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Grooves
Channels for water evacuation between tread and road
surface.
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Ribs
Circumferential bands of tread rubber between
grooves for continuous road contact and traction, may be enhanced with
sipes.
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Tread
Contact area with road surface using various
compound strategies like maximizing grip or mileage.
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Shoulder
Transition element between tread and sidewall for
traction during cornering and maneuvering.
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Belts
Woven steel cord mesh for rigidity of tread rubber
to reduce tread squirm and increase tread life.
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Undertread
Compounded for high heat resistance to increase
high-speed durability and sometimes fuel economy.
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Inner
Liner
Special rubber compound highly impervious to air
migration for maintaining air pressure without leaking.
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Body
Plies
Either fabric cord (passenger and lgi8th truck
tires) or steel cord (mainly truck tires) for structural strength of air
chamber.
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Bead
Cable
Rigid cable serving as an anchor around which body
plies are wrapped and which secures tire to rim flange area.
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Bead
Apex/Filler
Special hard rubber compound extending up into sidewall
to increase flexing around bead cable and enhance stiffness of lower
sidewall for improved handling.
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Bead
Chafer
Layer of fabric material protecting bead area from
rim chafing and mounting damage.