DUNLOP TYRES

Dunlop is one of the world's foremost manufacturers of high-performance tires. Dunlop is a

brand owned by The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, headquartered in Akron, Ohio, which
employs approximately 73,000 people in 22 countries and produces nearly 200 million tires each
year. Dunlop's history (now approaching 125 years) traces back to the first pneumatic tire and
the dawn of motor racing. That heritage is reflected in the design of every tire we make. Our
focus on performance has led to numerous innovations and breakthrough technologies. In
addition to automotive tires, Dunlop produces a wide range of tires for motorcycles, ATVs,
competition go-carts, and commercial trucks. Dunlop also sponsors numerous racing and high-
performance automotive events.
DUNLOP SP SPORT LM 702 TYRE
The Dunlop tyre model which we have agreed upon to be taken as our assignment is Dunlop SP
SPORT LM 702. It is a high-speed tubeless tyre designed for silent and comfortable driving. The
modern technology has managed to minimize the noise factor during the motion of the tyre. A
special tread pattern helps to prevent tyres from uneven wear and advances hydroplaning
resistance. It is a fashionable tyre with high comfort for owners of big sedans to compacts.
Tyre Marking Details
1. Tyre size and tyre description
Tyre size and its description are located on the tyre itself given in the form of a code. Each tyre
has its own specified code and number giving its specifications and description. The DUNLOP
SP SPORT LM 702 tyre used in this assignment has the following code marked on it.

185/65 R14 86H
Tyre Width
Width of the tyre is measured in millimeters from sidewall to sidewall. The first digit in the code
represents the tyre width. Thus in this case the width is 185mm.
Nominal Aspect Ratio
Nominal aspect ratio is the height of the tyre's cross section to its width. The second digit on the
marked code on tyre represents the nominal aspect ratio. It is given as:

