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INTRODUCTION
Tubeless tires or tyres (in some Commonwealth Nations) are pneumatic tires that do not
require a separate inner tube.
Unlike traditional pneumatic tires which use a separate inner tube, tubeless tires have
continuous ribs molded integrally into the bead of the tire so that they are forced by the
pressure of the air inside the tire to seal with the flanges of the metal rim of the wheel.
Tyres are made of vulcanized rubber which is inflated with air to support the vehicle.
Vulcanisation involves curing of the rubber with a curative like sulphur at high
temperatures. This makes the rubber harder, more durable and resistant to chemical
reactions. Tyres grip the ground when the vehicle changes speed or direction. The part of
the tyre which is in contact with the road is known as the contact patch and the friction
between the road and the tyres ensures the car obeys the driver's inputs.
Approx 85% of the car's weight is supported by the air and just 15% is supported by the
tyre, hence maintaining the correct tyre pressure is important. Tyre pressure is not just
important for a safe ride, but also for tyre life, handling, fuel economy and tyres also
minimise the side-to-side movement of the car, which can be felt in trains.

(Tyre diagram showing the various parts)


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Cross ply or bias ply:
Tyres where the fabric cords run from one bead to another at an angle with respect to the center
line of the tyre are called cross ply or bias ply tyres.
Radial Tyres:
Radial tyres don't have belts that cross over each other like cross ply tyres do. Here, parallel plies
radiate from one bead to another. They are softer and offer a more comfortable ride. As the ride
is soft the sidewalls are weak and there is no directional stability, and so stiff belts of steel or
fabric run around the circumference of the tyre between the plies and the tread.
Tube Tyres:
Tube tyres have an inner tube in between the rim and the tyre. It's this tube which has the air
filled in it. When the tyre is punctured, it's the tube which loses air immediately and the tyre goes
flat. This tube is doughnut-shaped and made of rubber. It has a valve which protrudes through a
hole in the rim. To repair a punctured tube, it has be taken off from the tyre and rim completely.
If a nail punctures the tyre tread, then the tube could have multiple punctures as the tube gets
deflated and rotates within the tyre.
Tubeless Tyres:
Tubeless tyres don't have tubes like the tube tyres. The tyre is sealed to the rim, to lock all the air
between the tyre and the rim. If a nail penetrates the tread, the air in the tyre doesn't escape as
quickly as it would in a tube tyre. The air will only rush out when the nail is removed.




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Tyre Markings:

Markings Description
1
Indicates the tyre manufacturer's name or the
model name given by the manufacturer
2
Indicates the size of the tyre, its
characteristics and its speed ratings.
3 Indicates the type of tyre
4
This symbol M&S is used only when Mud
and Snow and such markings are relevant.
5 Maximum tyre pressure
6
Indicates the ECE approval marking and the
number
7 Country of manufacture


Tyre Size details:

185 stands for the tyre's
width in mm from
sidewall to sidewall, or
as viewed from above
65 stands for the
aspect ratio of the
tyre
H is the speed
rating of the
tyre
R is the type of
construction: in this
case, radial type
13 is the
diameter of the
tyre in inches

Load Index:
Load Index (LI) is the maximum amount of load your tyres can carry. This is valid only up to the
speed of 210kph. At 210+kph the load-carrying ability of the tyre reduces.

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The load index is easy to calculate. All you need to do is know the weight of your car and
distribute the weight equally among the tyres. Let us consider an example, if the car weighs
1000kgs, then divide it by 4(4 tyres). So 1000/4= 250kg. So the Load Index of the tyre is 60 (see
table.) It is better to have a tyre with a high load index if you carry a lot of things in your car.
Normally, tyres for cars have a high load index so that even at high speeds they do not undergo
much stress and do not fail or rupture. They will fail theoretically at speeds and loads which
cannot be attained by the car. Most tyres have a load index between 75 and 105.

Tyres are rated with a speed rating alphabet with these ratings indicating the maximum speed up
to which the tyres can survive a ten-minute test without actually undergoing any structural
failure.

(Speed Rating Table)
Speed Symbol Max Speed Cability Km/h Speed Symbol Max Speed Cability Km/h
L 120 S 180
M 130 T 190
N 140 U 200
P 150 H 210
O 160 V 240
R 170 *ZR W 270
Y 300
Z 240+

ZR Notation:

Tyres which have a speed rating of above 240kph may have a ZR notation on them. But the tyres
having a speed rating of above 300kph will possess a ZR notation along with them. If the tyre
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service manual description isn't apparent, then ask a professional to obtain the manufacturer's
recommendation.

