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Glossary of Wheels and Tires Terminology

Tire related term
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)

Meaning
A Under emergency braking using conventional braking systems the wheels can lock up, making the car un-steerable. ABS systems provide continuous monitoring and control of the braking force and in some circumstances can reduce the braking distance while maintaining full car steer ability. Specialized chemicals designed to retard ozone contamination of rubber preventing premature aging, brittleness and retention of suppleness and pliability. ASR is fitted to vehicles to prevent wheels slipping, spinning on slippery or uneven surfaces. Rubber degrades when exposed to heat, oxygen, ozone, and other elements. The amount of air inside the tire pressing outward on each square inch of tire, which is expressed in pounds per square inch (psi) or kiloPascals (kPa), the metric designation for air pressure. Formulated with virtually impermeable butyl rubber, this material replaces the inner tube in modern, tubeless tires. Check you air pressure monthly, as some air loss occurs over time. When all wheels on the vehicle are adjusted so that they are pointed in the optimum direction relative to the road and each other. Tires that provide a good balance of traction in rain or snow with good tread life and a comfortable, quiet ride. A term for describing the size of a tire (H78-15, for example) where both letters and numbers are used. An extremely dangerous situation where water builds up in front of the tires resulting in the tires losing contact with the road surface. At this point, the vehicle is skimming on the water surface and is completely out of control. Also called hydroplaning. The relationship of a tires sidewall height to its section width.

Anti-ozidant

Anti-slip-control (ASR) Aging Air Pressure

Airtight Synthetic Rubber

Alignment

All-season tires Alphanumeric Aquaplaning

Aspect Ratio

Balance/Imbalance

B The state in which a tire and wheel spin with all their weight distributed equally. To correct an imbalance, a trained mechanic will add weights on the interior or exterior of the

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Bearing

Belt

Belt Wedge

wheel. An anti-friction device that commonly uses balls or rollers held between inner and outer races. Designed to reduce friction between moving parts while providing support for the shaft. Common types of bearings are roller bearings and ball bearings. A rubber-coated layer of cords that is located between the body plies and the tread. Cords are most commonly made from steel but may also be made from fiberglass, rayon, nylon, polyester or other fabrics. A tire component used by most manufacturers to prevent tread separations. A belt wedge is a piece of rubber inserted inside the tire at the belt edges.

Bead

The part of the tire that is made of steel wires. Wrapped or reinforced by ply cords and that is shaped to fit the rim.

Bias ply tire

Bleeding a tire Blowout Braking distance

Camber

A pneumatic tire in which the ply cords that extend to the beads are laid at alternate angles substantially less than 90 degrees to the centerline of the tread. Releasing air to reduce pressure in tire. A bursting of a tire and inner tube., usually associated with a loud popping noise. The distance required for braking depends on the speed of the vehicle, the condition of the road surface and the condition of the tires, in particular the tread. Check the tires tread depth regularly and change your tires when worn down to the "tread wear indicators" located at the bottom of the tread grooves. C A wheels inward or outward tilt from vertical, measured in degrees. The camber angle is adjusted to keep the outside tires flat on the ground during a turn.

Camber Thrust

Carbon Black

Side or lateral force generated when a tire rolls with camber, which can add to or subtract from the side force a tire generates. This is a reinforcing filler which, when incorporated into the tire rubber compound, gives it a high resistance to wear.

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Carcass (Casing)

The tire structure, except tread and sidewall rubber which, when inflated, bears the load.

Carrying Capacity

Caster

At a given air pressure, how much weight each tire is designed to carry. For each tire size, there is a load inflation table to ensure the inflation pressure used is sufficient for the vehicle axle load. The angle between a line drawn vertically through a wheels centerline and the axis around which the wheel is steered; improves a cars directional stability and on-center feel.

