Wheels, Tyres and Brakes

Abstract

The wheels of the car have to meet a number of requirements. They must be strong enough to carry the weight of the car, not only in the static position, but also under extreme road conditions such as cornering at high speed with the suspension on full bump. Road shocks have also to be catered for, including the possibility of a wheel hitting a kerbstone or riding over one. The wheel also has to transmit all the driving and braking forces and to be as light as possible in order to keep the unsprung weight at a minimum.