Tyres or Tires?

Spoiler alert: there is no difference between the words "tyres" and "tires." They are just variations on the spelling of the same word.

The chances are if you are reading this, you are in the UK and the word you are most used to seeing is "tyre".

This is the spelling that is commonly used in British English, whilst the alternative version of "tire" is generally more associated with American English.

History of tyres (or tires...) 

The earliest wheels were made of solid wood and did not have any rubber surrounding them.

Early ‘tyres’ - although they weren't what we'd perhaps recognise today as such - were cylindrical blocks that attached to the wheel – helping to provide traction. These were made from a substance called "caoutchouc" and was harvested from rubber trees. Very much the early tyres of their day.

However, first pneumatic tyre (what we are used to today – one that is inflated with air) was invented in the 19th century.

Now... here is where it gets a little murky.

The general belief amongst many is that John Boyd Dunlop invented the pneumatic tyre in 1888. But, there was in fact a patent in 1846 by the lesser known Scottish inventor Robert William Thomson for an earlier 'pneumatic' tyre, known as Thomson’s “Aerial Wheels”.

So, was the Dunlop tyre a reinvention? In many ways yes. Thomson's tyres were perhaps ahead of their time and never gained much traction (pun intended). 

John Dunlop's tyres were initially developed to improve the comfort and performance of his son's bike. From this one simple fatherly consideration, an entire global industry was born.

Dunlop's first tyre was made from a rubber compound that was moulded into a shape that we would recognise today as a modern tyre – including a central hub, a treaded outer surface, and an inflatable inner tube.

Since then, car tyres have evolved significantly – with leading tyre manufacturers spending a lot of time, money, and effort into developing cutting edge technology that enhances their tyres.

Today, tyres are made using a variety of materials, and they come in a wide range of sizes and categories to suit different vehicles and driving conditions. 

Popular Tire/Tyre Manufacturers

Given the global scare of the tyre industry, it will come as no surprise that popular tyre or tire brands are very similar on both sides of the Atlantic. These include: 

• Goodyear
• Bridgestone 
• Michelin 
• Continental 
• Pirelli 
• Hankook 
• BF Goodrich 
• Dunlop 
• Yokohama 
• Cooper 
• Avon 
• Firestone 

These companies produce a wide range of tyre types, including car tyres, van tyres tyres, budget tyres and 4x4 or SUV tyres .

Other Car Terminology Variations

It's not just tires and tyres which can cause plenty of cross-Atlantic confusion.

There are different automotive industry terms which ultimately refer to the same thing – depending on where you live.

Some other car parts we use different words for include:  

• Saloon vs Sedan:
  
  In general, the terms "saloon" and "sedan" can both be used to refer to a type of car with – one that includes four doors and a boot (or trunk – see below). However, the term "saloon" is more commonly used in British English, whilst "sedan" you will hear in American English. 
   
•  Estate vs Station Wagon: 
  
  An estate car in the UK, is known as a station wagon in the US. It is a type of car that is similar to a sedan - but features an extended roof and rear. In the US the term originally was coined from the 'wagons' which would transport people to and from train stations. I heard that fact on a woodworking podcast of all places.
   
• Bonnet vs Hood:
  
  The terms "bonnet" and "hood" are used to refer to the cover over the engine of a car.
  
  The term "bonnet" is primarily used in British English, while "hood" is used in American English. Both terms refer to the same part of a car and can be used interchangeably.  

• Windscreen vs Windshield:
  
  "Windscreen" and "windshield" refer to the front window on a vehicle. The bit that stops all the bugs and grit from smacking you in the face and getting caught in your teeth!
  
  The term "windscreen" is primarily used in British English, while "windshield" is an American English variation.