Radial Tires, Construction

The illustration shows a cross section of a radial tire.

Courtesy of AUDI OF AMERICA, LLC

1. Tread Block
2. Tread Groove
3. Tread
4. Nylon Ply
5. Radial Tires

   -- Mostly consist of steel

6. Bead Bundle

   -- Consists of steel wires vulcanized into rubber make sure that secure seating of the tire on the rim

7. Bead Filler
8. Wheel Flange Protection

   -- Protects the rim and tire from abrasion due to, for example, contact with the curb. Wheels with rim protection are identified with the abbreviation MFS

The nylon ply -4-, belt layers -5-, bead bundle -6- and bead filler -7- form the shell. The shell is the load-bearing structure of the tire.