How Many Types of Tires Are There?

[HarleyDella]

Tires can be divided into pneumatic tires and solid tires based on their carcass structure. Depending on their composition, they can be classified into two types: tube tires and tubeless tires. Introduction to Tires: Tires are circular elastic rubber products mounted on various vehicles or machinery to roll on the ground. They are typically installed on metal rims to support the vehicle body, absorb external shocks, ensure contact with the road surface, and maintain driving performance. Functions of Tires: Tires are often used under complex and demanding conditions, enduring various deformations, loads, forces, and extreme temperatures during operation. Therefore, they must possess high load-bearing capacity, traction performance, and shock absorption. Additionally, they need to exhibit high wear resistance, flexibility, and low rolling resistance with minimal heat generation. Half of the world's rubber consumption is used for tire production, highlighting the significant demand for rubber in tire manufacturing.

[DeGabrielle]

There are quite a variety of tire types, and I've changed many tires over the years of driving. The most basic classification is by season: summer tires are suitable for high-temperature weather with harder rubber that provides strong grip on highways; winter tires feature special sipes and tread patterns designed for snow and ice. All-season tires are the most convenient as they don't need changing year-round, though their performance isn't as good as specialized tires. There are also classifications by vehicle type: for example, passenger car tires for family use, SUV tires which are thicker and more wear-resistant, and heavy-duty truck tires that are extra sturdy. Nowadays, some new energy vehicles use low rolling resistance tires to save electricity. By the way, run-flat tires have reinforced sidewalls, allowing you to drive dozens of kilometers after a puncture, which is quite practical. Choosing tires should consider weather, road conditions, and vehicle type. I recommend friends in the north to always keep a set of winter tires.

[MacLeila]

I've worked in auto repair shops for over a decade and have handled many types of tires. Structurally, they mainly fall into two categories: radial tires and bias-ply tires. Nowadays, most family cars use radial tires, which are durable and fuel-efficient. By usage scenario, street tires are the most common, with tread patterns designed for various road conditions; off-road tires have deep and wide treads for excellent water and mud drainage; racing slicks become stickier as temperatures rise, but they're less durable. In recent years, EV-specific tires have gained popularity because electric vehicles are heavier, requiring specially reinforced tire bodies and noise-reduction designs. During repairs, I've also encountered self-sealing tires coated with sealant that automatically patches small punctures. When replacing tires, you need to consider wheel size and speed rating - my SUV, for example, uses 98H-rated all-terrain tires.

[ChloeLee]

The key to choosing tire types lies in usage needs. For daily family commuting, all-season tires are the most convenient, avoiding frequent changes; in cold regions, winter tires are a must, with special rubber compounds that don't harden below freezing. Sports cars are suited for high-performance summer tires, where grip directly enhances cornering limits. Off-road enthusiasts should opt for all-terrain or mud tires, with ultra-deep treads to prevent getting stuck; trucks need to pay attention to load indexes, featuring more steel belt layers than regular tires. Recently, quiet tires have become popular, with sound-deadening foam inside to reduce road noise. I drive long distances weekly and chose a fuel-efficient, low-rolling-resistance tire, saving a significant amount on fuel costs each year.