Tire Terminology And Definitions - Hyundai ELANTRA 2021 Owner's Manual

Temperature A, B & C
The temperature grades are A (the
highest), B and C representing the tire's
resistance to the generation of heat
and its ability to dissipate heat when
tested under controlled conditions on a
specified indoor laboratory test wheel.
Sustained high temperature can cause
the material of the tire to degenerate
and reduce tire life, and excessive
temperature can lead to sudden tire
failure. Grade C responds to a level
of performance which all passenger
car tires must meet under the Federal
Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109.
Grades B and A represent higher levels
of performance on the laboratory test
wheel than the minimum required by
law.
WARNING
The temperature grade for this tire is
established for a tire that is properly
inflated and not overloaded. Excessive
speed, under-inflation, over-inflation,
or excessive loading, either separately
or in combination, can cause heat build-
up and possible sudden tire failure.
This may cause loss of vehicle control
resulting in an accident.

Tire Terminology and Definitions

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.
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