What is the rim protector of a tire

If we give a strong blow to the tire when parking, for example, we can damage the sidewall of the car. The most common damages of a cover can be cuts, bulges or hernias. In the same maneuver we can also cause some damage to the rim. Here the tire protector comes into play. Do all tires have a rim protector ? Before asking us this question we need to know what the tire protector is, what it is for and if all the tires have it or need it. In .com you will find the keys to know more about what a tire protector is .

What is the tire protector?

The rim protector is a rubber profile (also called a ring or cord) located in the lower part of the flank and joined to the heel of the tire. This profile that runs along the entire circumference of the tire and protruding from the wheel has the function of protecting the rim, especially when hitting the sidewalks.

Which tires do not usually have a tire protector?

Tires with high profiles, above 55, usually do not have this rim protector. The function of the rim protection is made by the same rubber, since having a high or lateral profile can cushion the blows against the sidewalks. We have to bear in mind that, many of these tires are mounted on iron rims with plastic trims or, commonly called, hubcaps.

What tires usually wear a rim protector?

On the other hand, tires with a profile of less than 55 and, above all, profiles such as 45, 40 and 35, usually carry it, since with these low profiles the rim is very unprotected and has more chances of receiving blows.

How can we identify if a wheel has a rim protector?

There are many tire manufacturers and each uses different markings to identify whether or not a wheel carries this protection:

• DUNLOP : The British manufacturer uses the MFS (Maximum Flange Shield) marking to give maximum protection to the rim
• CONTINENTAL : The German tire brand marks its wheels with a rim protector with the initials FR (Fringe Protector).
• VREDESTEIN : For the specialist brand in winter tires, the name used is FSL .

Other brands of tires such as Pirelli, Michelin or Bridgestone do not distinguish tires with rim protector with certain acronyms, although in profiles less than 50 usually carry a protective rim.

If the tire has a rim protector can we be less attentive?

Anyway, although the tires that we carry in our vehicle have this extra protection we have to be careful when parking or when approaching the sidewalk. Although the rim is more protected than with a cover without protective cord, we must approach the sidewalks with great care because we could damage the tire causing a cut in the flank or a hernia and have a blowout.