Tyre Profile:
Tyre profile is also known as aspect ratio. We have probably heard people talk about low profile
tyres, specially the ones who like performance modifications. If the aspect ratio is 50, then it
means that the sectional height of the tyre (From the rim to the tyre tread) is 50% of the sectional
width of the tyre.

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Types of Tyres:
Performance Tyres:


Performance tyres are designed for sports cars or for people who drive swiftly. These
tyres are softer and have lesser life compared to normal tyres. These tyres are suited for dry
conditions as the treads of these tyres don't dissipate water to the extent that normal tyres do. As
they are softer, they grip better (in dry conditions) and are better at cornering. The best example
of performance tyres are slicks which are used in racing. The slicks have no tread on them. The
contact patch of the tyre with the road is more resulting in better grip. But if these very tyres are
used in wet conditions, they won't be able to pump out the water on a wet road . A Formula 1
slick tyre is very soft and will not last beyond 200-300km.
These tyres grip more at higher speeds and are able to withstand higher temperatures.
Performance tyres are differentiated by high (usually H or higher) speed ratings and low aspect
ratio (profile).


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All Weather Tyres:


All weather tyres are used by manufacturers on most of their cars. These are
the normal tyres found on all cars which are intermediate. There are a compromise between slick
tyres and wet weather tyres. The tread design is also intermediate to let the water through when
driving on a wet road. A performance tyre is softer compared to this tyre and corners better, but
the common man won't feel that difference while cornering. These tyres are harder and have a
long life.

Wet Weather Tyres:

Wet weather tyres are softer than performance tyres. These tyres need to get
up to a certain temperature to grip well. They are the best tyres for rainy weather. The treads are
designed to diffuse maximum amount of water coming in its way between the tyre and the road.

Snow & Mud Tyres:

Snow tyres have a deeper tread and suitable for snowy or icy terrain. The
deep tread is for more grip as other tyres will lose traction on normal roads. These tyres make a
lot of noise due to their tread design and wear out the tyre and the road if driven quickly on dry
surfaces.


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All Terrain Tyres:

A tyre commonly used on SUV's / 4WD vehicles and is designed to provide
good compromise between off-road capabilities and on road manners.


Mud Tyres:

These tyres have extra deep treads which help them grip on a muddy track with
loose mud where the normal tyres loose traction. These tyres cannot be used on normal roads as
the treads and the road will wear out and the tread noise will be excessive.



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TIRE CONSTRUCTION AND NOMENCLATURE
Auto Mechanics Fundamentals, 1974, Martin W. Stockel. The Goodheart-Willcos Company,
Inc., South Holland, Illinois.



Fig. 16-14. All tires must be marked showing maximum load carrying capacity and pressure,
size, load range, ply constructoin and material identification, manufacturer's number and
construction type. (Firestone)

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Fig. 16-11. Typical belted tire construction. This specific tire uses four sidewall plies (bias
arrangement) and two belts beneath tread. (Goodrich)

Fig. 16-15. Tubeless tire construction. Soft rubber liner prevents air leaks into plies. This
particular tire is a four-ply/four-ply rating. Note width in relation to height, indicating a very low
profile design.

Tyre Care/Maintenance
Wheel Alignment:
Wheel alignment is done for proper returnability, less tyre wear, reduce load on suspension and
better handling. The three main parameters of alignment are camber, caster and toe.
Returnability is the ability of the steering the wheels back in a straight line once they are
steered.
Camber is the inclination of the tyres when viewed from front. If the top of the wheel is leaning
inwards then the camber is negative and if it is leaning outwards then the camber is positive.
Tyres used to have positive camber for the highly cambered roads to drain water during rains.
The positive camber is present on the front tyres for them to stay in a straight line when driving
on a straight road. Rear tyres have zero camber.
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Caster is the inclination of the steering pivot in the front or behind direction, to adjust
steerability. If the angle is in front then the caster is positive and if it is behind then its negative
caster. Rear wheel drive cars have positive caster and front wheel drive cars have negative caster.
Caster is there only for front wheels as only the front wheels steer.



