Normal Occupant Weight:
The number of
occupants a vehicle is designed to seat multiplied
by 150 lbs (68 kg). See
on page 319
.
Occupant Distribution:
Designated seating
positions.
Outward Facing Sidewall:
The side of an
asymmetrical tire that has a particular side that
faces outward when mounted on a vehicle.
The side of the tire that contains a whitewall, bears
white lettering, or bears manufacturer, brand,
and/or model name molding that is higher
or deeper than the same moldings on the other
sidewall of the tire.
Passenger (P-Metric) Tire:
A tire used on
passenger cars and some light duty trucks and
multipurpose vehicles.
Recommended Inflation Pressure:
Vehicle
manufacturer’s recommended tire inflation
pressure as shown on the tire placard. See
Inflation - Tire Pressure on page 409
and
Your Vehicle on page 319
.
Radial Ply Tire:
A pneumatic tire in which the
ply cords that extend to the beads are laid at
90 degrees to the centerline of the tread.
Rim:
A metal support for a tire and upon which
the tire beads are seated.
Sidewall:
The portion of a tire between the tread
and the bead.
Speed Rating:
An alphanumeric code assigned
to a tire indicating the maximum speed at
which a tire can operate.
Traction:
The friction between the tire and the
road surface. The amount of grip provided.
Tread:
The portion of a tire that comes into
contact with the road.
Treadwear Indicators:
Narrow bands, sometimes
called wear bars, that show across the tread of a
tire when only 1/16 inch (1.6 mm) of tread remains.
See
When It Is Time for New Tires on page 417
.
408