Yokohama Tires | World-Class Quality Tires | Leading Brand in the World

Sipes
Small, slit-like grooves in tread blocks that allow the blocks to move more. This added flexibility increases traction bycreating an additional biting edge. Sipes are especially helpful on ice, light snow and loose dirt.

Belt
The belt is a reinforcement layer extending around the outer circumference of the carcass under the tread. It acts like a iron hoop in improving the stiffness of the tread area. In the case of truck and bus tires, the belt is more heavily reinforced compared to passenger car tires.

Bead
The bead area supports the extremities of the carcass on each side of the tire. This is the part of the tire that anchors the tire to the wheel.

Blocks
Those segments making up a tire's tread. The primary function of tread blocks is to provide traction.

Ribs
The straight-lined row of blocks that create a circumferential contact "band."

Shoulder
Provides continuous contact with the road while maneuvering. Shoulders wrap slightly over the inner and outer sidewall of a tire.

Void Ratio
The amount of open space in the tread. A low void ratio means more rubber is in contact with the road. A high void ratio increases the ability to drain water. Whether a tire has a high or low void ratio depends on the tire's intended use.