Tire Anatomy
Structure of a Tire
Modern tire technology blends a unique mix of chemistry, physics and engineering to give consumers a high degree of comfort, performance, efficiency, reliability and safety. Many tires are custom-designed to meet the stresses and performance needs specified by the maker of a particular model vehicle.
Every tire is carefully inspected, and random samples are pulled for additional safety tests. As part of these tests, tires are x-rayed, cut apart and examined, run on test wheels, or road-tested to evaluate handling, mileage and traction performance.
If properly cared for, tires can last a long time - usually from 40,000 to 80,000 miles, depending on the application.
TREAD: Provides traction and cornering grip.
BELTS: Stabilize and strengthen the tread
SIDEWALL: Protects the side of the tire from road and curb damage
BODY PLY: Gives the tire strength and flexibility
BEAD: Assures and air-tight fit with the wheel
INNERLINER: Keeps air inside the tire
Source: Rubber Manufacturers Association
Tire Sidewall Information
The sidewall of each tire contains useful information about that specific tire. Everything from the name of the tire to the maximum load and any safety information about the tire. All these specs are molded into the sidewall and can be used as a resource for questions you may have about certain details regarding the tire.
The diagram shows where and what information is listed on the sidewall of a popular "P-metric," speed-rated auto tire. "P" stands for passenger; "215" represents the width of the tire in millimeters; "65" is the aspect ratio or ratio of height to width; "R" means radial; "15" is the nominal rim diameter code; and "95 H" is the optional service description that consists of the load index (95) and the speed symbol (H). Some older speed-rated tires may include the speed symbol immediately before the "R" instead of showing a service description.
A "B" in place of the "R" means the tire is belted bias construction. A "D" in place of the "R" means diagonal bias construction. "M+S" with the mountain/snowflake symbol is the designation that the tire meets the RMA (Rubber Manufacturers Association) definitions for use in severe
snow conditions.
The maximum load is shown in kg (kilograms) and in lbs (pounds), and maximum pressure in kPa (kilopascals) and in psi (pounds per square inch). The DOT requires tire manufacturers to grade passenger car tires based on three performance factors: treadwear, traction and temperature resistance. The sidewall also shows the type of cord and number of plies in the sidewall and under the tread.
The letters "DOT" certify compliance with all applicable safety standards established by the Department of Transportation (DOT). Adjacent to this is a tire identification or serial number. This serial number is a code with up to 12 digits that are a combination of numbers and letters. The last characters are numbers identifying the week and year of manufacture. (Example: "1501" means fifteenth week of the year 2001.)
Tire Performance Ratings
Tire performance and speed ratings were originally developed in Europe as a way to assist high performance vehicle owners when choosing replacement tires to match the speed capabilities of their vehicles. Tire performance and speed ratings should never be associated with the ability of the vehicle to handle the speed for which the tire is rated.
P215/65R16 95 H
Today's tires are marked with letters to indicate their speed rating. In the above example, H is the speed rating. Speed ratings are based on laboratory tests which relate to performance on the road. Tires may be marked with one of these speed symbols, M, N, P, Q, R, S, T, U, H, V, W and Y to identify the particular tire's speed rating. Additionally, the letter Z may appear in the size designation (see chart below).
When a replacement of your tires is required, consult the vehicle manual or tire placard for proper size and speed rating (if required). If the vehicle manual placard specifies speed-rated tires, the replacement tires must have the same or higher speed rating to maintain vehicle speed capability. If tires with different speed ratings are mounted on the same vehicle, the tire or tires with the lowest rating will limit the tire-related vehicle speed.
Tire speed ratings do not imply that vehicles can be safely driven at the maximum speed for which the tire is rated, particularly under adverse road and weather conditions, or if the vehicle has unusual characteristics. Never operate a vehicle in an unsafe or unlawful manner.
*For tires having a maximum speed capability above 149 mph (240 km/h), a "ZR" may appear in the size designation. For tires having a maximum speed capability above 186 mph (300 km/h), a "ZR" must appear in the size designation. Consult the tire manufacturer for maximum speed when there is no Service Description. Example: P275/40R17 93W at 168 mph (270km/h) or P275/40ZR17 at above 149 mph (240 km/h). Consult tire manufacturer.
