What are the types of tires?
2 Answers
Tires can be classified by structure: bias-ply tires and radial tires. They can also be classified by tread patterns: ribbed tread, transverse tread, mixed tread, and off-road tread. Additionally, they can be categorized by vehicle type and size. Tires classified by vehicle type can be divided into 8 categories: PC (passenger car tires), LT (light truck tires), TB (truck and bus tires), AG (agricultural vehicle tires), OTR (off-the-road tires), ID (industrial vehicle tires), AC (aircraft tires), and MC (motorcycle tires). Bias-ply tires have crisscrossed cord layers, characterized by strong tread and sidewall strength, but the sidewalls are relatively stiff, and the cord layers can shift and rub during high-speed driving, making them unsuitable for high-speed use. With continuous improvements in radial tires, bias-ply tires are being phased out. The cord layers of radial tires serve as the basic framework of the tire, with their arrangement direction aligned with the tire's radial cross-section. Since tires endure significant tangential forces during driving, to ensure cord stability, there are additional layers of high-strength, non-stretchable material called the belt or reinforcement layer on the outside. Size classification: Full-size spare tire: A full-size spare tire has the exact same specifications as the other four tires on the vehicle, allowing it to replace any temporarily or permanently unusable tire. Non-full-size spare tire: This type of spare tire has a slightly smaller diameter and width compared to the other four tires, making it suitable only for temporary replacement. It can only be used on non-driving wheels, and the maximum speed should not exceed 80 km/h.
There are many types of tires. After driving for over a decade, I've summarized the common ones: all-season tires are versatile year-round, performing decently in rain and light snow; winter tires feature deep treads and special rubber compounds, offering strong grip and high safety on ice and snow; summer tires are ideal for hot pavement, with good water drainage and stable handling; performance tires are designed for sports cars or fast vehicles, providing responsive acceleration and braking but wearing out quickly with higher fuel consumption; off-road tires like mud-terrain tires excel in harsh terrains. There are also all-terrain tires that strike a balance between on-road and off-road performance. Choosing tires depends on driving habits and weather conditions. Regular checks on tire pressure and wear can extend lifespan and enhance safety. Personally, I prefer all-season tires for their convenience and affordability.