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DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TUBE AND TUBELESS TYRE
Tubeless : The inner tube is integral within the tyre, known as Innerliner. The valve is
permanently fixed to the rim. THE ASSEMBLY IS AIRTIGHT.
In case of a puncture, loss of air is very slow, since air can escape only through the
narrow gap made by the penetration of a nail.
Tyre : : Tyre, Tube with Valve and Rim.
Instant air leakage after getting punctured. The air under pressure finds a way between
the tube, tyre and through the rim hole.
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WORKING
There is no tube in a tubeless tyre. The tyre and the rim of the wheel form an airtight
container to seal the air as the tubeless tyre has an inner lining of impermeable halobutyl.
The valve is directly mounted on the rim. If a tubeless tyre gets punctured, air escapes
only through the hole created by the nail, thus giving substantial time between a puncture
and a flat tyre.
Features of the tubeless tires:
The blowouts and high speed air loss are extremely rare which results in better safety and
vehicle in drivers control.
When an object pierces the tyre, there is no tube to burst and the valve does not move out
of the rim hole as it is fixed there. Thus there is no option available for air to escape.
Though there is a some loss of air , the construction of the tyre mostly enables the rubber
to hold the object tight & prevent further air loss.
It is suitable for high speed performance and comfortable driving due to the strengthened
edge construction for better sealing with rim of tyres. Also there is an improved mileage
due to light weight of the tyre compared to tube tyres.
In India, initially SUVs such as the Suzuki Grand Vitara, Chevrolet Forester, Ford
Endeavour and Honda CRV use tubeless tyres.

Today cars such as the Honda Accord, Honda City ,Opel Vectra, the full Mercedes range,
Chevrolet Optra, Honda Civic, and even the higher variants of the Ford Ikon and Toyota
Qualis all use tubeless tyres to the additional features available for driving on the Indian
roads.
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15

DESCRIPTION OF TUBELESS TYERS
Tubeless tyres don't have tubes like the tube tyres. The tyre is sealed to the rim, to lock
all the air between the tyre and the rim. If a nail penetrates the tread, the air in the tyre
doesn't escape as quickly as it would in a tube tyre. The air will only rush out when the
nail is removed.
Tyre Markings:
MarkingsDescription1Indicates the tyre manufacturer's name or the model name given by
the manufacturer2Indicates the size of the tyre, its characteristics and its speed
ratings.3Indicates the type of tyre4This symbol M&S is used only when Mud and Snow
and such markings are relevant.5Maximum tyre pressure6Indicates the ECE approval
marking and the number7Country of manufacture

Tyre Size details:
185 stands for the tyre's width in mm from sidewall to sidewall, or as viewed from above
65 stands for the aspect ratio of the tyre
H is the speed rating of the tyre
R is the type of construction: in this case, radial type

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ADVANTAGES
Better Safety- Less chance to accidents due to sudden air leakage. In case of a puncher, The air
leakage is slower as air can escape only through the point of puncher ; it gives the sufficient time
to driver to control the vehicle.2.Better fuel efficiency- Light weight due to absence of the
tube.3.Less balance weight required- No unbalance due to tube.

DISADVANTAGES
You have heard a lot about tubeless tyres and if you are thinking to make investment,
then read along this post might help you. Tubeless tyres are preferable mostly by
mountain bikers for their traction. These tyres are little thicker on the sidewalls so there
are less chances of punctures. But apart from that there are a lot of disadvantages
associated with tubeless tyres.
Complicated Set up: When you try to setup the tyre its lot more complicated than you can
think off. In most cases the bead is damaged because of the lever. You are also required
to use water and soap to rub the stiff rubber in place.
Costly: The tubeless tyre system is much more costly than the conventional tube tyre
system. As you need to purchase a new set of tyres and also its supporting set of wheels,
the conventional tyres rims have holes you need to replace them. Thus making it costly.
Weight: Tubeless tyres are more heavier as they have more rubber, tread, and thicker
along with the sealant. There is a considerable difference in the weight that can be felt
while starting up.

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CONCLUSION
By using tubeless tyre technology which is invented by engineer Paul Weeks litch field in 1903.
We can reduce friction and heat generation which is developed in conventional tyres between the
tube and inner surface of the tube. By using tubeless tyre technology we can also reduce
unsprung weight and improves dynamic ability. It also reduces rolling resistance cause by
friction in the tube and tyre. Using this technology we can improve fuel efficiency and also
reduces puncture as in tubeless tyre penetration into the tyre are sealed of the rubber is self. As a
result leakage of air does not take place and if it does it is minimal. So tubeless tyre present a
very good case for themselves. They are a welcome foot forward in tyre technology that the
world has accepted decades ago.

