Rubber cover is to wear out I hear (4)

I believe the answer is:

tyre

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'rubber cover' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both man-made objects as well as being singular nouns.
I also know that 'rubber' relates to this answer.

'wear out i hear' is the wordplay.
'wear out' becomes 'tire' (synonyms).
'i hear' indicates a 'sounds like' (homophone) clue.
'tire' is a homophone of 'TYRE'.

'is to' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for tyre that I've seen before include "Wheel-hoop" , "Ring made of rubber" , "Rubber wheel rim" , "Seaport once famed for its purple dye" , "Rubber wheel-cover" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.

Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.