Tire Shop Near Me – Romeoville, IL

Structure of a Tire

A lot of technology and engineering actually goes into your tires, much more than you might imagine at first. Let us take a moment today to have a look at the basic design of the tires you will find at the tire shop near you. With each of these parts of your tires, we will also look at what they are made of.

Your tires will typically consist of:

• Innerliner – This is the inner-most part of your tire and consists of a rubber compound. It is used to make sure your tires stay inflated and it does not come into contact directly with the road – at least it should not.
• Ply – Numerous body plies are laid over the innerliner and provide strength and structure for the tire. The plies are typically made of fiber cords woven together and coated in rubber.
• Belt – Steel belts are placed over the plies to add more strength to your tires, below where the tread will be. These help take abuse and provide greater stability while you are driving. Kevlar cords can also be used to add more strength if desired.
• Sidewall – This is the part of the tire between the tread that creates the surface of your tires and the beads that fit onto your car’s wheels. The sidewall is made of rubber compound and is where you will find information about your tire, such as its type, date of manufacture, and weight limit.
• Beads – The bead is the inner part of your tire that creates a seal when placed onto your wheels. It is typically made of steel that is coated in rubber to ensure a strong seal and good durability.
• Shoulder – This is a small part of the tire located where the tread and sidewall come together, which helps to make cornering smoother and keep you in control.
• Tread – The tread is the flat surface of your tire that comes directly into contact with the road while you are driving. It is made from a rubber compound and includes grooves to help disperse rain and snow, allowing your tire to maintain grip while you drive.

There are a lot of different rubbers and synthetic polymers that go into your tires, along with fillers and curing agents. But all of it comes together to make a strong, reliable tire that is designed to keep you safe on the road.

Different Types of Tires

Although there are numerous types of tires for you to choose from at the tire shop near you, some of the most common include:

• All-Season – These are good all around tires designed for use in any kind of weather. If you drive during winter and summer, in storms and nice weather, then this is a good choice.
• Performance – These tires are designed for speed and performance, with some decent wet traction. If you have a sports car or similar vehicle, then you probably want them.
• Summer – Specifically made for summer weather, these tires are good at handling heat, and offer a good ride in sunshine or wet conditions. They are not good for snow or very cold weather, but make for a good option in warm climates.
• All-Terrain – These tires are typically used for going off-road. As the name suggests, they are designed to handle all different kinds of terrain, with wide grooves that can help maintain traction in mud and sand.
• Winter – Specifically made for winter weather, these tires are good at dealing with snow and slush. You will find studded versions of them available that offer decent traction even on ice, but they are not allowed in all areas.

If you are not sure which type of tire you need for your vehicle, then we are happy to help.

When is it Time to Replace my Tires?

There are a couple of ways to know when it is time for new tires on your Toyota. For one thing, get into the habit of looking at your tires regularly and inspecting them for punctures, excessive wearing, or other damage. If your tires are damaged in any visible way, then it is time to replace them.

You should also check the tread on your tires every so often to make sure it is still in good shape and deep enough. Use a penny or quarter and insert it into the tread with the President’s head facing down toward the tire. If you cannot see the top of his head, then your tread is still deep enough. If you can see the top of the President’s head, then your tread is getting worn. Using a quarter gives you more time to replace your tires; if you use a penny and see the top of Lincoln’s head, then you need to replace your tires as soon as possible.

Finally, the rubber in your tires will break down over time, through no fault of your own. Even if you treat your tires well and drive carefully – even if you do not drive at all and have a car with tires on it sitting in a garage for years, the rubber will still break down. After five years, really keep an eye on the condition of your tires. If your tires are 10 years old or older, then you need to replace them right away.

Why do I Need to Replace my Tires?

As the rubber wears down or is damaged through daily use, your tires become less safe to drive on. Just by driving your vehicle, you place a lot of weight and strain on your tires. Any damage or excessive wear to them weakens your tires and creates the very real possibility of a blowout while you are driving. Even if nothing quite that disastrous occurs, tires that are worn offer a less pleasant ride and can negatively impact the fuel efficiency of your vehicle.

Romeoville Toyota is Here for You