Wheels vs. Tires
Many people confuse wheels and tires. While many use one term when referring to the other, they are not interchangable terms; there is a difference in the two. The only real similarity in the two is that they both are components of a vehicle that help it move.
What Are Tires?
- Made of a rubber, fiberglass and nylon mixture
- Round in shape and are filled with air
- Sit on the vehicle and are what makes contact with the road, while moving or sitting still
- Mount onto the wheel
What Are Wheels?
- Made of steel, alloy or carbon fiber
- Mount to the vehicle's hub with bolts, via the vehicle's axle
- Do not come in contact with the road
- Part of vehicle that tires mount to
Differences In Wheels And Tires
- Wheels do not come in contact with the road, but tires do.
- Wheels do not wear out, but can become damaged. But, tires do wear out from age, miles driven and the condition of the road.
- Wheels are made of a metal, like steel, alloy or carbon fiber. Tires are made of a rubber, fiberglass and nylon mixture.
Important Information
- Both the wheel and the tire need to be the same size in diameter, in order for the tire to mount to the wheel.
- Wheels can be changed if a person wishes to have a different size or style of wheel on the vehicle.
- It is important to keep the correct air pressure in each tire. This prevents them from wearing incorrectly, too soon or blowing out.