8-1. Specifications- Page 385

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8-1. Specifications

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Intended outboard sidewall

(a) The sidewall that contains a whitewall, bears 
white lettering, or bears manufacturer, brand, 
and/or model name molding that is higher or 
deeper than the same molding on the other sidewall 
of the tire, or
(b) The outward facing sidewall of an asymmetrical 
tire that has a particular side that must always face 
outward when mounted on a vehicle

Light truck (LT) tire

A tire designated by its manufacturer as primarily 
intended for use on lightweight trucks or multipur-
pose passenger vehicles

Load rating

The maximum load that a tire is rated to carry for a 
given inflation pressure

Maximum load rating

The load rating for a tire at the maximum permissi-
ble inflation pressure for that tire

Maximum permissible inflation pres-
sure

The maximum cold inflation pressure to which a tire 
may be inflated

Measuring rim

The rim on which a tire is fitted for physical dimen-
sion requirements

Open splice

Any parting at any junction of tread, sidewall, or 
innerliner that extends to cord material

Outer diameter

The overall diameter of an inflated new tire

Overall width

The linear distance between the exteriors of the 
sidewalls of an inflated tire, including elevations due 
to labeling, decorations, or protective bands or ribs

Passenger car tire

A tire intended for use on passenger cars, multipur-
pose passenger vehicles, and trucks, that have a 
gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 10,000 lb. 
or less.

Ply

A layer of rubber-coated parallel cords

Ply separation

A parting of rubber compound between adjacent 
plies

Pneumatic tire

A mechanical device made of rubber, chemicals, 
fabric and steel or other materials, that, when 
mounted on an automotive wheel, provides the 
traction and contains the gas or fluid that sustains 
the load

Tire related term

Meaning