What is generally the purpose of a lock ring in a tire assembly?

The primary purpose of a lock ring in a tire assembly is to hold the tire bead in place. The tire bead is the inner edge of the tire that sits on the rim and creates an airtight seal necessary for maintaining inflation pressure. The lock ring is a critical component that helps secure the tire to the wheel and prevents the bead from slipping off during operation, especially under extreme conditions such as high speed or heavy loads. By ensuring the bead remains correctly seated, the lock ring contributes to the overall safety and performance of the vehicle.

While sealing the tire is important, it is primarily the tire bead's design and interaction with the rim that achieves this. Flexibility and aerodynamics are generally associated with tire design and construction rather than the specific function of the lock ring.