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 426
.
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
Tire Quality Grading on page 429
.
Vehicle Capacity Weight:
The number of
designated seating positions multiplied by 150 lbs
(68 kg) plus the rated cargo load. See
Your Vehicle on page 330
.
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
Your Vehicle on page 330
.
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