The present invention, in one embodiment, is a method of making a tire
with a skin covering at least a portion of the outer peripheral surface
of the tire. In practicing the method, a partially cured tire and a
partially cured skin are provided. The partially cured tire and the
partially cured skin are installed in a tire mold with the skin engaging
and covering at least a part of the outer surface of the tire and with
the skin facing an inner surface of the mold. Heat and pressure are
applied to the tire to press the skin and the tire against the inner
surface of the mold. The heat and pressure are maintained for a
predetermined time period to vulcanize and bond together the tire and the
skin.