| Functions of a Pneumatic Tire |
|
Function |
|
How Accomplished |
| Support
Vehicle Load |
 |
-
By
containing compressed air in a sealed chamber.
-
Higher
air pressure supports higher loads.
-
Larger
air chamber size support higher loads.
|
| Absorb
Shocks from Road Surface |
 |
-
Like a
spring, with a shock absorbing quality and the ability to reduce
unnecessary motion.
-
The
more compressed vertically, the more protection provided for the
vehicle.
|
| Transmit
Traction and Braking Forces to the Road Surface |
 |
- Through the footprint's ability
to conforms to road surface irregularities and provided high
friction.
|
Change
and Maintain Direction
of Travel |
 |
- Through the footprint to provide
straight-line stability and tractive forces in response to
steering input.
|