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 lbs (68 kg). See Loading
the Vehicle on page 4-28.
Occupant Distribution
:
Designated seating positions.
Outward Facing Sidewall
: The
side of an asymmetrical tire that
has a particular side that faces
outward when mounted on a
vehicle. The side of the tire that
contains a whitewall, bears white
lettering, or bears manufacturer,
brand, and/or model name
molding that is higher or deeper
than the same moldings on the
other sidewall of the tire.
Passenger (P-Metric) Tire
: A
tire used on passenger cars and
some light duty trucks and
multipurpose vehicles.
Recommended Inflation
Pressure
: Vehicle
manufacturer’s recommended
tire inflation pressure as
shown on the tire placard. See
Inflation - Tire Pressure on
page 5-49 and Loading
the Vehicle on page 4-28.
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
(1.6 mm) of tread remains. See
When It Is Time for New Tires on
page 5-57.
UTQGS (Uniform Tire Quality
Grading Standards)
: 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. See Uniform Tire Quality
Grading on page 5-60.
5-48 Service and Appearance Care