by 
The Curious Bag
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Most of the tires you see in common use are pneumatic tires. This type of tire can be considered the foundation of the modern transportation system.
Definition
The dictionary defines a pneumatic tire as a tire that is composed of reinforced rubber and is shaped by filling it with compressed air. Any tire that is filled with compressed air is a pneumatic one.
History
The first functioning pneumatic tire was invented by Irishman John Dunlop in 1888. When he patented the idea, Mr. Dunlop used the word "pneumatic" to describe his new type of bicycle tire.
Significance
Pneumatic tires are fitted on almost every type of rolling equipment from bicycles to heavy construction equipment. Air-filled tires were first used on a car in 1895 by the Michelin brothers.
Function
Pneumatic tires are constructed of rubber impregnated fabric or metal cord belts that define a tire's shape when filled with air. The belts are covered in rubber to become airtight, and tread is added for traction and wear.
Types
To hold air, pneumatic tires either have an inner tube or are tubeless--where the tire bead forms an air-tight seal to a wheel. The belts in tires can be laid at angles (bias ply) or in the same direction (radial).
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