Air Pressure
The amount of air inside the tire pressing outward on the tire. Air pressure is expressed in pounds per square inch (psi) or kilopascal (kPa).
Accessory Weight
This means the combined weight of optional accessories. Some examples of optional accessories are automatic transmission, power seats, and air conditioning.
Aspect Ratio
The relationship of a tire’s height to its width.
Belt
A rubber coated layer of cords that is located between the plies and the tread. Cords may be made from steel or other reinforcing materials.
Bead
The tire bead contains steel wires wrapped by steel cords that hold the tire onto the rim.
Bias Ply Tire
A pneumatic tire in which the plies are laid at alternate angles less than 90 degrees to the centerline of the tread.
Cold Tire Pressure
The amount of air pressure in a tire, measured in pounds per square inch (psi) or kilopascals (kPa) before a tire has built up heat from driving.
Curb Weight
This means the weight of a motor vehicle with standard and optional equipment including the maximum capacity of fuel, oil and coolant, but without passengers and cargo.
DOT Markings
A code molded into the sidewall of a tire signifying that the tire is in compliance with the U.S. Department of Transportation motor vehicle safety standards. The DOT code includes the Tire Identification Number (TIN), an alphanumeric designator which can also identify the tire manufacturer, production plant, brand and date of production.
GVWR
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
GAWR FRT
Gross Axle Weight Rating for the Front Axle.
GAWR RR
Gross Axle Weight Rating for the Rear axle.
Intended Outboard Sidewall
The side of an asymmetrical tire, that must always face outward when mounted on a vehicle.
Kilopascal (kPa)
The metric unit for air pressure.
Light truck (LT) tire
A tire designated by its manufacturer as primarily intended for use on lightweight trucks or multipurpose passenger vehicles.
Load ratings
The maximum load that a tire is rated to carry for a given inflation pressure.
Load Index
An assigned number ranging from 1 to 279 that corresponds to the load carrying capacity of a tire.
Maximum Inflation Pressure
The maximum air pressure to which a cold tire may be inflated. The maximum air pressure is molded onto the sidewall.
Maximum Load Rating
The load rating for a tire at the maximum permissible inflation pressure for that tire.
Maximum Loaded Vehicle Weight
The sum of curb weight; accessory weight; vehicle capacity weight; and production options weight.
Normal Occupant Weight
The number of occupants a vehicle is designed to seat multiplied by 150 pounds (68 kg).
Occupant Distribution
Designated seating positions.
Outward Facing Sidewall
An asymmetrical tire has a particular side that faces outward when mounted on a vehicle. The outward facing sidewall bears white lettering or bears manufacturer, brand, and/or model name molding that is higher or deeper than the same moldings on the inner facing sidewall.
Passenger (P-Metric) tire
A tire used on passenger cars and some light duty trucks and multipurpose vehicles.
Ply
A layer of rubber-coated parallel cords.
Pneumatic tire
A mechanical device made of rubber, chemicals, fabric and steel or other materials, that, when mounted on an automotive wheel provides the traction and contains the gas or fluid that sustains the load.
Pneumatic options weight
The combined weight of installed regular production options weighing over 5 lb. (2.3 kg) in excess of the standard items which they replace, not previously considered in curb weight or accessory weight, including heavy duty breaks, ride levelers, roof rack, heavy duty battery, and special trim.
Recommended Inflation Pressure
Vehicle manufacturer’s recommended tire inflation pressure as shown on the tire placard.
Radial Ply Tire
A pneumatic tire in which the ply cords that extend to the beads are laid at 90 degrees to the centerline of the tread.
Rim
A metal support for a tire and upon which the tire beads are seated.
Sidewall
The portion of a tire between the tread and the bead.
Speed Rating
An alphanumeric code assigned to a tire indicating the maximum speed at which a tire can operate.
Traction
The friction between the tire and the road surface. The amount of grip provided.
Tread
The portion of a tire that comes into contact with the road.
Treadwear Indicators
Narrow bands, sometimes called “wear bars”, that show across the tread of a tire when only 1/16 inch of tread remains.
UTQGS
Uniform Tire Quality Grading Standards is a tire information system that provides consumers with ratings for a tire’s traction, temperature and treadwear. Ratings are determined by tire manufacturers using government testing procedures. The ratings are molded into the sidewall of the tire.
Vehicle Capacity Weight
The number of designated seating positions multiplied by 150 lbs. (68 kg) plus the rated cargo and luggage load.
Vehicle Maximum Load on the Tire
Load on an individual tire due to curb and accessory weight plus maximum occupant and cargo weight.
Vehicle Normal Load on the Tire
Load on an individual tire that is determined by distributing to each axle its share of the curb weight, accessory weight, and normal occupant weight and dividing by 2.
Vehicle Placard
A label permanently attached to a vehicle showing the original equipment tire size and recommended inflation pressure.
Seat belt warning light (for driver’s seat)
As a reminder to the driver, the seat belt warning light will illuminate for approximately 6 seconds each time you place the ignition switch to the ON position regardless of belt fastening. However, if the seat belt is unfasted, a warning chime will sound for approximately 6 seconds.