Basic Structure | |
Tire Markings | |
< Conventional Radial Construction > |
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Tire Terminology | |
1. Apex strip: A triangular piece of stiff rubber which is fitted onto the bead core to taper the rigid bead into the flexible body plies in the sidewall. 2. Aramid cord protector: The tire is constructed with an aramid ply insert between the tread and the top belt to prevent damage to the tire belts. 3. Bead heel: Outer edge of the bead. 4. Bead toe: Inner edge of the bead. 5. Belt plies: Angled belt plies which serve to add strength to the tire especially in the tread area. 6. Chafer strip: Protective layer of rubber and fabric which prevents chafing between cord body plies and the wheel. 7. Carcass plies: Layers of rubber-coated fabric plies which have the cords running radially from bead to bead. These provide the tire with strength in the sidewall area. 8. Innerliner: A sheet of low permeable rubber laminated to the inside of the first casing ply of a tubeless tire to insure retention of air when tire is inflated. 9. Ply turn-ups: The turned-up ends of plies around the bead. Other plies lock the ends into place. 10. Rim line: A line provided near the beads to allow inspection of how the tire fits with the rim. 11. Sidewall: The side area of the tire located between the shoulder and the beads. Composed of rubber, it protects the carcass from damage. 12. Tread: The functions of the radial tread are the same as those defined for the bias tire. 13. Undertread: A rubber layer provided for use in retreading the tire and which provides adhesion of tread to the tire carcass. Bridgestone makes this rubber layer thick enough to ensure a high number of retreads. 14. Wire beads: Two wire bundles (one for each bead) which help to maintain the shape of the tire and anchor it securely to the rim. 15. Venting hole: The hole through which gas is vented from inside the carcass plies. * Balance marker A balance marker, consisting of a red dot, is affixed on the sidewall of the tire immediately above the bead to indicate the lightweight point of the tire. > Basic Structure - Revolutionarily Reinforced Radial |