Centerline Centrifugal Force

Chains

An imaginary line down the center of the vehicle. Alignment tracking is measured from this line. The sideways acceleration, measured in gs, of an object in curvilinear motion. As a car traverses a curve, centrifugal force acts on it and tries to pull it outward. To counteract this, the tires develop an equal and opposite force acting against the road. Also called lateral force. Even modern winter tires can sometimes not help when there are huge amounts of snow and steep gradients. In these situations traction, lateral control and reliable braking require tire chains

Chunking Comfort Contact Patch

The breaking away of pieces of the tread or sidewall. Indicates the tires ability to minimize road noise, harshness, and vibration as perceived by the vehicle occupants. The area in which the tire is in contact with the road surface. Also called footprint.

Cord Cord separation Cornering Force

Cracking Crown Curb Weight

Cure

Date of Manufacture

The strands forming the plies in the tire. The parting of cords from adjacent rubber compounds. The force on a turning vehicles tires - the tires ability to grip and resist side force - that keeps the vehicle on the desired arc. Any parting within the tread, sidewall, or innerliner of the tire extending to cord material. Section between shoulders of the tires. Weight of a production vehicle with fluid reservoirs (including fuel tank) full and all normal equipment in place, but without driver or passengers. To vulcanize; also time and temperature conditions used to vulcanize a tire. D The date of manufacture of a tire is indicated on the tire's

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sidewall at the end of the DOT serial number.

Deflection Direction of Rotation

Directional Stability

Directional tread Dog Tracking

DOT Markings

The tread and sidewall flexing where the tread comes into contact with the road. On standard tires with symmetrical tread patterns, it does not matter which way the tire is fitted on the rim and in which position it is fitted on the car. Some tire manufacturers have, however, started producing tires with specific directions of rotation in order to improve wet grip and optimize noise generation. The direction of rotation is marked on the side of the tire with an arrow. This side of the tire must be on the outside, and the tire must roll forwards in the direction of the arrow for optimum tire performance. The ability of a vehicle to be driven safely and with confidence in a straight line and at high speed without being affected by pavement irregularities, crosswinds, aerodynamic lifting forces, or other external influences. Tread design in which performance is dependent upon direction of rotation. Track is the width between the outside tread edges of tires on the same axle. Tracking, or more specifically "Dog Tracking", refers to a condition in which the vehicle is out of alignment, and the rear wheels do not follow in the path of the front wheels when the vehicle is traveling in a straight line. Also called tracking. A code molded into the sidewall of a tire signifying that the tire complies with U.S. Department of Transportation motor vehicle safety standards.

Drift Duals

Drift refers to a vehicle deviating from a straight-line path when no steering input is given. Also called pull. Tires placed side by side on an axle to increase both carrying capacity and traction capability; four tires across an axle. Exists when the weight is equally distributed both around its circumference and on either side of its centerline. A tire and wheels assembly that is out of dynamic balance will produce a wobble effect or a shaking from side to side. F Irregular wear in an isolated spot or spots around the tire tread. Flat spotting can also result from abrasion of the tire resulting from brake lock.

Dynamic Balance

Flat spot

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Footprint Fore-and-Aft Weight Transfer

The portion of the tire that makes contact with the surface of the road. Transfer of weight from the front axle to the rear axle (or vice versa) caused by acceleration or braking. Acceleration causes weight transfer from the front axle to the rear axle. Braking causes weight transfer from the rear axle to the front axle. The radius of the tire/wheel assembly that is not deflected under load. The resistance of one material (the tire tread) as it moves against another (the road); this is the force that causes the tire to grip to the road. G A tire which has not been vulcanized or cured. The space between two adjacent tread ribs.

