Llanta, rueda, neumático

Question

I read from an old thread regarding these three words, in which llanta was referred to as "only the rim". However, I also just encountered in lesson 4.4 that a flat tire is called "la llanta desinfalda". So what's the main differences in using rueda and llanta? I think the meaning and usage of neumático is quite clear from the other thread.

Jaz where does "desinfalda" comefrom? - pacofinkler, Dec 12, 2014

I think it should be "la llanta desinflada". - arty8, Aug 2, 2017

Answer 1

It's very regional. Depending on where you are llanta can mean tire, rim, or wheel, but ruedas are wheels and neumáticos are tires.

Tyres, Kevin. - annierats, Oct 27, 2011

Ha! :-) - KevinB, Oct 28, 2011

For a person who makes so many spelling mistakes I'm very fussy, it's age. - annierats, Oct 28, 2011

No, it's that you're a Brit. In the US, it's "tire." My Scottish wife and I have many lively discussions about language. At least she's not learning Spanish (yet)!! ;-) - Winkfish, Dec 12, 2014

Answer 2

Try this site in Spain where you select your llantas (rims) first, then your neumáticos (tires) second and then have your wheels (ruedas) balanced.

Tyre in Englsih. The Americans tire easily. - annierats, Oct 27, 2011

"Tyre" in British English, "tire" in American English. (Love Ya!!) - Winkfish, Dec 12, 2014

Answer 3

To me, the three words are the same, depending where you are. Sometimes "goma" is used also. All refer to "tire".

Goma, in Spain is just rubber: Botas de goma, wellington boots. - annierats, Oct 27, 2011

Not in Argentina. We say "Las gomas/ruedas del auto". We also use "llanta" for rim and "cubierta" for tire. - 00e657d4, Oct 28, 2011

Answer 4

Here in Central America we use "llanta" and a flat tire is "pinchazo."

Answer 5

Puntures in Spain are pinchazos. I speak from experience. It's the neumático that has the puncture.

I hope never to have one in Latin America, nor in my wellington boots, which are botas de goma.

Now that's funny, Annie! - Daniela2041, Dec 12, 2014

Answer 6

This is from Collins Dictionary, however, for a tyre it does say mainly used in EEUU, United States.

cubierta (f) cover; cover, sleeve (Auto) tire* cubierta sin cámara tubeless tire* (Náut) deck; salir a cubierta to go up on

I suppose therefore the following phrase would be possible in "American Spanish" if there is such a classification.

En la cubierta hay una cubierta cubierta - On the ship's deck there is a covered tyre.

I think you're right. I hope they find it, good description! - annierats, Oct 28, 2011

I vote for this as the most interesting contribution. Not the most useful perhaps, but you never know. - annierats, Oct 28, 2011

Answer 7

thwy all mean the same thing

Answer 8

we do tire business, LA customer always say Llantas

Answer 9

Whatever happened to "cubierta", sigh.

it can still cover anything, Eddy, don't sigh. I've never heard of it on wheels though. - annierats, Oct 27, 2011