Tyres >Help >Tyres Help > Are tyres wheels?
No, tyres and wheels are not the same thing. They serve very different purposes. Although they can sometimes be confused.
When we talk about the wheel on a vehicle, we are referring to the circular metal component. The section that is attached to the vehicle's axle. The tyre is what is then fitted onto the wheel. This is the only component of the car that comes into contact with the road. Providing traction and grip - while the wheel is responsible for holding the tyre in place.
Sometimes in informal everyday language, the two words can be used interchangeably. This leads to some confusion at times.
This often happens when people are talking about fitting the spare tyre. In most cases, the actual process being discussed involves fitting a whole new wheel. One which already has a tyre fitted.