Tire bead
Encyclopedia
Tire bead is the term for the edge of a tire
that sits on the wheel
. Wheels for automobile
s, bicycle
s, etc. are made with a small slot or groove for the tire bead to sit in. When the tire is properly inflated the air pressure within the tire keeps the bead in this groove. When putting a new tire on a wheel, there is the problem of sealing or setting the bead: the tire will not inflate if the incoming air can escape. Some people spray starter fluid or WD40 into the tire and then light it to set the bead.
It is common amongst drivers of off-road vehicle
s to decrease the air pressure in their tires. This makes the tread of the tire spread out, creating more surface area for the tire's tread to grip the terrain. If the pressure is too low there may not be enough pressure to keep the bead on the wheel thus causing the bead to pop off the wheel. This is often referred to as "losing a bead". Beadlock
s, which clamp the bead on the wheel, are often used in this case.
Often, the bead can become frozen to the rim after rusting occurs, requiring the use of a bead breaker
.
Tire
A tire or tyre is a ring-shaped covering that fits around a wheel rim to protect it and enable better vehicle performance by providing a flexible cushion that absorbs shock while keeping the wheel in close contact with the ground...
that sits on the wheel
Wheel
A wheel is a device that allows heavy objects to be moved easily through rotating on an axle through its center, facilitating movement or transportation while supporting a load, or performing labor in machines. Common examples found in transport applications. A wheel, together with an axle,...
. Wheels for automobile
Automobile
An automobile, autocar, motor car or car is a wheeled motor vehicle used for transporting passengers, which also carries its own engine or motor...
s, bicycle
Bicycle
A bicycle, also known as a bike, pushbike or cycle, is a human-powered, pedal-driven, single-track vehicle, having two wheels attached to a frame, one behind the other. A person who rides a bicycle is called a cyclist, or bicyclist....
s, etc. are made with a small slot or groove for the tire bead to sit in. When the tire is properly inflated the air pressure within the tire keeps the bead in this groove. When putting a new tire on a wheel, there is the problem of sealing or setting the bead: the tire will not inflate if the incoming air can escape. Some people spray starter fluid or WD40 into the tire and then light it to set the bead.
It is common amongst drivers of off-road vehicle
Off-road vehicle
An off-road vehicle is considered to be any type of vehicle which is capable of driving on and off paved or gravel surface. It is generally characterized by having large tires with deep, open treads, a flexible suspension, or even caterpillar tracks...
s to decrease the air pressure in their tires. This makes the tread of the tire spread out, creating more surface area for the tire's tread to grip the terrain. If the pressure is too low there may not be enough pressure to keep the bead on the wheel thus causing the bead to pop off the wheel. This is often referred to as "losing a bead". Beadlock
Beadlock
A beadlock or bead lock is a mechanical device that secures the bead of a tire to the wheel of a vehicle. Tires and wheels are designed so that, when the tire is inflated, the tire pressure pushes the bead of the tire against the inside of the wheel rim so that the tire stays on the wheel and the...
s, which clamp the bead on the wheel, are often used in this case.
Often, the bead can become frozen to the rim after rusting occurs, requiring the use of a bead breaker
Bead breaker
A bead breaker is a tool used for separating tires from rims. The inside ring of the tire is called the lip, and the bead on the lip seals to the rim in a radial-ply tire, trapping the air inside...
.