Radial Tire Structure

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2023 Audi S3, 2023 Audi RS 3, 2023 Audi A3 Quattro, and 2023 Audi A3. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

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

Tread Lug
Tread Groove
Tread
Nylon Ply
Ply Layers, Consists Mostly of Steel
Bead Core, Consists of Steel Wires Vulcanized into Rubber Make Sure Tire is Securely Fitted on the Rim.
Bead Reinforcement
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.