Tire Diagram & Sample Photos
Jump to: Sample Photos | Frequently Asked Questions
The Crown is the center tread area of the tire and includes all of the large grooves/water channels that run along the circumference of the tire. However, the crown does not include the outermost tread block of the tire.
The Shoulder is the area where the tread and sidewall meet, including the tread blocks nearest the side of the tire (beginning outside the outermost water channel) and the area transitioning to the side of the tire where tread grooves are still visible.
The Sidewall is the "smooth", vertical area on the side of the tire between the edge of the tread and the bead of the tire, which does not include any area where tread grooves are still visible.
The Bead is area of the tire that holds the tire in place on the rim of the wheel.
Repairable Areas of the Tire: While some tires, facilities, or other websites may say that other areas of a tire can be repaired, the CROWN is the only area of the tire that may be repaired as far as Sonsio's programs are concerned (as indicated in green in the diagram and sample photos).
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: If the damage is in the outermost water channel, is it in the crown or the shoulder of the tire?
A: The CROWN of the tire.
Q: If the damage is on the inner edge of the last tread block just before the outermost water channel, is it in the crown or the shoulder of the tire?
A: The SHOULDER of the tire.
Q: If the damage is in the curved area of the outer tread block where the grooves are still visible on the side of the tire, is it in the shoulder or the sidewall of the tire?
A: The SHOULDER of the tire.
Q: If the damage is in the "smooth"/vertical area on the side of the tire, is it in the shoulder or the sidewall of the tire?
A: The SIDEWALL of the tire.
Q: Is the shoulder of the tire repairable if my tire or repair facility says it's okay?
A: While some tires, facilities, or other websites may say that other areas of a tire (like the shoulder) can be repaired, the CROWN is the only area of the tire that may be repaired as far as the Terms & Conditions of Sonsio's programs are concerned.
Other Related Webpages:
- What is a Road Hazard and What is Not? — Learn what is a road hazard and what is not and how this knowledge relates to your Road Hazard and Tire & Wheel Coverage.
- Types of Tire Tread Wear — See descriptions, possible causes, and sample photos of several common types of tire tread wear and learn some ways they relate to Road Hazard and Tire & Wheel Coverage.
- Measuring Tire Tread Depth — Learn important tire tread depth standards and information and how to measure tire tread depth using the Penny Test.
- Check Your Claim Status Online
- Other Resources
***DISCLAIMER: While this webpage can be informative about topics that are related to tire claims, this is intended to act as a general guide for informational purposes only. Final claim determination will ultimately rest with Sonsio personnel who will carefully evaluate each claim on an individual basis.***
This webpage contains content that is based on the Tire Industry Assocation (TIA) Passenger & Light Truck Tire Conditions Manual, 2005 Edition.
Did you know?
4 out of 5 U.S. vehicles have
at least one tire that is not properly inflated, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
