Tyre structure

Tread, shoulder, sidewall, bead, carcass, belt, inner liner, and other components are structurally connected to complete the scientific structure of a tyre.

Tread (the part that has direct contact with the road surface)

The tread consists of a thick layer of rubber which comes into direct contact with the road surface. It is highly resistant to fracture and shock in order to protect the carcass and belt located in the tyre’s interior. Also, rubber with strong anti-inner abrasion features is used to increase the tyre’s driving lifespan.

Shoulder (the shoulder of the tyre)

Located between the tread and sidewall, the shoulder is the thickest part in a tyre. Because of this, the shoulder is designed to quickly and easily dissipate heat that accumulates inside the tyre while driving.

Sidewall (the side of the tyre)

Located between the tyre’s shoulder and bead, the sidewall protects the carcass on the inside and provides a comfortable riding experience due to its flexibility during driving. Also, the type of tyre, size, structure, tread pattern, manufacturer, brand name and other detailed information are marked on the sidewall.

Bead (the part that is in contact with the rim)

The bead wraps around the end of the cord and fixes the tyre to the rim. It is made up of various parts including the bead wire, core, rubber and flipper. In general, the rim is slightly tightened so in the case of sudden reduction of air pressure while driving, the tyre will not become unfastened from the rim.

Carcass (the framework of the tyre)

The carcass is the framework of the tyre, the most important part. The carcass refers to all layers made up of tyre cord. It absorbs the tyre’s internal air pressure, weight and shock.

Breaker or belt (the layer in between the tread and carcass)

The breaker is a cord layer placed in between the tread and carcass to protect the carcass. It absorbs external shock and prevents splintering or injury to the tread from coming into direct contact with the carcass. At the same time, the breaker prevents the separation of the rubber layer and carcass. The belt is a strong reinforcement layer located in the circumference in between the tread and carcass in radial tyres. The belt’s functions are similar to those of the breaker but it also reinforces the strength of the tread by firmly tightening the carcass.

Inner liner

The inner liner substitutes for the tube in the tyre’s interior and consists of rubber layers with low air permeability. The rubber layer generally consists of butyl, synthetic rubber or polyisoprene type. The main function of the inner liner is to hold high-pressure air inside.

Tyre sidewall

A tyre’s sidewall protects the carcass on the inside and provides a comfortable riding experience due to its flexibility during cornering. Also, the type of tyre, size, structure, tread pattern, manufacturer, brand name, and other detailed information are marked on the sidewall.

DOT (Department of transportation)

Tyre size

Tyre size notation is dependent on vehicle type but primarily consists of symbols and numbers denoting tyre width, aspect ratio, diameter, load index and speed symbol that indicate tyre performance.

Safety warning

This indicates important information related to tyre use.

Place of origin

This indicates the region where the tyre was manufactured.

Size & specs

The selection criteria for tyres change depending on the type of vehicle you own and your style of driving. For a pleasurable driving experience, it is important to take these factors into consideration when selecting an appropriate Laufenn tyre product.

Tyre section width

Distance (mm) in a straight line between the sidewalls fitting to rim with standard air pressure and without loads.

Tyre section height

Half of the distance which is the difference between the tyre’s outer diameter and rim diameter.

Aspect ratio

The ratio of section height to section width.
*Aspect ratio = (Height) / (Width) X 100

Rim diameter

The distance between the rim bases in contact with the rim flange (almost identical to the tyre’s interior diameter).

Tyre overall diameter

Outer diameter of tyre fitting to rim with standard air pressure and without loads.

Load & speed

The symbol that shows a tyre's performance level consists of two parts: tyre performance is marked by load index (LI) and speed symbol (SS). LI refers to the maximum load that one tyre can support, and SS refers to the maximum speed that a tyre can handle.

Load index

Load index is a numerical code stipulating the maximum load each tyre can carry. For example, if the load index is 100, it means that a tyre can carry a load up to 800kg.

Speed symbol

Speed symbol indicates the maximum speed at which the weight (with the exception of weight when speed is equal to or exceeds 210 km/h) designated by the manufacturing company can be supported by the tyre.