Tires are one of the most important components of any vehicle, yet many people don’t know exactly what they are or how they work. In this Riverstone article, we explain everything you need to know about this essential element for your car’s safety and performance.

What is a tire?

A tire is a circular component mounted on a vehicle’s wheels and designed to work with an inflated rubber tire. Together, the rim and the tire form what we commonly refer to as the vehicle’s “wheel.”

Specifically, the rim (also known as the wheel or alloy) is the central metal part on which the rubber tire is mounted. This structure provides the base for the tire to maintain its shape and support the vehicle’s weight.

Difference between rim and tire

There is some confusion in terminology, especially across Spanish-speaking countries:

• Rim: Technically, the metal or alloy part onto which the tire is mounted. Also called 'wheel' or 'rim.'
• Tire: The rubber covering that holds air and makes contact with the ground.
• Wheel: The complete unit made up of the rim and the tire.

However, in many Latin American countries, the word “llanta” is commonly used to refer to the whole wheel or specifically to the tire.

Components of a Riverstone tire

A quality tire like those offered by Riverstone consists of several elements:

• Tread: The part that comes into contact with the ground, designed with specific patterns for different conditions.
• Shoulders: The outer corners of the tread that help with cornering and maneuverability.
• Sidewalls: The lateral walls that connect the tread to the bead and where the technical information is located.
• Bead: The inner edge that fits tightly against the metal rim to create a seal that retains air.
• Casing: The internal structure that provides strength, usually made of layers of textile fibers.
• Stabilizing belts: Layers between the casing and tread that provide stability and resistance.

Materials used in Riverstone tire manufacturing

Modern tires like those from Riverstone are made from a combination of:

• Natural and synthetic rubber: Provides flexibility and wear resistance.
• Carbon black: Improves durability and protects against UV degradation.
• Silica: In modern tires, it reduces rolling resistance and improves fuel efficiency.
• Oils and resins: Act as plasticizers to aid processing.
• Reinforcing fibers: Such as nylon, rayon, polyester, or steel, which provide structural stability.
• Sulfur compounds: Used in the vulcanization process to harden the rubber.

The importance of tires in vehicle safety

Tires are the only point of contact between your vehicle and the road, making them a critical safety component:

Traction: Riverstone tires are designed to provide the grip needed for accelerating, braking, and maneuvering.

Impact absorption: They help absorb road irregularities, improving comfort.

Stability: They keep the vehicle steady in various road and weather conditions.

Load capacity: Designed to support the weight of the vehicle and its cargo.

Historical evolution of tires

Tires have evolved significantly since their invention:

Wooden wheels: Early vehicles used fully wooden wheels.

Wheels with metal bands: A metal band was added to increase durability.

Solid rubber tires: Introduced some cushioning but remained stiff.

Tube-type tires: The revolution came with inflatable tires with inner tubes.

Radial tires: Introduced in the 1940s, they significantly improved performance. Modern technology: Today’s Riverstone tires feature advanced compounds, computer-designed patterns, and technologies like run-flat (allowing driving after a puncture).

Riverstone tires: Technology and innovation

Riverstone has been at the forefront of tire innovation, incorporating:

• Silica compounds: To improve wet grip without sacrificing fuel efficiency.
• Asymmetric tread designs: That optimize performance in both dry and wet conditions.
• Noise-reduction technology: For a quieter and more comfortable ride.
• Lightweight construction: That helps reduce fuel consumption.