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T i re s and w heel s
- Never mount used tires on your vehicle if
you are not sure of their "previous histo-
ry." Old used tires may have been dam-
aged even though the damage cannot be
seen that can lead to sudden tire failure
and loss of vehicle control.
Glossary of tire and loading terminology
Accessory weight
means the comb ined we ight (in excess of
those standard items which may be rep laced)
of automa t ic tra nsmission, power steer ing,
power brakes, power windows, power seats,
radio, and heater, to the extent that these
items are availab le as factory -installed equip -
ment (whether installed or not) .
Aspect ratio
means the ratio of the he ight to the w idt h of
the ti re in percent. Numbers of 55 or lower in-
dicate a low sidewall fo r improved steer ing re -
sponse and better overall handling on dry
pavement.
Bead
means t he pa rt of the tire that is made of
steel wires, wrapped o r reinforced by ply cords
and that is shaped to fit the rim.
Bead separation
means a breakdown of the bond between
components in the bead.
Cord
means the strands forming the plies in the
tire.
Cold tire inflatio n pressure
means the tire pressure recommended
by the
ve hicle manufacturer for a tire of a designated
size that has not been dr iven for more than a
couple of miles (kilometers) at low speeds in
the three hour period before the tire pressure
is measu red or adjusted.
- If you notice unusual vibration or if the
veh icle pulls to one side when driving, a l-
ways stop as soon as it is safe to do so
and check the wheels and tires for dam-
age.
Curb weight
means the weight of a motor ve hicle w ith
standard equipment including t he maximum
capa city of fuel, oil, and coola nt, a ir cond i-
tion ing and additional weig ht of option al
equipment .
Extra load tire
means a t ire design to operate at higher loads
and at higher inflation pressures than the cor-
respondi ng standa rd tire. Extra load tires may
be identified as "XL", "xl", "EXTRA LOAD", or
"RF" on the sidewall .
Gross Axle Weight Rating ("GAWR")
means the load-carrying capacity of a s ingle
axle system, measured at the tire-ground in-
te rfaces .
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating ( "GVWR ")
means the maximum total loaded we ight of
t he vehicle.
Groove
means the space between two adjacent tread
ribs .
Load rat ing (code)
me a ns t he maximum load that a tire is rated
to carry for a given inflation press ure. You
may not find this information on all tires be-
cause it is not required by law.
Maximum load rating
me a ns t he load rating for a t ire at the m axi-
mum pe rm issib le inflation pressure for that
t ire.
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