FR Marking and More: Rim-Protected Tires
What is the FR marking on a tire?
The sidewall of each tire contains various numbers and letters, which may not always be clear at first glance. One such marking is FR, which indicates the presence of a protective rim guard that helps prevent damage to the wheel when hitting curbs or other obstacles. This feature is particularly important in urban environments where the risk of wheel damage is higher.
Why are tires with rim protection needed?
Tires with a protective rim guard help prevent damage to wheels when they come into contact with curbs and other obstacles. This is especially relevant when parking in tight spaces where the chances of scraping a curb are high.
Alloy wheels, while aesthetically appealing, are quite fragile and prone to deformation. The rim protector helps prevent damage such as scratches and dents, reducing the likelihood of costly repairs or wheel replacements.
Which tires have rim protection?
Most standard tires lack rim protectors because they are often mounted on steel wheels. While this may seem like a drawback, it's intentional. Steel wheels usually come with hubcaps for aesthetic purposes, and the absence of a rim protector allows for more flexibility in hubcap design and attachment.
Rim protection is most commonly found on low-profile tires, where the sidewall height is less than 55% of the tire's width. Low-profile tires offer a stylish, sporty appearance, but their reduced sidewall height means there’s minimal space between the road and the wheel, increasing the risk of wheel damage when hitting curbs, sharp stones, or other obstacles.
The protective rim guard on such tires acts as an extra barrier, shielding the wheel from contact with hard surfaces. Tires with a higher profile are less likely to have this protection, as the sidewall itself provides better cushioning and safeguards the wheel due to the greater distance between the road and the wheel.
What are the technological features of rim protection?
Tires with rim protectors offer diverse designs to minimize wheel and sidewall damage. Some have raised ribs near the bead area or recessed sections that wrap around the wheel flange, offering critical protection for low-profile tires. These features are important for preserving expensive alloy wheels, especially when close contact with curbs is a frequent risk.
In off-road scenarios, rim protectors also shield against harsh terrain, preventing damage from rocks, stumps, and debris. Meanwhile, for delivery vans and trailers, raised ribs, often referred to as “Scuff Guards,” offer added durability by resisting curb scuffs and preserving the tire’s integrity, delaying wear on the sidewalls.
Regardless of the name—be it "Maximum Flange Shields" or "Rim Protectors"—the purpose remains the same: safeguarding both the tire’s sidewall and the wheels from damage, ensuring longevity and performance in challenging conditions.
Which manufacturers offer tires with rim protection?
This technology is not available from all manufacturers and not on all models. Each company implements rim protection at its discretion, and there is no universal marking for it. The manufacturer may indicate this technology in the tire name, but sometimes it simply states that rim protection is present in all sizes of a given model without additional markings. In some sizes with homologations, rim protection may be included at the request of the automaker.
Below is a breakdown of the various rim protection markings used by manufacturers:
| Marking | Full Form | Description | Notes | Manufacturers Offering |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RFP | Rim Fringe Protector | An extended rubber strip protecting the rim from curb impacts. | Enhances durability without compromising performance. |
Bridgestone, Michelin, Goodyear, Hankook
|
| FP | Fringe Protector | A protective strip along the tire's edge to absorb impacts and prevent rim damage. | Ideal for urban driving conditions. |
Continental, Pirelli, Yokohama, Goodyear
|
| MFS | Maximum Flange Shield | Intensive rim protection suitable for tight urban spaces or rough terrains. | Best for frequent curb strikes or uneven roads. | Dunlop |
| FR | Felgen Ripen | Denotes enhanced rim protection tailored for European markets. | Specific to European tire models. |
Continental, Yokohama
|
| FSL | Felgenschutzleiste | German for "Rim Protection Strip," embedded in the tire's sidewall. | Common in European offerings. | Continental |
| ML | Mit Leiste | German for "With Strip," protecting the rim from impacts. | Enhances durability and rim safeguarding. |
Continental, Yokohama
|
| RPB | Rim Protection Bar | Reinforced barrier for substantial protection against curb strikes. | Suitable for high-performance or heavy-duty applications. |
Bridgestone, Michelin
|
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