WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TYRE & WHEEL?

The terms “tyre” and “wheel” are often used interchangeably, but they refer to different components of a vehicle’s structure:

  • Tyre

    A tyre is a rubber covering, typically filled with compressed air, that fits around a wheel’s rim. Its main purpose is to provide traction, absorb shocks, and support the vehicle’s load. Tyres come in various sizes, designs, and compositions depending on the intended use and vehicle type.

  • Wheel

    The wheel is the metal or alloy structure that the tyre fits onto. It is the circular component that rotates and attaches to the vehicle’s axle. The wheel provides the structure and support for the tyre and ultimately allows the vehicle to move.

  • Difference between tyre and wheel

    • A tyre is a rubber covering that fits around a wheel’s rim. It provides traction, absorbs shocks, and supports the vehicle’s load.
    • The wheel is the metal or alloy structure to which the tyre is mounted. It attaches to the vehicle’s axle and provides the structure and support for the tyre.

  • Difference between tyre and wheel in respect to advantage and disadvantage

    • Tyre Advantages

      Provides traction, absorbs shocks, can be replaced individually.

    • Tyre Disadvantages

      Subject to wear and tear, susceptible to punctures.

    • Wheel Advantages

      Provides structural support, durable.

    • Wheel Disadvantages

      Limited customization, damage can affect vehicle performance.

Types of Tyres

  • Summer Tyres

    Designed for use in warmer temperatures, providing good grip on dry and wet roads.

  • Winter Tyres

    Made with a softer rubber compound and tread pattern to improve traction in cold, snowy, and icy conditions.

  • All-Season Tyres

    A compromise between summer and winter tyres, offering adequate performance in various weather conditions.

  • Off-road Tyres

    Built for use on rough terrain, with aggressive tread patterns and reinforced sidewalls for durability.

  • Performance Tyres

    Designed for high-speed driving, with enhanced grip and handling characteristics.

  • Run-flat Tyres

    Engineered to enable driving for a limited distance even after a puncture or loss of air pressure.

Tyre Specifications

  • Size

    Specified by width, aspect ratio, and diameter (e.g., 205/55 R16).

  • Load Index

    Indicates the maximum weight a tyre can support.

  • Speed Rating

    Specifies the maximum speed at which the tyre can safely operate.

  • Tread Pattern

    Determines the tyre’s performance characteristics, including traction, handling, and noise level.