they are approved to be mounted on 7-8.5" wide wheels.
What part of the tire is the width?
A tire's section width (also called "cross section width") is the measurement of the tire's width from its inner sidewall to its outer sidewall (excluding any protective ribs, decorations or raised letters) at the widest point.
How much difference in tire size is acceptable?
3%When changing tire sizes, we recommend staying within 3% of the diameter/height of the original tire. Any more than this and you face the risk of brake failure.
How much wider can my tire be than my wheel?
As a general rule of thumb, it's safe to fit a tire up to 20 millimeters wider than stock on the original rim. The actual width of the tire will vary depending on the width of the rim: The tire will expand 5 millimeters for every half inch (12.5 millimeters) increase in rim width.
What is a sidewall on a tire?
What is a Sidewall? As briefly mentioned, the sidewall is the part of the tire that can be seen when you look at a tire from the side when it is mounted on a vehicle. The sidewall possesses information about the tire including the brand name, tire size, tire code, DOT code, and possibly some design to make the tire look good.
What is the portion of a tire where the sidewall meets the tread called?
The portion of the tire where the sidewall meets the tread is called the shoulder and is one of the toughest parts of the tire.
What is the best preventative maintenance offered to a tire?
Ultimately, the best preventative maintenance offered to a tire is to ensure that the tire is properly inflated and never running low. Incorrect tire pressure can damage the tread, shoulder, and sidewall of a tire.
What is the critical part of a tire?
One critical component of the tire is the sidewall . The sidewall is the part of the tire that can be seen when looking directly at a tire from the side. It's where you'll find the tire manufacturer's name along with more important information about the tire.
Why are tires important?
Tires are crucial to safe passage as well as optimal vehicle performance and fuel efficiency.
Can a tire blow out?
Minor damage to a tire's side wall can eventually lead to serious tire failure such as a blowout. It is also a good idea to keep your tires clean and free of materials that may lead the rubber of the sidewall to break down prematurely.
Can sidewall damage be repaired?
If you experience sidewall damage, it is crucial to get your vehicle towed to a service station or your auto dealership so that your tire can be replaced. Sidewall damage can lead to serious tire failure. Even minor sidewall damage is a major issue and cannot be repaired.
What information is on a tire?
Each of your tires has useful information molded right into its sidewall. You'll find the tire's brand, size, construction details, maximum load and inflation pressure, as well as traction, treadwear and temperature grades. The trick is knowing where to look.
What does the M+S mean on a tire?
A "B" in place of the "R" would indicate diagonal bias construction. "M+S" with the mountain/snowflake symbol indicates that the tire meets the RMA (Rubber Manufacturers Association) specifications for use in severe snow ...
What is the LT code on a tire?
Some of the other codes that you might find on your tires include: LT = Stands for light truck application. Example: LT235/85R16.
Why does my tire sidewall hurt?
There are a lot of things that could cause tire sidewall damage. Mostly it is because of sharp objects you were hitting with the sidewall of the tire by accident. It can also be caused by age or driving around with too little air pressure in the tires.
What is sidewall damage?
What is a Sidewall Tire Damage? A sidewall tire damage is exactly what it sounds like; damage on the tire’s sidewall, meaning that the damage is on the side of the tire and not the tire tread. You can often spot one by seeing a deep scratch or a bubble on the tire’s sidewall. This can come from a small accident or if you drove too close to ...
How long does it take to repair a puncture on a car tire?
Luckily the most punctures are easy to repair and often repaired within minutes with a tire repair kit.
Why do I need to replace my tire?
If there is an air-bubble on the tire’s sidewall, you need to replace it straight away because there is a big risk that it will blow at any moment. To be sure that nothing serious will happen to the tire, you should let an expert look at the damage. Find a repair shop that is not selling tires and ask them. If you go to a repair shop that is ...
Can you fix a sidewall tire?
A sidewall tire damage that reaches the threads should never be repaired because it damages the tire’s whole structure. If the tire’s sidewall has a bubble, it is not fixable either, and small punctures should either not be repaired. The only time you can glue together a sidewall tire damage if it is a super shallow scratch ...
Is it safe to drive with a sidewall tire?
A sidewall tire damage is not safe to drive around with. The sidewalls of the tires are much more sensitive than the tread area. In many cases, the damage is damaging the whole structure of the tire, and it can cause it to blow at any moment. This does also depend a little bit on how big the scratch or damage is.
Should I replace the tires on my front wheel drive?
If you replace the tires on the drive wheels, you should replace both tires because the different tire diameters will cause stress to the transmission otherwise. If you replace the tires on the rear on a front-wheel-drive, for example, you can replace just one tire. If you have a 4wd car, it is always recommended to replace all four wheels ...
Is It Safe to Drive on a Tire with Sidewall Damage?
You should never drive around with sidewall damage. While driving, the damage to your sidewall can quickly become worse. After the integrity of the tire has been compromised, things can go downhill rather quickly.
Can a Tire with Sidewall Damage Be Repaired?
Technically, sidewalls can be repaired. In most cases, you can find someone willing to repair a sidewall.
How Does a Tire Get Sidewall Damage?
Sidewall damage can occur for many different reasons – from tire age to accidents.
How Do I Know If My Sidewall is Damaged?
Typically, a simple examination will let you know if your sidewall is damaged. Cracks and punctures are pretty easy to see with the naked eye, even if you aren’t a trained expert.
What Is Considered the Sidewall of a Car Tire?
Under most definitions, the sidewall of a tire is the side of the tire, as you might guess from the name. Pretty easy to remember.
Is Sidewall Tire Damage Covered Under Warranty?
In some cases, sidewall damage is covered under warranty. However, you need to check with your tire manufacturer and the specific warranty covering the tire. In many cases, there are many stipulations to the warranty.
Do Cracked Tires Need to be Replaced?
Cracks are a sign that your tire’s sidewall has become compromised. Therefore, it is a sure sign that the tire needs to be replaced. While many things may cause the sidewall to crack, none of them are good.
What is the sidewall of a tire?
The Sidewall is the "smooth", vertical area on the side of the tire between the edge of the tread and the bead of the tire, which does not include any area where tread grooves are still visible. The Bead is area of the tire that holds the tire in place on the rim of the wheel. Repairable Areas of the Tire: While some tires, facilities, ...
Where is the shoulder on a tire?
The Shoulder is the area where the tread and sidewall meet , including the tread blocks nearest the side of the tire (beginning outside the outermost water channel) and the area transitioning to the side of the tire where tread grooves are still visible. The Sidewall is the "smooth", vertical area on the side of the tire between the edge ...
What is the crown of a tire?
The Crown is the center tread area of the tire and includes all of the large grooves/water channels that run along the circumference of the tire. However, the crown does not include the outermost tread block of the tire. The Shoulder is the area where the tread and sidewall meet, including the tread blocks nearest the side of the tire ...
What is the first two digits of a tire?
The last three or four numbers (4 numbers for years after 2000) are when the tire was manufactured. The first two digits of the date code represent the week and the last 1 or 2 digits represent the year.
What does M+S mean on tires?
The M+S (also displayed as M&S or M-S) indicates the tire has all season capabilities. You will find this on almost all all season and winter tires. Summer tires will not have this designation. For a tire to get this designation, it must have a specified tread-to-void ratio, however it does not mean that the tire has passed any actual tests ...
What does the date code mean on a tire?
The first two digits of the date code represent the week and the last 1 or 2 digits represent the year. Maximum Inflation Pressure is the highest inflation pressure that the tire can withstand. This is not, however, the recommended inflation pressure.
