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shorter distance than a tire with a lower grade.
Traction is graded from the highest to lowest as
"AA," "A," "B," or "C."
Temperature grades are an indication
of a tire's resistance to heat. Sustained high
temperature (for example, driving long distances
in hot weather), can cause a tire to deteriorate,
leading to blowouts and tread separation. From
highest to lowest, a tire's resistance to heat is
graded as "A," "B," or "C."
Tire Fundamentals
Federal law requires tire manufacturers to
place standardized information on the sidewall of
all tires. This information identifies and describes
the fundamental characteristics of the tire and
also provides a tire identification number for
safety standard certification and in case of a
recall.
Information on Trailer Tires
Please refer to the photo below.
ST: The "ST" indicates that the tire is for trailer
use.
Next number: This three-digit number gives
the width in millimeters of the tire from sidewall
edge to sidewall edge. In general, the larger the
number, the wider the tire.
Next number: This two-digit number, known as
the aspect ratio, gives the tire's ratio of height to
width. Numbers of 70 or lower indicate a short
sidewall for improved steering response and
better overall handling on dry pavement.
R: The "R" stands for radial. Radial ply construc-
tion of tires has been the industry standard for
the past 20 years.
Next number: This two-digit number is the wheel
or rim diameter in inches. If you change your
wheel size, you will have to purchase new tires
to match the new wheel diameter.
Tire Safety Tips
Preventing Tire Damage
•
Slow down if you have to go over a pothole
or other object in the road.
•
Do not run over curbs or other foreign
objects in the roadway and try not to strike
the curb when parking.
Tire Safety Checklist
•
Check tire pressure regularly (at least
once a month or every 50 miles, whichever
comes first), including the spare tire.
•
Inspect tires for uneven wear patterns on
the tread, cracks, foreign objects or other
signs of wear or trauma.
•
Remove bits of glass and other foreign
objects wedged in the tread.
•
Make sure your tire valves have valve caps.
•
Check tire pressure before going on a long
trip.
•
Do not overload your vehicle. Check the
tire information placard for the maximum
recommended load for the vehicle.
•
When towing the trailer, remember that
some of the weight of the loaded trailer is
transferred to the towing vehicle.
For more information, visit www.nhtsa.gov
or call (888) 327-4326.
Information provided in this brochure courtesy of
the National Highway Transportation & Safety Adminis-
tration. Reprinted by permission.
https://www.boat-manuals.com/
Tire Safety
Everything Runs 0n It
Studies of tire safety show that maintaining prop-
er tire pressure, observing tire and vehicle load
limits (not carrying more weight in your vehicle
than your tires or vehicle can safely handle),
avoiding road hazards, and inspecting tires for
cuts, slashes, and other irregularities are the
most important things you can do to avoid tire
failure, such as tread separation or blowout and
flat tires. These actions, along with other care
and maintenance activities, can also:
•
Improve vehicle handling
•
Help protect you and others from avoidable
breakdowns and accidents
•
Improve fuel economy
•
Increase the life of your tires.
This booklet presents a comprehensive
overview of tire safety, including information on
the following topics:
•
Basic tire maintenance
•
Uniform Tire Quality Grading System
•
Fundamental characteristics of tires
•
Tire safety tips.
Use this information to make tire safety a
regular part of your vehicle maintenance routine.
Recognize that the time you spend is minimal
compared with the inconvenience and safety
consequences of a flat tire or other tire failure.
Safety First—Basic
Tire Maintenance
Properly maintained tires improve the
steering, stopping, traction, and load-carrying
capability of your vehicle. Underinflated tires
and overloaded vehicles are a major cause of
tire failure. Therefore, as mentioned above, to
avoid flat tires and other types of tire failure, you
should maintain proper tire pressure, observe
tire and vehicle load limits, avoid road hazards,
and regularly inspect your tires.
Finding Your Vehicle's
Recommended Tire Pressure
and Load Limits
Tire information placards and vehicle
certification labels contain information on tires
and load limits. These labels indicate the vehicle
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