8-1. Specifications- Page 382

382

8-1. Specifications

cornering (turning) traction.

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Temperature A, B, C

The temperature grades are A (the 
highest), B, and C, representing the 
tire’s resistance to the generation of 
heat and its ability to dissipate heat 
when tested under controlled condi-
tions on a specified indoor laboratory 
test wheel.

Sustained high temperature can cause the 
material of the tire to degenerate and 
reduce tire life, and excessive temperature 
can lead to sudden tire failure.

Grade C corresponds to a level of perfor-
mance which all passenger car tires must 
meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle 
Safety Standard No. 109.
Grades B and A represent higher levels of 
performance on the laboratory test wheel 
than the minimum required by law.
Warning: The temperature grades of a tire 
assume that it is properly inflated and not 
overloaded.
Excessive speed, underinflation, or exces-
sive loading, either separately or in combi-
nation, can cause heat buildup and 
possible tire failure.

Glossary of tire terminology

Tire related term

Meaning

Cold tire inflation pressure

Tire pressure when the vehicle has been parked for 
three hours or more, or has not been driven more 
than 1 mile or 1.5 km under that condition

Maximum inflation pressure

The maximum cold inflated pressure to which a tire 
may be inflated, shown on the sidewall of the tire

Recommended inflation pressure

Cold tire inflation pressure recommended by a 
manufacturer

Accessory weight

The combined weight (in excess of those standard 
items which may be replaced) of automatic trans-
mission, power steering, power brakes, power win-
dows, power seats, radio and heater, to the extent 
that these items are available as factory-installed 
equipment (whether installed or not)

Curb weight

The weight of a motor vehicle with standard equip-
ment, including the maximum capacity of fuel, oil 
and coolant, and if so equipped, air conditioning 
and additional weight optional engine