The biggest change in tire technology is actually a return to the past. Early tires were solid rings of rubber that wrapped around wagon wheels. These tires were hard riding, but also impervious to punctures and very durable -- ideally suited to the rough terrain of the day. Today, tire manufacturers are trying to make the flat tire a distant memory.
Today's run-flat tires contain air and are much more complicated in construction than early rubber rings. But, they operate on the same principle: They are tough enough to run without air if necessary.
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The above diagram shows the difference in construction between a conventional tire and a stiff-sidewall run-flat tire. In a stiff-sidewall run-flat tire, there is extra sidewall reinforcing rubber that prevents the sidewall of the tire from deflecting. In an inner-liner run-flat, the sidewall is no stiffer than a conventional tire, but a hard rubber or plastic ring inside the tire helps keep the tire's sidewall from deflecting.
There are two different styles of run-flat tires. The first uses very stiff sidewalls that can support the weight of the vehicle in the event of pressure loss. Several tire companies offer this type of run-flat, and they can typically be driven with no air pressure for about 50 miles (80.5 kilometers) at speeds up to 55 miles per hour (88.5 kilometers per hour). However, most cannot be repaired after being punctured. The sidewalls can't be very tall, so most are low-profile designs. Because of this, they are typically used on sports cars, though they're also available for regular passenger cars and minivans.
The second style is called the PAX system and was invented by Michelin. The PAX system isn't just a tire. It's a tire/wheel package that consists of four components: a tire, a wheel, an inner support ring, and a tire-inflation monitor. If the PAX system tire loses air pressure, it only drops about halfway down. At that point, the underside of the tread rests on an inner support ring that runs around the circumference of the wheel. According to Michelin, the vehicle can be driven for 125 miles (201.2 kilometers) at up to 55 miles per hour (88.5 kilometers per hour).
The PAX system also incorporates a special bead -- the connection between tire and wheel -- that helps lock the tire onto the wheel even if the tire loses air pressure, something traditional run-flat tires -- and regular tires -- don't usually have. Unlike most run-flat tires, the PAX-system tire can be repaired if the hole is in the tread area and less than 1/4-inch (6.4-millimeter) in diameter -- as is the case for regular tires.
Because the sidewalls of an un-inflated PAX tire don't support the weight of the vehicle in the event of pressure loss, the sidewalls can be taller than on run-flat tires. They also don't need to be as stiff, which means that the ride quality is better. This makes the PAX system better suited to SUVs, as well as regular passenger cars and minivans.
Go on to the next page to find out about selecting the right tire for the best fuel economy.
To the untrained eye, tires in light trucks and delivery vehicles are almost similar to those in passenger cars. However, for a specialist in the field of mining or construction that transport heavier loads and materials, those tires could not be more different.
For starters, tires for light trucks and delivery vehicles are heavy-duty and, as such, have to follow strict requirements before they can be deemed roadworthy.
Delivery vehicles and light trucks equipped with non-roadworthy tires pose several risks. They could malfunction on the road and cause traffic-disrupting accidents. Not to mention the fatalities that might result from those unfortunate events. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Indeed, the importance of quality tires for light trucks and delivery vehicles cannot be overstated.
If you’re in the market for tires for light trucks and delivery vehicles, here are some tips to help you get only the best quality tires—and even save money in the process.
Passenger vehicle tires differ from light truck tires since the latter has better grip, tougher sidewalls, and deeper treads. These features allow light trucks to navigate rough roads with ease, even with heavy loads.
Light truck tires cater to three core requirements of commercial vehicles.
Online tire shops offer affordable light truck tires. Buying from an online tire shop is also more convenient compared to buying from a physical dealership, and you also gain access to more options.
However, you need to account for tire placement, which won’t be covered. Local shops could do the job, so you need to add that cost to the price of tires you wish to purchase.
Retailers like Triangle Tires deliver orders of at least 20 tires within Metro Manila.
Browse our Light Truck Tires →
You will find the load range and weight rating on the tires’ sidewalls. The key is pinpointing the maximum load carrying capacity number, which you can’t deviate from. For example, it is best to stick to a D or E load-range for a heavy 1-ton truck with a maximum capacity of 1,500 pounds.
The last thing you want to do is invest in new tires that are not as pristine as they should be. To avoid that, look for signs of deterioration, such as patches and plugs on the sidewalls. Also, watch out for minor cuts, rounded leading edges, bubbles, gouges, and exposed belts.
Refer to the tire’s manufacture date to gauge whether a tire is worth buying. This four-number date code usually appears on the sidewall, representing the week (first two digits) and year (last two digits) in which the tire was manufactured. Walk away from tires older than five years.
For example, if your tire has a date code of 0322, this means that your tire was manufactured in the third week of 2022. If the date code says 3915, then your tire was made on the 39th week of 2015 — which means it’s time for you to replace your tire ASAP since it’s more than six years old.
A choppy or uneven tread is a red flag. While it’s true that a slight discrepancy in thread depth may be mitigated via proper rotation and inflation, you want a fresh start with your new tires. Ideally, they don’t require tune-up before you start using them.
If you’re purchasing from different brands, make sure the tires balance properly. Keep in mind that size dimensions may vary from one company to another.
Triangle Tires invests heavily in research and development, so you can be sure that the tires you get from us are balanced and in the optimal condition right out of the shop.
Do not skimp on new tires for light trucks. Life and business are on the line. Quality tires give you more savings in the long run because there will be no need for either constant upkeep or premature replacements.
If you’re shopping for new tires that will be used for your business, you should also account for fuel economy. If that belongs in your top priorities, you can’t go wrong with Triangle Tires’ Light Truck series.
The Philippines’s road infrastructure is not perfect, unfortunately. Your light trucks will go through rough roads. Take that into account when choosing new tires. Make sure the tires you pick are durable enough to withstand bumps and pits on the road, as these are common road hazards in the Philippines.
Your choice of tire tread pattern will depend heavily on the roads you will traverse, so decide beforehand if you’ll need tires that are suited for either mining/off-road surfaces, for highways and city driving, or a mix of both.
Quality tires are tireless tires. You can rest assured of longevity without compromising sustained performance. With quality tires, you can ply through countless roads without worrying about your journey getting derailed by a tire that bursts out of nowhere. Likewise, you can get your load to where it’s supposed to be within schedule. So, choose tires wisely.
For quality replacement tires, Triangle Tires is your trusted ally. We sell tires for light trucks, delivery vehicles, and passenger cars. Our expansive catalog welcomes online orders—with affordable delivery prices to boot. Please contact us for your tire needs.