Free Radius Friction

Green Tire Groove

Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)

Hydroplaning

Hysteresis

Imbalance

Inflation Cold tire inflation pressure

Maximum inflation pressure

The maximum weight that can be distributed among the tires on a given axle. The weight of the vehicle and its contents (fluids, passengers, and cargo). The maximum weight allowed for the vehicle and its contents. This value is established by the vehicle manufacturer and can be identified on the vehicle door placard. H Is what happens when tires lose traction as a result of worn or poorly treaded tires that can no longer effectively evacuate water away from the tread. Water accumulates under the tire footprint and creates a thin layer of water between the tire and road surface. The resulting pressure pushes upward, thus lifting the tire away from the road surface and causing it to lose traction. Vehicle speed, tread pattern and water depth all affect hydroplaning. When rubber stretches and compresses, it does not render all the energy applied to it because energy is lost due to internal friction. The mechanical energy is transformed into thermal energy and the heat produced leads to both damage and energy loss. I The condition that exists when a tire's mass is not evenly distributed around the rolling axis and centerline, causing bounce (static imbalance) or shake (dynamic imbalance). The act of putting air into tires. Tire pressure when the vehicle has been parked for three hours or more, or has not been driven more than 1 mile or 1.5 km under that condition. The maximum cold inflated pressure to which a tire may be inflated, shown on the sidewall of the tire.

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Recommended inflation pressure Innerliner Innerliner separation Kilopascal (kPa) Lateral weight transfer

Light truck Loaded radius Load rating Low profile tire

Maximum load rating Load-carrying capacity Loaded section height Load index Lug nut

Cold tire inflation pressure recommended by the car manufacturer. The layer(s) forming the inside surface of a tubeless tire that contains the inflating medium within the tire. The parting of the innerliner from cord material in the carcass. K The metric unit for air pressure. One psi is equal to 6.9 kPa. L When a vehicle travels through a curve, weight is transferred from the wheels on the inside of the curve to the wheels on the outside of the curve. This is a result of the centrifugal force, or lateral force acting on the vehicle. Automotive industry term for smaller trucks, pickups, passenger vans, or SUVs. The measurement in inches from the wheel axle centerline to the ground when the tire is properly inflated for the load. The maximum load that a tire is rated to carry for a given inflation pressure. A tire in which the cross-section has a squat appearance. Low profile refers to the fact that the tire's cross-section height is less than 80% -85% of the section width. The load rating for a tire at the maximum permissible inflation pressure requirements. The height of the section of the tire that is making contact with the road. An assigned number ranging from 0 to 279 that corresponds to the load-carrying capacity of a tire. A lug nut is a fastener, specifically a nut, used to secure a wheel on a vehicle. A lug wrench is the name for a type of socket wrench used to loosen and tighten lug nuts on automobile wheels. In the United Kingdom, this tool is commonly known as a wheel brace or wheel wrench. M All-season rating designation for tires that can perform at certain levels in mud and snow conditions. Meets the Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA) definition of a mud and snow tire. This is the act of putting a tire on a wheel and ensuring that the assembly is balanced. When you purchase new tires, they need to be professionally mounted. N Alignment setting where the tops of the tires are leaning toward the centerline of the vehicle; racers use a negative camber angle for maximum cornering potential. O OE means "Original Equipment" and refers to the tires included with a new vehicle at the time of purchase. The vehicle's manufacturer selects these tires to provide the

