When most people think of a car’s wheels, their minds jump to the rubber tires on which our cars drive. But a car’s wheel is so much more than just a tire—though it looks simple, it’s made up of many parts. Read this article to have the parts of a car wheel explained.
Tire
The tire is the rubber, cushioned, outer cover of the wheel. Tires fit over and protect the metal portion of a car’s wheels. As the part of the wheel that comes in direct contact with the road, a tire must be durable and have sufficient traction to improve performance and control of the car as it drives.
Rim
The rim is the outer, metal portion of the wheel that comes in direct contact with the tire. The rim helps to keep the tire attached to the wheel, as well as seal air into the tire if it has no inner tube. The wheel rim has the following parts:
- Barrel – the part of the rim on which the tire is mounted.
- Beads – the flat area next to the flanges where the tire sits on the wheel.
- Flanges – the edges of the rim that keep the tire securely mounted on the rim.
Hub
The hub is located in the center of the wheel and keeps the wheel attached to your car’s axle. It also connects the wheel to the car’s braking system.
Center Disc
The wheel disc is the flat, face-like portion of the wheel. It includes the spokes of the wheel, which reach from the center to the outside edge of the wheel.
Center Bore
The center cap is the hole on the back and center of the wheel. It helps center the wheel on the car’s hub.
Center Cap
The center cap covers the center bore of the wheel. It’s removable and located on the front face of the wheel.
Lug Holes
The lug holes are the holes around the center of the wheel that form a circle and a bolt pattern. The lugs are inserted into these, and a wheel can have four or more lug holes.
Valve Stem
The valve stem is the stem that allows air to be put into tires. You inflate the wheels of your car using these.
Now that you’ve had the parts of a car wheel explained, you know a little bit more about the vehicles we use on a daily basis. If you are the owner of a car, be sure to take good care of your car’s wheels, as they’re prone to corrosion and must be cleaned regularly to be kept in good shape. Care for your car properly and take a little time to appreciate all the small parts that go into allowing your car to function properly!
FAQ
What is the center disc on a wheel?
The wheel disc is the flat, face-like portion of the wheel. It includes the spokes of the wheel, which reach from the center to the outside edge of the wheel.
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