Radial Ply Tire Structure

The cross section of a ply tire is shown in the image.

Fig 1: Cross-Section Of A Radial Tire

Courtesy of AUDI OF AMERICA, LLC

1. Tread Lug
2. Tread Groove
3. Tread
4. Nylon Ply
5. Ply layers, consists mostly of steel
6. Bead core, consists of steel wires vulcanized into rubber Make sure tire is securely fitted on the rim.
7. Bead Reinforcement
8. Rim flange protection, protects the rim and tire from abrasion due to, for example, contact with the curb. Tires with rim protection are identified by the abbreviation MFS.

The nylon ply -4-, belt layers -5-, bead cores -6- and bead reinforcements -7- make up the shell. The shell is the >>load-bearing structure<< of the tire.