Lug wrench

M+S, M/S or M&S

Mounting

Negative camber

OE and OEM

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Offset

Open splice Out-of Round

Outer diameter Overall diameter Overall width

optimal performance based on the performance characteristics of the vehicle. "OEM" stands for "Original Equipment Manufacturer." The distance between the plane of the hub-mounting surface of a wheel to the centerline of the wheel and tire assembly. Almost always measured in millimeters, a wheel offset can be positive, zero or negative. Any parting at any junction of tread, sidewall, or innerliner that extends to cord material. A wheel or tire defect in which the wheel or tire is not perfectly round. This usually results from a mistake or engineering problem in the tire manufacturing process. The overall diameter of an inflated new tire, without any load. The linear distance between the exteriors of the sidewalls of an inflated tire, including elevations due to labeling, decorations, or protective bands or ribs. The tendency for a vehicle, when negotiating a corner, to turn more sharply than the driver intends. The rear end of the vehicle wants to swing toward the outside of a turn. A handling condition in which the slip angles of the rear tires are greater than the slip angles of the front tires. An oversteering car is sometimes said to be loose, because its tail tends to swing wide. P A tire intended for use on passenger cars, multipurpose passenger vehicles, and trucks, that have a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 10,000 lb. or less. An option allowing drivers to customize their vehicles by mounting low-profile tires on wider rims (one or two inches greater in diameter), usually enhancing vehicle appearance, handling, and performance.

Oversteer

Passenger car tire

Plus-sizing

Ply Ply Rating

Ply separation P-metric

Pneumatic tire

A layer of rubber-coating parallel cords. This letter indicates the load carrying capacity of the tire in terms of its construction. A "C" indicates the tire has a 6-ply load carrying capacity. The tire is not actually built with 6 plies, but contains one or two plies of equivalent strength. A "D" is an 8-ply rating, and an "E" is a 10-ply rating. If there is no letter, the tire has a standard 4-ply rating. A parting of rubber compound between adjacent plies. Uniform designation of tire sizes, in metric measurements originally introduced by American tire manufacturers in 1977; commonly called P-metric series. A typical P-metric tire is P205/70R14 93S. A tire designed to be filled with air.

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Positive camber

Positive caster Pressure build up PSI

Pull . Puncture

Radial Ply tire

Recap Replacement tire Retreading

Revolutions Per Mile (RPM)

Ribs

Ride height

Alignment angle that makes the top of the tires farther apart than at the bottom; tires are tilted out from the centerline of the vehicle. Alignment setting when the steering axis is inclined rearward at the top. Increase of air pressure in tire caused by temperature rise of tire. The most common measurement unit for tire pressure that stands for pounds per square inch. PSI is intended to measure the force exerted by the air inside a tire. A condition in which a vehicle swerves to one side without being steered in that direction, as a result of irregular tire wear, improper front and/or rear wheel alignment, or worn or improperly adjusted brakes Any penetration of a tires air chamber by a foreign object, nail, glass, etc. resulting in the loss of air. Such loss can be rapid with the collapse of the inner tube. R A pneumatic tire in which the ply cords that extend to the beads are laid at substantially 90 degrees to the centerline of the tread. Another term for a retreaded tire. Any tire other than those sold as original equipment. Refers to the practice of applying new tread to a used tire casing. Most commonly used on medium and heavy commercial trucks. Also called rpm. Measured number of revolutions for a tire traveling one mile. This can vary with speed, load, and inflation pressure. A pattern of tread features aligned around the circumference of a tire. There are usually multiple ribs across the tread area of a tire. The distance from the ground to a fixed reference point (differs by automaker) on the vehicles body. This dimension can used to measure the amount of suspension travel or the height of the body from the ground. A metal support for a tire or a tire and tube assembly upon which the tire beads are seated.

Rim

Rim diameter (wheel diameter) Rim Drop

Nominal diameter of the bead seat. Also called drop center, a change (drop) in the rim profile between the rim flanges in which the bead area of a tire is placed during the mounting process. This allows the tire to be mounted on the rim. Surface of the rim of the wheel that contacts the side of the tire bead. Rime diameter and width

Rim flange Rim size designation

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Rim type designation Rim width

The industry manufacturers designation for a rim by style or code. Nominal distance between rim flanges.

