The automotive tire has a long history. Initially they were solid rubber caps over wooden spoke wheels which were very much like their predecessors on the wagon. As vehicle power and speeds increased, they needed a better tire system because solid rubber made for a rough ride. Early inflatable tires required the use of an inner tube because a method of actually sealing the tire to the rim had not been invented yet. Like everything, car tires and wheels have advanced. Manufacturers designed a tire bead which could grip the rim and maintain a proper seal under high pressure.
The development of the tire has continued and most tire sales in O’Fallon MO are commonly radial types. This means they utilize a body ply cord which extends from the tire’s beads and across the treads, placing the cords at right angles to the treads of the tire. These belts may be steel or cord. The primary advantages of radial tires are better steering control, better tread wear with longer life and decreased rolling resistance. Some people claim the radial tire gives a rougher ride and less traction at low speeds on loose roads.
Automotive tires are identified by type which is usually molded or branded on the sidewall of the tire. These type codes can provide some important information such as intended purpose of the tire, it’s load capacity, it’s dimensions and in some cases, the tire’s high temperature and speed durability ratings. For example, a type of P225/50R16 91S tells the buyer (and seller) the following: P=passenger vehicle, which includes cars, minivans, small pickup trucks and sports utility vehicles. The 225 means the width of the tire is 225 millimeters at it’s widest point when mounted on the specified wheel. The 50 would indicate the tires sidewall aspect ratio. In this case it indicates the sidewall is fifty percent of the tire’s height. The next letter and two digits indicate the tire’s internal construction.
With new tire sales in O’Fallon MO it is critical to match the new tires to the manufacturers suggestions because these are the tires the car was designed to use. Changing the width, sidewall ratios or basic tire size can severely affect the way the vehicle handles during adverse conditions.
