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United Tire and Service News

What's The Difference Between Tires and Wheels?

12/27/2021 4:51:00 PM | (4815) View Count | Return
If you're not familiar with automotive terminology, it can be easy to confuse tires and wheels. After all, they are connected and work together to help driverstire rim up close with rims in background control their vehicles. However, tires and wheels are not the same thing. Read on to learn more about the differences between these two integral parts of your driving experience.
 

Are Tires and Wheels The Same Thing?

The terms "tires" and "wheels" may be used interchangeably at times, but they are not the same thing. Wheels are the rims on which tires are affixed. Tires are rubber ovals that are installed on the wheels. The wheels of a car do not actually come into contact with the road, while tires do not ever contact the road's surface.
 

What Are Wheels?

Wheels are metal rims that are connected to the suspension and steering mechanism of the vehicle. They help the car ride smoothly and they are vital for the vehicle's handling.
 

Types of Wheels

There are two main types of wheels: steel wheels and alloy wheels. Steel wheels may be less common than they were in the past, but they are still found on many vehicles. Steel wheels are cheaper than alloy wheels, but many drivers find them to be visually unappealing. This is why steel wheels are often covered with plastic wheel covers. These wheel covers are often designed to mimic the look of alloy wheels.
 
Alloy wheels are found on most new cars on the road today. They are made out of steel alloy, which means that the wheel's material is made up of a mix of steel and another metal. Most drivers find alloy wheels to be more visually appealing, and aftermarket alloy wheels are popular on a variety of cars.  
 

close up of tire treadWhat Are Tires?

Tires are rubber ovals that are designed to protect the wheels and to ensure that the vehicle has enough traction. If the vehicle has enough traction, then the driver will be able to control it easily. Each model of tire is made up of a different mixture of rubber that has varied hardness and temperature-resistant properties.
In addition to the rubber on the outside (the part that contacts the road) and the inside (the part that contacts the wheel), tires have a steel mesh in between the rubber. This makes the tire harder and more durable, which reduces the chances of a blowout.
 

Different Types of Tires

There are many different types of tires as well as tire size. These different tire types are usually categorized by the season the tires should be used in. For example: 
  • All-season tires can be used throughout the year in areas that do not have very cold winters. 
  • Winter tires should be installed during snowy months. 
  • Summer tires should be used in warm and dry conditions, as they will not provide much traction during the winter.
 

Schedule an Appointment at United Tire Today

If you need tires or wheels, you can find a large selection at your local United Tire. We have many different types to ensure that we can meet whatever needs you have. You can also buy tires online through our website. Schedule an appointment today to get a new set of tires from United Tire. 

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Visit United Tire & Service for Quality Tires and Auto Repair Near You

At United Tire & Service, our staff is here to serve customers throughout Pennsylvania. We offer top-quality auto repair services done by expert technicians. From an oil change or brake repair to auto air conditioning repair, muffler repair, engine diagnostics, wheel alignment, car batteries, fleet repair, tire repair, suspension repair and Pennsylvania state vehicle inspections, we do it all. We also stock a wide selection of tires from all the top brands in the industry including Goodyear Tires, Dunlop Tires, Kelly Tires, and many more. Schedule an appointment with us today at one of our locations in Concordville, Downingtown, Emmaus, Feasterville, Phoenixville, Southampton, Paoli, West Chester or Willow Grove, PA. We are your number one source for top quality, affordable auto repair and tires!