Rolling circumference

Rolling resistance

Rotation

The linear distance traveled by a tire in one revolution (its circumference). This can vary with load and inflation. Rolling circumference can be calculated as follows: 63,360 divided by revolutions per mile = rolling circumference in inches. The force required to keep a tire moving at a uniform speed. The lower the rolling resistance, the less energy needed to keep a tire moving. The changing of tires from front to rear or from side to side on a vehicle according to a set pattern; provides even treadwear. Rotating your tires on a regular basis (every 6,000-8,000 miles) is a simple way to add miles to their life. See your tire warranty for more information on recommended rotation. Tires that are designed to resist the effects of deflation when punctured, and to enable the vehicle to continue to be driven at reduced speeds and for limited distances The amount a wheel moves in and out, away from its true center as it is rotated. If runout is excessive, the wheel can be seen to wobble as it rotates. S The height of a tire, measured from its rim to its outer tread. The linear distance between the exteriors of the sidewalls of an inflated tire, excluding elevations due to labeling, decoration, or protective bands.

Run Flat Technology . Runout

Section height Section width

Self-aligning torque

Semi-Pneumatic Tires Series Service description

When the tire is cornering, torque created at the road contact patch acts at a point somewhat to the rear of the actual wheel center due to pneumatic trail. This has the same effect as positive caster and tends to force the wheel back to the straight-ahead position. Rubber tires that have a hollow center, but do not use pressurized air for structural support. Tires with the same aspect ratio, or relationship of section height to section width. Numbers and letters molded into the sidewall indicating the load-carrying capacity, load index, and the speed at which the tire can carry a load under specified conditions, or the speed rating. Also known as load index and speed symbol.

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Shimmy

Shock absorber

Wobbling of wheels from side-to-side on a vehicle. Shimmying can be caused by a variety of factors, including improperly balanced tires, poor alignment, and bent wheels. A fluid type cylinder which stops the car from bouncing after the initial shock has been absorbed by the spring. Most cars have four shock absorbers. The area of a tire where the tread and sidewall meet.

Shoulder

Sidewall

That portion of a tire between the tread and bead.

Sidewall separation Singles Sipes

Size Skid Slip

The parting of the rubber compound from the cord material in the side wall. One tire mounted on each side of an axle (two tires per axle). Special slits within a tread block that open as the tire rolls into the contact patch then close, breaking the water tension on the road surface and putting rubber in contact with the road to maintain adhesion, increasing wet and snow traction. The combination of tire width, construction type, aspect ratio, and rim size used in differentiating tires. To slip or slide on the road when tires lose their rolling grip. The difference between the linear speed of the vehicle and the rotational speed of the tire. For example, if a tire is locked and sliding (e.g., not rotating) while the vehicle is still moving, then it is operating at -100% slip. The difference between the direction the wheel is traveling and the direction the vehicle is traveling.

Slip angle

Solid Tires Speed rating

Spider wrench

Rubber tires similar in construction to semi-pneumatic tires, but without a hollow center. An alphabetical code (A-Z) assigned to a tire indicating the range of speeds at which the tire can carry a load under specified service conditions. Spider wrench, is made in the shape of a cross with different sized sockets on each of the four ends. It used to loosen and tighten lug nuts on automobile wheels.

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Sprung weight Stability Staggering Standard load Star pattern

