What is balloon tyre? How to use in English

Discover the meaning of balloon tyre in English, its pronunciation, and how to use it correctly in real-life situations. See examples and easy memorization tips.

Definition & pronunciation of balloon tyre

balloon tyrenoun
lốp bóng bay
/bəˈluːn taɪə(r)//bəˈluːn taɪər/

Where does the word balloon tyre come from?

The term "balloon tire" originated in the early 1900s when automobile tires were made of cotton or rubber fabric that was held together by steel bands, much like a balloon's internal framework. As these tires were inflated, they took on a round, plump shape that resembled a balloon. The name "balloon tire" became popular due to this likeness. As technology advanced, radial tires replaced balloon tires, which featured a carbon steel belt onto the radial sidewalls for better strength and durability. The radial tire's shape no longer resembled a balloon as much, but the term "balloon tire" lingered on in automobile enthusiast and classic car communities as a nostalgic reference to the past. Today, the term "balloon tire" is still used in specific contexts, such as in vintage car shows or when describing custom or classic car tires that are reinflated to a higher pressure than typical modern tires, creating a more rounded and plump appearance reminiscent of the original "balloon tires."

Example of vocabulary balloon tyrenamespace

After noticing a small puncture on his car's balloon tyre, John quickly pulled over to the side of the road and inflated it with his portable air pump.
Mary's balloon tyre on her car had lost its shape due to excessive weight on the passenger side, causing the car to pull to that side while driving.
The mechanic advised Sarah to replace the balloon tyres on her car with standard tyres as balloon tyres are not suitable for high-speed driving and have a shorter lifespan.
Due to a sudden blowout, James' balloon tyre deflated rapidly, making it almost impossible to control the vehicle as he pulled over to the side of the road.
Ryan had forgotten to check the air pressure in his balloon tyre before embarking on his road trip, causing it to wear down quickly and making his journey a bumpy one.