Tire Structure

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

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 tire’s interior. Also, rubber with strong anti-inner abrasion features is used to increase the tire’s driving lifespan.

Shoulder (the shoulder of the tire)

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

Sidewall (the side (lateral part) of the tire)

Located between the tire’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 tire, 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 tire 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 tire will not become unfastened from the rim.

Carcass (the framework of the tire)

The carcass is the framework of the tire, the most important part. The carcass refers to all layers made up of tire cord. It absorbs the tire’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 in a bias tire 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 tires. 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 tire’s interior and consists of rubber layer 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.

Tire Pressure

The tire inflation pressure is directly related to safety. Therefore, tire pressure must be checked regularly, and proper maintenance can prolong the lifespan of the tires. Learn about the importance of tire inflation pressure and how to check the pressure of your tires.

Importance of tire Pressure

- Optimum air pressure should be maintained to ensure safety, driving performance, tire life and fuel cost.
- Tires have been known to lose up to one psi in a month (psi : pound per square inch) Therefore, it is important to check all tires, even the spare, at least once a month or before a long trip.

Recommended Interval

Tire pressure should be checked every month.

Checking for Optimum tire Pressure

Laufenn tire recommends you to check your tire pressure once in a month.
The optimum air pressure level for your tire can be found on the inner side of the car door, inside the fuel cap or in the car manual (the location of the sticker can vary according to country).
DO NOT compare your inflation pressure to its maximum pressure marked on the tire’s sidewall.

How to Check tire Pressure

1. Purchase a certified air pressure gauge or take your vehicle to a nearby service center (or gas station) for a check-up.
2. Tires must be checked in a “cold” state (at least three hours after driving).
3. Insert the gauge into the valve.
4. Compare the measured air pressure level with the level listed on the car door.
- If the measured figure is higher, release air until the figure matches what is listed on the car door.
- If the measured figure is lower, insert more air until the figure matches what is listed on the car door.

Maintenance

Tire wear directly affects the driver’s safety and the performance of the vehicle. It is essential for the driver to be well-informed about how to check for tire wear regularly.

Importance of Checking for tire Wear

The deeper the groove, which is on the surface of the tire, the more grip a tire will have. You can prevent danger of unexpected accidents by checking for tire wear on a regular basis.

Recommended Interval Between Check-ups

Laufenn tire recommends that you check for tire wear once each month. Also, make sure to do a check once more after long distance travel.

Checking for tire Wear with tire Tread Wear Indicator

You can check for the depth of the groove by using a tire Tread Depth Gauge or by observing the Tread Wear Indicator on the side of the tire. To ensure optimum safety and performance, tires should be replaced when the tire groove wears below 2mm to 3mm.

Rotation

Periodic rotation prevents uneven wear, prolonging the life of your tires. Learn about the importance of tire rotation and how to rotate them.

The Importance of tire Rotation

Periodic tire rotation helps extend the life of your tires and improve performance level. For your safe driving and saving money, please refer to the rotation method below.

When to Rotate Your tires

In general, it is the best to rotate tires every six months or 10,000km. To change tire position to the other position ensure even wear and long life of tire.

Balance

Tire balance must be checked if there is unexpected vibration or noise from a tire. Learn about the importance of tire balance, which is necessary for a comfort driving experience and when to inspect a balance.

The Importance of tire Balance

Tire balancing is a process of compensating for the weight of the tire and wheel after assembly. If not properly balanced, it increases vibration and cause stress on your vehicle.

When to Inspect for tire Balance

If you feel a vibration from a tire, visit a mechanic where he or she will attach a balancing weight to the exterior or interior of the wheel to counteract centrifugal forces acting on the heavy areas when the wheel is turning.

How to Balance tire and Wheel

To balance the tire and wheel assembly, a balance weight can be used when a certain spot is lighter or heavier than it should be.

Wheel Alignment

To prevent vibration, skidding, noise, and wear, wheel alignment inspection is necessary. Learn about useful information regarding wheel alignment and how to perform an inspection.

The Importance of Wheel Alignment

The purpose of wheel alignment is to adjust front-wheel handling while driving. If wheel alignment is off, tire life is shortened while car and mileage performance also decrease.

When to Check Wheel Alignment

Laufenn tire recommends to inspect wheel alignment every year or for every 20,000km. The inspection is required
- after a car accident.
- after tire replacement.
- when there is uneven wear on a shoulder.
- when the steering wheel is unstable and/or vibrating
- when riding is uncomfortable or fuel efficiency gets worse

Replacement

In order to ensure a safe and comfortable ride, it’s strongly recommended all driver to know when and how to replace tires.

The Importance of tire Replacement

Timely replacement of tire is critical for driver safety and also influences vehicle lifespan and performance.

When to Replace a tire

- In case of severe tire erosion.
- In case repair is impossible due to tire punchure.

How to Replace a tire

In the case of a damaged tire and wheel, professional consultation is recommended. tire replacement should only be done by a trained and highly experienced technician.

Tips for tire Replacement

- It is the best to replace two tires on one axle at the same time.
- Only replacement of one tire of two on the same axle usually causes to unbalance the vehicle.