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Tire Terminology

Air Pressure: The amount of air inside the tire pressing outward on each square inch of tire; expressed in pounds per square inch (psi) or kiloPascals (kPa), the metric designation for air pressure.
Alignment: The state in which all wheels on a vehicle are pointed in the optimum direction relative to the road and each other.
All-Season Tires: Tires that are designed for use on dry and wet pavement, and also provide traction in snow and ice.
Alphanumeric: A term for describing the size of a tire in which both letters of the alphabet and numbers are used.
Aramid: A synthetic fabric used in some tires that is (pound-for-pound) stronger than steel.
Aspect Ratio: The relationship of a tire's height to its width.
Balance: The state in which a tire and wheel spin with all their weight distributed equally.
Bead: A round hoop of steel wires, wrapped or reinforced by ply cords, that is shaped to fit the rim; holds the tire onto the rim.
Belted Bias Tire: A pneumatic tire with a body similar to that of bias tires, but which also includes two or more belts under the tread.
Belt: A rubber-coated layer of cords that is located between the plies and the tread. Cords may be made from steel, fiberglass, rayon, nylon, polyester or other fabrics.
Bias Ply Tire: A pneumatic tire in which the plies are laid at alternate angles less than 90 degrees to the center line of the tread. Plies usually run at angles about 30-40 degrees to the center line in a criss-cross fashion.
Carcass: The tire body beneath the tread and sidewalls; also called casing.
Cold Inflation Pressure: The amount of air pressure in a tire, measured in pounds per square inch (psi) before a tire has built up heat from driving.
Cord: The strands of fabric forming the plies or layers of the tire. Cords may be made from fiberglass, rayon, nylon, polyester or steel.
DOT Markings: A code molded into the sidewall of a tire signifying that the tire complies with U.S. Department of Transportation motor vehicle safety standards. The DOT code includes an alphanumeric designator which can also identify the tire's manufacturer, production plant, date of production and brand.
Footprint: That portion of the tread that contacts the road.
Friction: The force between the tires and the road surface which causes the tire to grip the road.
Groove: The space between two adjacent tread ribs; also called tread grooves.
GVW Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW): The weight of the vehicle including passengers, options and all cargo.
Highway Tires: Also called summer tires; designed for wet-and-dry weather driving, but not for use on snow and ice.
Hydroplaning: A skimming effect caused by tires losing contact with a surface covered with water.
Innerliner: The innermost layer of a tubeless tire. The innerliner prevents air from permeating through the tire.
Loaded section height: The height of the section of the tire that is making contact with the road.
Load Index: An assigned number ranging from 0 to 279 that corresponds to the load carrying capacity of a tire.
Maximum Inflation Pressure: The maximum air pressure to which a cold tire may be inflated; found molded onto the sidewall.
Nominal rim diameter: The diameter of a tire rim, given in nearest whole numbers (e.g. 15")
Overall diameter: The diameter of the inflated tire, without any load.
Overall width: the distance between the outside of the two sidewalls, including lettering and designs.
P-Metric: Uniform designation of tire sizes, in metric measurements originally introduced by American tire manufacturers in 1977; commonly called "P-metric series." A typical P-metric tire is P205/70R14 93S.
Plus-Sizing: An option allowing drivers to customize their vehicle by mounting low-profile tires on wider rims of one or two inches greater diameter, usually enhancing vehicle appearance, handling and performance.
Ply: A rubber-coated layer of fabric containing cords that run parallel to each other; extends from bead to bead and goes between the innerliner and belts or tread.
PSI: An abbreviation for pounds per square inch (psi).
Radial Ply Tire: A type of tire with plies arranged so cords in the body run at 90 degree angles to the center line of the tread.
Rim: A metal support for a tubeless tire or a tire and tube assembly upon which the tire beads are seated.
Rim width: Distance between the two opposite inside edges of the rim flanges.
Rolling Resistance: The force required to keep a tire moving at a uniform speed. The lower the rolling resistance, the less energy needed to keep a tire moving.
Rotation: The changing of tires from front to rear or from side-to-side on a vehicle according to a set pattern; provides even treadwear.
Section height: The height of the tire, measured from rim to the outer tread.
Section width: The distance between outside of sidewalls, not including any lettering or designs.
Series: Tires with the same aspect ratio, or relationship of height to width inside the tire.
Shimmy: Wobbling of wheels from side-to-side on a vehicle. Shimmying can be caused by a variety of factors, including improperly balanced tires, poor alignment and bent wheels.
Shoulder: The area of a tire where the tread and sidewall meet.
Sidewall: That portion of a tire between the tread and the bead.
Sipes: Special slits within a tread that increase wet and snow traction.
Size: The combination of tire width, construction type, aspect ratio and rim size used in differentiating tires.
Skid: To slip or slide on the road when tires lose their rolling grip.
Snow Tire: Sometimes called winter tire; a special type of tire with a tread and compound that gives better traction in snow; identified by the M+S, M&S, or M/S on the sidewalls. All-season tires must also include these designations on the sidewall.
Speed Rating: An alphabetical code (A-Z) assigned to a tire indicating the range of speeds at which the tire can carry a load under specified service conditions .
Tire: A precisely engineered assembly of rubber, chemicals, fabric and metal designed to provide traction, cushion road shock and carry a load under varying conditions.
Tire Placard: A metal or paper tag permanently affixed to a vehicle which indicates the appropriate tire size and inflation pressures for the vehicle.
Tramping: A state in which a vehicle bounces up and down abnormally.
Tread: That portion of a tire that comes into contact with the road. It is distinguished by the design of its ribs and grooves.
Tread Rib: The tread section that runs around the circumference of the tire, separated by the tread grooves.
Treadwear Indicator: Narrow bands, sometimes called "wear bars," that appear across the tread of the tire when only 2/32 inch of tread remains.
Tread width: The width of a tire's tread.
Traction: The friction between the tires and the road surface; the amount of grip provided.
UTQGS: (Uniform Tire Quality Grading Standards)
A tire information system that provides consumers with ratings (from A to C) for a tire's traction and temperature. Treadwear is normally rated from 60 to 620. Ratings are determined by tire manufacturers using government-prescribed test procedures, and are molded into the sidewall of the tire.
Valve: A device that lets air in or out of a tire. Fitted with a valve cap to keep out dirt and moisture and a valve core to prevent air from escaping.
Wear Bars: See Treadwear Indicator.

Overstock Tires

We have an overstock special happening now on tires. Please call with any questions regarding overstock. Thank you!

MICHELIN® Tires BFGoodrich® Tires Uniroyal® Tires Continental Tires Bridgestone Tires Firestone Tires General Tires Dunlop Tires Fuzion Tires Goodyear Tires Hankook Tires Hercules Tires Pirelli Tires Toyo Tires Kumho Tires

Hogan Tire & Auto - Since 1915

Hogan Tire & Auto was founded in 1915, just as the automobile was born. With thousands of tires in each location, state of the art equipment, and certified tire technicians, we are committed to continue our tradition of providing truly superior products, service, and value. Carrying the latest in name brands like MICHELIN® tires, we're sure to have the perfect set of tires for you. Please don’t hesitate to contact us for any assistance you may need. We’re here to help!

Ed, Tom, and Bill Hogan

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