What is the disc inside the tire?
2 Answers
The disc inside the tire is the brake disc. Here are the specific functions of automotive tires: 1. Support the entire weight of the vehicle: Bear the vehicle load and transmit forces and moments in other directions. 2. Transmit traction and braking torque: Ensure good adhesion between the wheels and the road surface to improve the vehicle's power performance, braking performance, and off-road capability. Together with the vehicle suspension, they cushion the impact experienced during driving and dampen the resulting vibrations. 3. Prevent damage to vehicle components: Protect automotive parts from severe vibrations and premature damage, adapt to high-speed performance requirements, reduce driving noise, and ensure driving safety, handling stability, comfort, and fuel economy.
I remember the first time I took apart a tire, I was fascinated by the disc structure inside. Actually, that disc inside the tire is the wheel hub, which is like a large, sturdy disc firmly fixed to the axle, mainly responsible for supporting the entire vehicle's weight and transmitting driving force. Wheel hubs are typically made of metal materials, such as steel or aluminum alloy, to ensure stable tire rotation at high speeds. It is closely connected to the braking system, and if the hub is worn or deformed, it may affect braking performance, such as causing strange noises or reducing grip. Usually, what we see covering the hub on the roadside is the hubcap, which is just a decorative plastic cover to prevent dust from entering the core components. But the hub itself is more important—if it has issues, it could lead to uneven tire wear at best or affect driving safety at worst. I recommend regularly checking the condition of the wheel hub, especially before long trips or during car washes, to look for cracks, rust, or looseness. If any problems are found, take it to a professional repair shop immediately to avoid more complex faults. Actually, the design of wheel hubs is quite interesting—they vary in size for different car models, and some sport versions even have cooling holes to help dissipate heat. Remember, taking good care of it will help your car run farther and more steadily.