Glossary Of Tire Terminology - Volvo S60 Owner's Manual

2007 Volvo S60
pg. 152 Wheels and tires

Glossary of tire terminology

Tire suppliers may have additional markings, notes or warnings such as standard load, radial tubeless,
etc.
Tire information placard: A placard showing the OE (Original Equipment) tire sizes, recommended
inflation pressure, and the maximum weight the vehicle can carry.
Tire Identification Number (TIN): A number on the sidewall of each tire providing information
about the tire brand and manufacturing plant, tire size and date of manufacturer.
Inflation pressure: A measure of the amount of air in a tire.
Standard load: A class of P-metric or Metric tires designed to carry a maximum load at 35 psi [37
psi (2.5 bar) for Metric tires]. Increasing the inflation pressure beyond this pressure will not increase the
tires load carrying capability.
Extra load: A class of P-metric or Metric tires designed to carry a heavier maximum load at 41 psi
[43 psi (2.9 bar) for Metric tires]. Increasing the inflation pressure beyond this pressure will not increase
the tires load carrying capability.
kPa: Kilopascal, a metric unit of air pressure.
PSI: Pounds per square inch, a standard unit of air pressure.
B-pillar: The structural member at the side of the vehicle behind the front door.
Bead area of the tire: Area of the tire next to the rim.
Sidewall of the tire: Area between the bead area and the tread.
Tread area of the tire: Area of the perimeter of the tire that contacts the road when mounted on the
vehicle.
Rim: The metal support (wheel) for a tire or a tire and tube assembly upon which the tire beads are
seated.
Maximum load rating: a figure indicating the maximum load in pounds and kilograms that can be
carried by the tire. This rating is established by the tire manufacturer.
Maximum permissible inflation pressure: the greatest amount of air pressure that should ever be
put in the tire. This limit is set by the tire manufacturer.
Recommended tire inflation pressure: inflation pressure, established by Volvo, which is based on
the type of tires that are mounted on a vehicle at the factory. This inflation pressure is affected by the
number of occupants in the vehicle, the amount of cargo, and the speed at which the vehicle will be
driven for a prolonged period. This information can be found on the tire inflation placard(s) located on
the driver's side B-pillar or on the inside of the fuel filler door on Canadian models, and in the tire
inflation table in this chapter.
Cold tires: The tires are considered to be cold when they have the same temperature as the
surrounding (ambient) air. This temperature is normally reached after the vehicle has been parked for at
least 3 hours.
pg. 153 Wheels and tires
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