Tire Terminology And Definitions - GMC Express 2011 Owner's Manual

10-58 Vehicle Care
Tire Terminology and
Definitions
Air Pressure The amount of
:
air inside the tire pressing
outward on each square inch
of the tire. Air pressure is
expressed in kPa (kilopascal)
or psi (pounds per square inch).
Accessory Weight
:
The combined weight of optional
accessories. Some examples
of optional accessories are
automatic transmission, power
steering, power brakes, power
windows, 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
kPa (kilopascal) or psi (pounds
per square inch) before a tire
has built up heat from driving.
See Tire Pressure on
page 10 60.
Curb Weight 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
(DOT) 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. See Vehicle Load Limits
on page 9 12.
GAWR FRT Gross Axle
:
Weight Rating for the front axle.
See Vehicle Load Limits on
page 9 12.
GAWR RR Gross Axle
:
Weight Rating for the rear axle.
See Vehicle Load Limits on
page 9 12.