Kia Sportage Hybrid 2024 Owner's Manual page 442

Maintenance
WARNING
Tyres degrade over time, even when
they are not being used. Regardless of
the remaining tread, we recommend
that tyres be replaced after approxi -
mately six (6) years of normal service.
Heat caused by hot climates or frequent
high loading conditions can accelerate
the aging process. Failure to follow this
warning can result in sudden tyre failure,
which could lead to a loss of control and
an accident involving serious injury or
death.
4. Tyre ply composition and
material
The number of layers or plies of rubber-
coated fabric in the tyre. Tyre manufac -
turers also must indicate the materials in
the tyre, which include steel, nylon, poly -
ester, and others. The letter "R" means
radial ply construction; the letter "D"
means diagonal or bias ply construction;
and the letter "B" means belted-bias ply
construction.
5. Maximum permissible inflation
pressure
This number is the greatest amount of
air pressure that should be put in the
tyre. Do not exceed the maximum per -
missible inflation pressure. Refer to "Tyre
specification and pressure label" on
page 10-12.
6. Maximum load rating
This number indicates the maximum
load in kilograms and pounds that can
be carried by the tyre. When replacing
the tyres on the vehicle, always use a
9 32
tyre that has the same load rating as the
factory installed tyre.
7. Uniform tyre quality grading
Quality grades can be found where
applicable on the tyre sidewall between
tread shoulder and maximum section
width.
For example:
TREADWEAR 200
TRACTION AA
TEMPERATURE A
WARNING
僅 The traction grade assigned to this
tyre is based on straightahead brak -
ing traction tests, and does not
include acceleration, cornering,
hydroplaning, or peak traction char -
acteristics.
僅 The temperature grade for this tyre is
established for a tyre that is properly
inflated and not overloaded. Exces -
sive speed, under inflation, or exces -
sive loading, either separately or in
combination, can cause heat build-up
in tyre and sudden tyre failure. This
can cause loss of vehicle control and
serious injury or death.
Tread wear
The tread wear grade is a comparative
rating based on the wear rate of the tyre
when tested under controlled conditions
on a specified government test course.
For example, a tyre graded 150 would
wear one-and-a-half times (1½) as well
on the government course as a tyre
graded 100.
The relative performance of tyres
depends upon the actual conditions of
their use, however, and may depart sig -
Tyres and wheels