Functions of a Pneumatic Tire

Function

 

How Accomplished

Support Vehicle Load
  • By containing compressed air in a sealed chamber.

  • Higher air pressure supports higher loads.

  • Larger air chamber size support higher loads.

Absorb Shocks from Road Surface
  • Like a spring, with a shock absorbing quality and the ability to reduce unnecessary motion.

  • The more compressed vertically, the more protection provided for the vehicle.

Transmit Traction and Braking Forces to the Road Surface
  • Through the footprint's ability to conforms to road surface irregularities and provided high friction.
Change and Maintain Direction
 of Travel
  • Through the footprint to provide straight-line stability and tractive forces in response to steering input.