**A "ZR" may appear in the tire size designation.
NOTE: For "V", "W", or "Y", and tires with a "ZR" rating, a vehicle load adjustment (for speed) is required; consult tire manufacturer.
Source: Rubber Manufacturers Association
Inspection extensions
You can receive an inspection extension if you buy or get a vehicle from an out-of-state source. After you register the vehicle in NYS, you are allowed ten days to complete the vehicle inspection. Any inspection issued to the previous registrant is not valid after you register the vehicle.
If you become a New York state resident
If you become a resident of NYS and register your vehicle in NYS, your out-of-state inspection remains valid. The out-of-state certificate or inspection sticker issued in your name is valid until it expires, or for one year after the vehicle is registered in NYS, whichever comes first. When your out-of-state inspection expires, you must get the vehicle inspected in NYS.
What items does NY State Require be checked for the Safety Inspection?
- Seat Belts
- Brakes
- Steering, Front End, Suspension, Chassis, Frame and Wheel Fasteners
- Tires (Except spare)
- Lights
- Windshield and Other Glass
- Windshield Wipers and Blades
- Horn
- Mirrors
- Fuel Leaks
- Tinted Windows (effective Jan.17)
See full details of the requirements here.
What are the Emissions Inspection requirements?
(Excerpt taken directly from NY State DMV Website)
The 1990 Federal Clean Air Act requires New York State to conduct an inspection program to help reduce harmful emissions from most passenger cars and light-duty trucks. The emissions inspection is done at the same time as the annual safety inspection. Vehicles that fail the emissions inspection may not be able to become registered or, if already registered, the registration may not be renewed.
On-Board Diagnostics Generation II (OBDII) Inspection. Most 1996 or newer gasoline-powered vehicles and most 1997 or newer diesel-powered vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) less than 8,501 pounds are subject to the OBDII emissions inspection. This test examines the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL), also known as the "check engine" light, for operation/illumination, and verifies the test results of the vehicle's "on-board emissions diagnostic" system.
Low Enhanced Inspection. A "Low Enhanced" emissions inspection is required for most other vehicles, unless they are subject to the OBDII test or are exempt from all emissions inspections. This inspection is required for all vehicles from and including model year 1995 and older, through and including vehicles that are up to 25 model years old, and that weigh 18,000 lbs. or less.
Each emissions inspection for gasoline-powered vehicles confirms the presence and connection of the vehicle's required emissions control devices. This includes making sure that the vehicle's gas cap is present, is in good condition, and fits properly.
The following emissions control devices are examined if the vehicle was originally manufactured with them:
- Catalytic converter (CAT)
- Exhaust gas recirculation valve (EGR)
- Positive crankcase ventilation system (PCV)
- Air injection system (AIS)
- Evaporative emissions control (EVAP)
- Fuel inlet restrictor (FIR)
- Thermostatic air cleaner (TAC)
You can help your vehicle pass an OBDII emissions inspection by keeping it properly maintained. If the vehicle's Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL, or "check engine" light) indicates there may be a malfunction or other problem, have the vehicle properly repaired. A well maintained, properly functioning vehicle uses less fuel and creates less exhaust emissions.
Service Available at
- Buffalo, New York
- Blasdell
- Buffalo
- Lancaster
- Niagara Falls
- Clarence/Williamsville
- Amherst
- West Seneca
- Lockport
- Erie, Pennsylvania
- Erie (Peach St)
- Erie (West 12th St)
- Harborcreek
- Rochester, New York
- Batavia
- Brockport
- Greece
- Pittsford
- Gates
- Webster
- Henrietta
- Southern Tier, New York
- Jamestown
- Dunkirk/Fredonia
- Olean
- Syracuse, New York
- Mattydale
- Dewitt
- Camillus
- Auburn
Dunn Tire is an official New York state vehicle inspection station.
All vehicles registered in New York State must get a safety inspection and an emissions inspection every 12 months. See the NY State Inspection Requirements here. Both inspections are also required when the ownership of a vehicle is transferred. (Some vehicles are exempt from emissions inspections.)
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