See how chemistry, physics and engineering come together to provide a safe, comfortable ride. While designs vary by product and manufacturer, an average tire contains well over 100 separate components. Tires can include natural rubber, synthetic rubber, steel, nylon, silica (derived from sand), polyester, carbon black, petroleum, etc. See photos of tire materials here. The combination of ingredients and processes used by different manufacturers leads to different performance characteristics for every tire in the market today.

What Are the Parts of a Tire
Although rubber is the main material used in tires, there are many others. Some tires are composed of as many as 200 different raw materials, which are combined with rubber compounds to create the various components of a tire’s construction. Learn more about the compounds and materials found in tires and tire construction features from the US Tire Manufacturers Association.

Rubber Compounding
Rubber compounding is like mixing a cake recipe. Different ingredients are mixed to produce compounds with specific characteristics. The outside tread compound provides traction and mileage, whereas the rubber located inside the tire adheres to the belt system and provides stability to the tread area. Rubber compounds may differ due to the variety of materials used in the tire.

Tire Components
Materials used by each tire manufacturer are chosen with individualized technology in mind. Each tire component is designed to provide benefits specifically related to its function while still working with the other components. Learn more about how a tire is made from the U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association.