In this case the aspect ratio is 65 which mean that the height equals 65% of the tyre's width.
Construction and Design
The alphabet on third place depicts the construction and design of the tyre. This basically tells us
how the tyre was put together. The 'R' stands for radial which means that the body ply cords
(layers of fabric that make up the body of the tyre) run radially across the tyre from bead to bead.
The other possibility is D which represents diagonal movement of body ply cords.
Rim diameter Code
The fourth digit represents the rim diameter in inches and it is 16 for the current tyre.
Load Index
The fifth digit represents the load index that is the maximum load that a tyre can bear in its
normal condition. For all available models of Dunlop SP SPORT LM 702 tyre there is a range of
load indexes from 82-98 that is the maximum load bearing capacity if a tyre varies from 475-
750kg. The present model has a load index of 86 thus depicting a load carrying capacity of 530
kg (1168 lbs).
Symbol Speed Rating
Speed rating symbol shows the maximum service speed of a tyre. In this case it is H which
shows maximum speed up to 210 km/h (130 mph). Alternatively it can be V which shows
maximum speed of 240 km/h (149 mph).
2. Encapsulation Method
The method of sealing DUNLOP SP SPORT LM 702 tyre is tubeless. With tube tyres are also
available in the market.
3. Maximum Tyre Load And Inflation Pressure
DUNLOP SP SPORT LM 702 tyre is made to be used in Canada and America only with
maximum inflation pressure of 350 KPa (51psi) and maximum load of 530 kg (1168 lbs).
4. D.O.T. Marking And Manufacturer Code
D.O.T. means the tyre is compliant with all applicable safety standards established by the U.S.
Department of Transportation (D.O.T.). Adjacent to this is a tyre identification or a serial
number; a combination of numbers and letters with up to 12 digits. D.O.T. manufacturers code
Aspect Ratio (%) =
H
W
x 100
identifies manufacturer and tyre production plant. Following D.O.T. marking is present on the
tyre:
DOT V406 8M5R 4205
5. Production Date
The last 4 digits of the above mentioned code represents the production date of the tyre, first 2
digits for week identification and last 2 digits for year identification. Thus according to the above
mentioned code the production date of the tyre is 42
nd
week of 2005.
6. Tyre Season
Dunlop SP SPORT LM 702 tyre is designed to be operated in summer season. The main
characteristic of the summer tyre is excellent driving and braking performance on both dry and
wet roads, in temperatures above freezing throughout the spring, summer, autumn and winter. A
simple block-shape tread pattern ensures the tyre's contact area remains as rigid as possible,
ensuring maximum grip at all times by optimizing friction with the road surface.
7. Temperature Rating
The UTQG Temperature Grade indicates the extent to which heat is generated/ or dissipated by a
tire. If the tire is unable to dissipate the heat effectively or if the tire is unable to resist the
destructive effects of heat buildup, its ability to run at high speeds is reduced. The best-possible
temperature rating of A indicates that this tire is very resistant to heat, maintaining both its
performance attributes and structural integrity during extended periods of driving in hot weather.
There are three ratings available according to standards, A (over 115 mph), B (100 to 115), C
(85 to 100). The current tyre has temperature A rating.
8. Traction Rating
Traction grades represent the tire's ability to stop on wet pavement as measured under controlled
conditions on asphalt and concrete test surfaces. As of 1997, the traction grades from highest to
lowest are "AA","A","B" and "C". A tire graded "A" have relatively better traction performance
than a tire graded lower, based on straight-ahead braking tests. The grades do not take into
consideration the cornering or turning performance of a tire. The tyre used as a model for this
assignment has traction A rating.
9. Tread Wear Rating
The tread wear grade is a comparative rating based on the wear of a tire when tested carefully
under controlled conditions. For example the useful tread on a tire graded 400 should last twice
as long as a tire graded 200. However, another tire manufacturer may grade a comparable design
300, so a grade of 150 would last just half as long under their grading scheme. The lesson
learned is to not use one manufacturer's grade versus the other, but instead to compare tire grades
within a given brand. The higher the tread wear rating, the longer a tire can be expected to last
before it needs replacing. The DUNLOP SP SPORT LM702 has a tread wear rating of 380,
meaning that it wears at a similar rate to the average modern tire, which has a tread wear rating
of 400.
When to Change the Tyre?
Proper changing time of a tyre is determined by Tread Wear Indicator. A tyre is a wearing part
that will need replacement after a period of time. When the groove depth reaches 1.6mm one is
required by law to replace the tyres. It is advisable to replace them before they have reached this
limit, to benefit from deeper tread in adverse conditions. Tyres with tread under this limit will
slide easily, suffer from extended braking distances and will be more susceptible to rupturing. In
wet conditions the vehicle will aquaplane, making braking and handling almost impossible.
Tyres with tread under this limit are illegal and may lead to a fine or disqualification.
10. Tyre Plies
DUNLOP SP SPORT LM702 has the following plies present in it:
TREAD: 1 Polyester ply + 2 Steel plies+ 1 Nylon ply.
SIDEWALL: 1 Polyester ply.








Properties of Tyre Pattern
Every tyre has a unique pattern on it serving a specialized function. The grooves present on
DUNLOP SP SPORT LM 702 tyre perform the following operational functions:
The straight grooves on the tyre are for the cooling purpose of the tyre. As tyre is a part
which has to bear maximum friction with the road the straight grooves allow the air to
pass thus reducing the temperature of tyre during its operation.
The groove improves the braking performance and driving power of a tyre as compared
to a tyre with similar properties but having a flat surface.
The side grooves of a tyre develop maximum frictional force for the vehicle during
cornering and turning.
Grooves that run circumferentially around the tyre channel away the water properly and
avoid aquaplaning of the tyre on wet roads.
Tyre Changer Machine
Mounting or dismounting a tyre on a rim is done by a tyre changer
machine (shown in figure). The machine is hydraulically
operated. The following list provides an explanation of an
operator installing a tire onto a rim using a tyre changer machine.
1) The operator centers the rim and securely fastens it onto
the table top with the rim clamp mechanism with the
narrow bead-ledge up of the wheel.
2) The operator pushes the bottom bead first in the center of
the wheel to tightly hold the wheel on its place.
3) The operator pushes the top bead down into the center
well of the wheel under the duck head and rotates the table
top using the table top pedal.
4) The operator installs a valve core.
5) The operator slowly inflates the tyre until the beads "pop"
on the bead ledge of the wheel.
6) The operator releases the rim clamps and inflates the tyre
to manufacturer specifications.