TREAD
The part of a tyre that comes into contact with the ground. It provides traction and grip under various conditions, and is designed to withstand high forces as well as wear, abrasion, and heat.
RIM DIAMETER
The diameter of the wheel rim expressed in inches (1 inch = 2.54 cm).
CONTACT PATCH
The area of the tyre that touches the ground.
SHOULDER
The outer edge of the tread.
BALANCING
The optimal distribution of weight across the wheel assembly. Balancing is performed by professionals using specialised equipment.
TYRE PRESSURE LABEL
A metal or paper label permanently attached to a vehicle, indicating the tyre size and recommended inflation pressures for the vehicle. This label is usually found on the driver’s door pillar, inside the glove compartment, or on the fuel filler flap.
RIM
The part of the wheel on which a tyre is mounted and which attaches to the vehicle.
SIPES
Small cuts in the tread blocks of a tyre. Sipes help to break the water film on the road surface, improving safety on wet roads. They also enhance traction and stability on snowy surfaces.
CAMBER
The angle formed between the plane of the wheel rotation and the vehicle’s axis. It also refers to the act of fitting a tyre onto a rim. When purchasing new tyres, they should be fitted by a professional.
WHEEL ALIGNMENT
To keep wheels parallel during driving, manufacturers provide a setting at rest for toe-in or toe-out adjustment.
TYRE ROTATION
Swapping tyres between front and rear or from one side to the other according to a defined pattern. This helps to ensure even tyre wear. Regular rotation is a simple way to extend the life of your tyres.
ROLLING RESISTANCE
The force required to keep a tyre moving at a constant speed. Lower rolling resistance means the tyre consumes less energy, and therefore less fuel.
UNDERSTEER
A condition in which the front wheels lose more grip than the rear wheels, causing the vehicle to tend to go straight when cornering.
OVERSTEER
A tendency of the vehicle to turn more sharply than the driver intends when cornering. The rear of the vehicle tends to swing outward in the turn.
SUSPENSION
The springs, shock absorbers, and suspension components that support the chassis, body, engine, and transmission above the wheels.
BEAD
The part of the tyre that rests on the rim, providing a seal for the assembly (in the case of a tubeless tyre).
PULL
A condition in which a vehicle drifts to one side without being steered intentionally, caused by tyre wear, incorrect wheel alignment, or worn or improperly adjusted brakes.
TRACTION
The grip of the tyres on the road; the level of adhesion provided.
VALVE
A device that allows air to enter or exit a tyre. It is fitted with a cap to prevent dirt and moisture from entering.
The part of a tyre that comes into contact with the ground. It provides traction and grip under various conditions, and is designed to withstand high forces as well as wear, abrasion, and heat.
RIM DIAMETER
The diameter of the wheel rim expressed in inches (1 inch = 2.54 cm).
CONTACT PATCH
The area of the tyre that touches the ground.
SHOULDER
The outer edge of the tread.
BALANCING
The optimal distribution of weight across the wheel assembly. Balancing is performed by professionals using specialised equipment.
TYRE PRESSURE LABEL
A metal or paper label permanently attached to a vehicle, indicating the tyre size and recommended inflation pressures for the vehicle. This label is usually found on the driver’s door pillar, inside the glove compartment, or on the fuel filler flap.
RIM
The part of the wheel on which a tyre is mounted and which attaches to the vehicle.
SIPES
Small cuts in the tread blocks of a tyre. Sipes help to break the water film on the road surface, improving safety on wet roads. They also enhance traction and stability on snowy surfaces.
CAMBER
The angle formed between the plane of the wheel rotation and the vehicle’s axis. It also refers to the act of fitting a tyre onto a rim. When purchasing new tyres, they should be fitted by a professional.
WHEEL ALIGNMENT
To keep wheels parallel during driving, manufacturers provide a setting at rest for toe-in or toe-out adjustment.
TYRE ROTATION
Swapping tyres between front and rear or from one side to the other according to a defined pattern. This helps to ensure even tyre wear. Regular rotation is a simple way to extend the life of your tyres.
ROLLING RESISTANCE
The force required to keep a tyre moving at a constant speed. Lower rolling resistance means the tyre consumes less energy, and therefore less fuel.
UNDERSTEER
A condition in which the front wheels lose more grip than the rear wheels, causing the vehicle to tend to go straight when cornering.
OVERSTEER
A tendency of the vehicle to turn more sharply than the driver intends when cornering. The rear of the vehicle tends to swing outward in the turn.
SUSPENSION
The springs, shock absorbers, and suspension components that support the chassis, body, engine, and transmission above the wheels.
BEAD
The part of the tyre that rests on the rim, providing a seal for the assembly (in the case of a tubeless tyre).
PULL
A condition in which a vehicle drifts to one side without being steered intentionally, caused by tyre wear, incorrect wheel alignment, or worn or improperly adjusted brakes.
TRACTION
The grip of the tyres on the road; the level of adhesion provided.
VALVE
A device that allows air to enter or exit a tyre. It is fitted with a cap to prevent dirt and moisture from entering.