TYRE SAFETY
A vehicle's contact with the road is through the tyres. If special care is taken of the tyres, they
won't just improve the handling of the car but they could increase the fuel efficiency.

Tyres are inflated with air and 85% of the weight of the car is supported by the air pressure and
just 15% on the tyres. Therefore, the correct tyre pressure is very important. Other important
factors are the manufacturing date, load rating, air pressure range, speed rating and size.
Manufacturing Date:
Most of the tyres manufactured across the world have a DOT marking on it for the date of the
manufacture of a tyre. For example if it's the 16th week of 2006, it will written 1604 after DOT.
Tyres over five years old should be inspected at a tyre dealer from time to time.
Typical shelf life of tyres is five years.
Load Rating:
The entire weight of the car is taken by the tyres, so the load rating is an important aspect. Load
Rating of a tyre is always mentioned on the tyre. The load rating is always greater than the
maximum possible weight of the car. Hence, load rating shouldn't be much of an issue for the
common man.
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Maximum Air Pressure:
Every tyre has its maximum pressure rating. Never ever increase the pressure of the tyre above
the maximum rating. If the tyre is underinflated, then the tyre will wear out faster. To know what
the optimum pressure for your car is, go through your car manual. There might also be a sticker
on either one of the front doors or on the inside of the fuel filler flap that specifies the correct
pressures.

Fill air when your tyres are cold as the pressure increases if the tyre is hot. So the gauge won't
show the correct pressure. If tyres are unde inflated, the tyre wear is more and more fuel is
consumed by the car. If they are overinflated, then the tyre contact patch is less than ideal,
offering less grip, compromising safety and more pressure is applied on the tyre sidewalls.
Tyre Tread:
Ensure to check your tyre groove depth and replace them with new ones
when tread depth is worn out to 1.6 mm. There are indicators provided in the tread grooves
called "Tread Wear Indicators" or TWI. Replacing your vehicle tyres at or before TWI will help
you in avoiding any unpleasant surprise.

Bulges:


Bulges and swellings on the tyre are an indication that the tyre has internal damage, probably
because of under-inflation or impact, avoid using such tyres until you get them checked.
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Cuts:


Any cuts on the tyre which are deep should be repaired or the tyre should be replaced.
Mixing of different types of tyres:
Mixing of different types of tyres isn't safe. As cross ply tyres have a firmer ride than radials, the
ride will be uneven and grip will be compromised.
Spare Wheel:
Always carry a spare tyre in your car.
Valves:
New valves should be used when replacing a tubeless tyre. Whenever the tyre pressure is being
inspected, watch for leaks from the valve as well.
Wheels and Rims:
The tyres and rims used should have an exact fit, else both the tyre and rim can get damaged.
Tyre Tread Wears:
Sidewall Wear/ Circular Wear:

Sidewall wear happens when the sidewall of the tyre tread comes in contact with the road
surface. This generally happen when the tyres are under-inflated or the driver is too aggressive
over the corners, due to which the sidewalls tend to bend.



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Centre Wear:

Centre wear occurs when the tyres have more air pressure in them. As the tyres are overinflated,
the centre of the tread only comes in contact with the road and hence its more likely to wear out.
To avoid this, keep the tyre pressure under check and fill air upto the maximum pressure as
recommended by the vehicle/tyre manufacturer.




Side Wear/ Rounded Wear / Edge Wear:

Tyres wear near the edges mostly when the tyres are underinflated or the car is overloaded. Keep
the tyre pressure upto the suggested mark and check if there slow leakage of air which could be
causing the tyres to underinflate.



Improper Alignment Wear:
When the tyres aren't aligned properly it results in uneven wear of the tyres. It can easily be
spotted, that the wear on one side is more and wear reduces progressively when you move from
one side to another. Get your wheels aligned to avoid this.
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Irregular Wear:

At times, your tyres wear irregular, at certain spots. The issue is with the vehicle suspension if
this occurs on the rear tyres normally, as the alignment for the rear tyres is done in the plant
during its manufacture and cannot be changed.