The parts of a car that are supported by its springs, including the frame, engine and body. Situation in which the driver maintains control of the vehicle. A staggered fitment is putting larger wheels on the back of your vehicle than the front of your vehicle. The amount of weight a given size tire can carry at a recommended air pressure. A pattern for tightening the lug nuts when mounting the tire and wheel assembly to the vehicle. This pattern assures uniform pressure, prevents misalignment, and helps keep the wheel centered. Exists when the weight mass is evenly distributed around the axis of rotation. Static imbalance can be detected from vibrations through the seat, floor and steering column. Distance from the wheel axis of rotation to supporting surface at a given load and stated inflation pressure. The combination of steel cords covered with rubber that forms a strip or belt placed under the tread rubber and on top of the casing (carcass); ensures uniformity when the tire is rotating and helps prevent flats. A vehicles reaction to a drivers steering inputs. Also the feedback that drivers get through the steering wheel as they make steering inputs. The entire mechanism that allows the driver to guide and direct the vehicle; includes the steering wheel, steering column, steering gear, linkages, and wheel supports. The various springs, shock absorbers and linkages used to suspend a vehicles frame, body, engine, and drivetrain above its wheels. T Temporary spares are designed to carry the same load as the standard size tire on your vehicle and can be applied to any position. Maintain the proper inflation pressure as shown on the sidewall of the tire, it requires a higher inflation pressure than a standard size tire. An objects resistance to stretching or breaking when placed in tension. Steel belts in a tire are characterized and compared based on their tensile strength. Also called pneumatic tire, a precisely engineered assembly of rubber, chemicals, fabric, and metal, designed to provide traction, cushion road shock and carry a load under varying conditions. Situation where the tread and sidewalls flex at the point where the tread comes in contact with the road. An alphanumeric code molded into the sidewall of the tire that describes the tires size, including width, aspect ratio, rim diameter, load index, and speed rating. Most designations use

Static balance

Static loaded radius Steel belt

Steering response

Steering system

Suspension

Temporary Spare Tires

Tensile Strength

Tire

Tire Deflection Tire Designation

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Tire Mixing

Tire Placard

Tire Pressure Gauge

the P-Metric system. A situation in which tires of various brands, types, or sizes are mixed on a vehicle. This can lead to variations in the vehicles ride and handling characteristics. A metal or paper tag permanently affixed to a vehicle, which indicates the appropriate tire size and inflation pressures for the vehicle. The placard can ordinarily be found on either the drivers doorpost, the glove box lid, or the fuel-filler door. Tool used to properly measure the air pressure in a tire.

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

Tire Rotation

Tire Storage Toe Toe-In Toe-Out Toe-Out Turns

Torque Torsion Bar

Track Traction Tramping Tread Tread Blocks

Tread Buffing

TPMS is an automated system that monitors the air pressure in a vehicle's tires. When air pressure in one or more tires drops 25 percent or more below the correct pressure, a warning alerts the driver. Process of moving wheels and tires from one position on a vehicle to another in order to promote even tire wear and prolong tread life. Tires should be stored in a dry, cool place, away from sunlight and sources of ozone. The difference in distance between the front and rear of a pair of tires mounted on the same axle. The fronts of two tires on the same axle are closer than the rears of the tires. The fronts of two tires on the same axle are further apart than the rears of the tires. Also known as Ackerman Angle. A vehicles wheels on the inside of a turn follow a smaller radius than the tires on the outside of the turn, because the two front wheels steer at different angles when turning. Turning or twisting effort, usually measured in lb-ft or Newton meters. A long, straight bar fastened to the frame at one end and to a suspension part at the other; acts like an uncoiled spring that absorbs energy by twisting. The distance between the outside tread edges of two tires on the same axle. The friction between the tires and the road surface; the amount of grip provided. A state in which a vehicle bounces up and down abnormally. That portion of a tire that comes into contact with the road. Raised rubber compound segments in a tires tread. Blocks of varying sizes, shapes, and designs are typically used for a variety of effects, such as better wet traction, or stronger rock-crawling ability. Scraping rubber off the tread. Also known as shaving.

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Tread Depth

Tread Design Tread Life Tread pattern

Tread rib Tread separation Treadwear indicators (TWI)

The depth of usable tread rubber measured in 32nds of an inch. If a tire comes new with 10/32nds of rubber, you have 8/32nds of usable rubber. Tires must be replaced when the wear bars are visible at 2/32nds. The pattern or layout of grooves, blocks, sipes and other tread elements. The life of a tire before it is pulled from service; mileage. The arrangement of blocks, grooves, sipes, and channels designed into the tread to enhance its grip. Also called the tread design. A tread section running circumferentially around a tire. Pulling away of the tread from the tire carcass. The projections within the principle grooves designed to give a visual indication of the degrees of wear of the tread.

