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What's Inside a Tire?

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Modern tire technology blends a unique mix of chemistry, physics and engineering to give consumers a high degree of comfort, performance, efficiency, reliability and safety. Many tires are custom-designed to meet the stresses and performance needs specified by the maker of a particular model vehicle.

Every tire is carefully inspected, and random samples are pulled for additional safety tests. As part of these tests, tires are x-rayed, cut apart and examined, run on test wheels, or road-tested to evaluate handling, mileage and traction performance.

If properly cared for, tires can last a long time - usually from 40,000 to 80,000 miles, depending on the application.

TREAD: Provides traction and cornering grip
BELTS: Stabilize and strengthen the tread
SIDEWALL: Protects the side of the tire from road and curb damage
BODY PLY: Gives the tire strength and flexibility
BEAD: Assures an air-tight fit with the wheel
INNERLINER: Keeps air inside the tire

Source: Rubber Manufacturers Association