Normal Occupant Weight:
The number of occupants a
vehicle is designed to seat multiplied by 150 lbs (68 kg).
See
Loading Your Vehicle on page 4-29
.
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 and
shown on the tire placard. See
on page 5-62
and
Loading Your Vehicle on page 4-29
.
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 5-66
.
UTQGS (Uniform Tire Quality Grading Standards):
A
tire information system that provides consumers with
ratings for a tire’s traction, temperature, and treadwear.
Ratings are determined by tire manufacturers using
government testing procedures. The ratings are molded
into the sidewall of the tire. See
Grading on page 5-68
.
Vehicle Capacity Weight:
The number of designated
seating positions multiplied by 150 lbs (68 kg) plus
the rated cargo load. See
on page 4-29
.
Vehicle Maximum Load on the Tire:
Load on an
individual tire due to curb weight, accessory weight,
occupant weight, and cargo weight.
Vehicle Placard:
A label permanently attached to a
vehicle showing the vehicle’s capacity weight and
the original equipment tire size and recommended
inflation pressure. See “Tire and Loading Information
Label” under
Loading Your Vehicle on page 4-29
.
5-61