What does rim protection tire mean?
2 Answers
Tire rim protection, as the name suggests, refers to tires with a special design that can protect the rims. The main function of rim-protected tires is to prevent the rims from being scratched, and tires with rim protection also look more aesthetically pleasing. Because rim protection requires the protruding part of the rubber to be more rigid, it also means the sidewall of the tire is stiffer, and the angle formed between the sidewall and the tread tends to be more square, unlike tires without rim protection, where the sidewall appears more rounded. Rim protection can be divided into two categories: 1. Tire rim protection technology: The principle behind tire rim protection technology is to design a protruding ring near the bead area of the tire, using more rigid rubber. When the tire rubs against curbs or other obstacles, the rigid rubber can withstand the impact, protecting the rim from scratches. 2. Installing protective devices on the rim: For example, rim protectors. Careful selection is still required when purchasing and using these to avoid increasing tire wear. There is also a type of rim protection sticker, which falls under this category of products.
I've driven quite a few cars and found that rim protectors on tires are really practical. Simply put, there's an extra rubber protrusion designed on the sidewall of the tire. When the wheel scrapes against curbs or obstacles, this feature makes first contact to cushion the impact, reducing the chance of the wheel rim getting scratched or damaged. This is particularly useful for city parking. I often hit curbs when parking in Beijing, but after switching to tires with this feature, my rims have remained virtually unscathed. Additionally, this design doesn't affect tire performance; on the contrary, it extends the life of the wheel rims. I usually recommend asking the salesperson if this feature is available when buying a car. It's important to maintain proper tire pressure—too low or too high, and the protective effect diminishes. All in all, it's a smart little detail that's great for preventing minor scrapes and bumps, and can save you money on repairs.