Tread Width Tread void Tube Tubeless Ultra-Low Profile Technology

Underinflation

Understeer

Uni-Directional Tread

The width of a tires tread. Areas in the tread, such as grooves and channels, that permit water to drain away from the footprint. An airtight container placed inside tire casing to hold the compressed air. A tire without a tube. U Specialized sidewall shape, bead area, and bead compound that enhance the durability and mountability of tires with very short sidewalls. Operating a tire without sufficient air pressure to support the weight of the vehicle with occupants and additional load; could cause failure of the tire when heat is generated inside the tire to the point of degeneration of components. The handling characteristic in which the front tires break loose because they are running a larger slip angle than the rear tires. Also known as plowing. Also known as directional tread, this is a tire designed to only rotate in one direction.

Unsprung Weight

UTQGS

The weight of the parts of a vehicle not supported by its springs, including wheels and tires, outboard brake assemblies, the rear axle assembly, suspension members, springs, shock absorbers and anti-roll bars. Also known as Uniform Tire Quality Grading Standards. A government-sponsored tire information system that provides consumers with ratings (from AA to C) for a tires traction and temperature. Treadwear is normally rated from 60 to 700. V

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Valve

Valve Cap

Vertical Bouncing

Viscous Planing

Wander

Wet traction

Wheel Alignment

Wheel Balancing

Wheelbase

A device that lets air in or out of a tire. It is fitted with a valve cap to keep out dirt and moisture, plus a valve core to prevent air from escaping. The valve cap, although small, has a very important job: it protects the sensitive valve internals from dust, dirt and humidity. Without a functional tire valve cap in place, the tires' air will seep out. Vertical bouncing, or static imbalance, exists when the weight is not evenly distributed around the wheels axis of rotation. You can feel this through the floor, seat and steering column. Can occur just after a rain shower wets down a dry road surface. Oil on the road surface migrates to the top of the layer of moisture, and can be very slippery, even when the layer of moisture is very thin. Continuing rain lessens the condition by washing the oil away. W A vehicles tendency to stray or wander from its intended direction of travel as a result of steering abnormalities, worn tires, suspension misalignment, crosswinds, or pavement irregularities. Indicates how efficiently the tire disperses water to combat aquaplaning, and how well it grips wet roads in low-speed driving. Refers to the proper angle settings of suspension components as they relate to the angles of the wheels so they are perpendicular to the ground and parallel to each other so as to help prolong tire life and provide dead straight tracking on straight and level roads. Related terms include camber, caster and toe. Refers to the balancing of a wheel on vertical axis by using lead weights to compensate for uneven weight distribution on a wheel and tire. Out-of-balance wheels can cause a vehicle to vibrate at certain speeds and produce uneven tire wear. The longitudinal distance from the center of the front wheel to the center of the rear wheel on the same side of the vehicle. The physical diameter of a wheel expressed in inches. Whole increments (i.e. 16, 17 or 18) are the most common, however, a few manufacturers offer wheels with diameters of 17.5 inches, though this is rare Small weights attached or secured to the wheel to balance the tire and wheel assembly. The physical width of a wheel measured inside the outer lip of the wheel, usually in 1/2 increments (i.e. 7.5 or 8.5). Z Michelin Zero Pressure tires feature a reinforced sidewall that is designed to support the weight of your car even after a loss of air pressure even with no air in the tire. Michelin Zero Pressure Technology allows you to continue driving up

Wheel Diameter . Wheel weights Wheel Width

Zero Pressure Technology

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Zero toe

to 50 miles at 55 mph, so you dont have to change a tire on the side of a busy highway. Best of all, Zero Pressure Technology has been applied to some of the best-performing Michelin tires. When tires on the same axle are parallel; the fronts and rears of the tires are equidistant. Tire Construction & dimensions

Tire construc on

Tire construc on and dimensions

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Tire dimensions

Rim dimensions

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