Tire Terminology and De nitions
Air Pressure:The amount of air inside the tire pressing
outward on each square inch of the tire. Air pressure
is expressed in pounds per square inch (psi) or
kilopascal (kPa).
Accessory Weight:This means the combined weight
of optional accessories. Some examples of optional
accessories are, automatic transmission, power steering,
power brakes, power windows, power seats, and air
conditioning.
Aspect Ratio:The relationship of a tire’s height to
its width.
Belt:A rubber coated layer of cords that is located
between the plies and the tread. Cords may be made
from steel or other reinforcing materials.
Bead:The tire bead contains steel wires wrapped by
steel cords that hold the tire onto the rim.
Bias Ply Tire:A pneumatic tire in which the plies are
laid at alternate angles less than 90 degrees to the
centerline of the tread.Cold In ation Pressure:The amount of air pressure in
a tire, measured in pounds per square inch (psi) or
kilopascals (kPa) before a tire has built up heat
from driving. SeeIn ation - Tire Pressure on page 5-64.
Curb Weight:This means the weight of a motor
vehicle with standard and optional equipment including
the maximum capacity of fuel, oil and coolant, but
without passengers and cargo.
DOT Markings:A code molded into the sidewall of a
tire signifying that the tire is in compliance with the
U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) motor vehicle
safety standards. The DOT code includes the Tire
Identi cation Number (TIN), an alphanumeric designator
which can also identify the tire manufacturer, production
plant, brand and date of production.
GVWR:Gross Vehicle Weight Rating, seeLoading
Your Vehicle on page 4-33.
GAWR FRT:Gross Axle Weight Rating for the front
axle, seeLoading Your Vehicle on page 4-33.
GAWR RR:Gross Axle Weight Rating for the rear axle,
seeLoading Your Vehicle on page 4-33.
Intended Outboard Sidewall:The side of an
asymmetrical tire, that must always face outward when
mounted on a vehicle.
5-62
Power
Accessory Outlet(s)......................................3-19
Door Locks.................................................2-11
Electrical System.........................................5-97
Lift Seat....................................................... 1-8
Retained Accessory (RAP)............................2-24
Seat............................................................ 1-3
Steering Fluid.............................................5-37
Windows....................................................2-17
Pretensioners, Safety Belt................................1-29
Programmable Automatic Door Unlock...............2-13
Q
Questions and Answers About Safety Belts.........1-14
R
Radios..........................................................3-54
Care of Your CD and DVD Player..................3-88
Care of Your CDs and DVDs........................3-88
Radio with CD....................................3-56, 3-61
Radio with Six-Disc CD................................3-71
Setting the Time for Radios with Radio Data
Systems (RDS)........................................3-55
Setting the Time for Radios without Radio
Data Systems (RDS)................................3-55
Theft-Deterrent............................................3-86Radios (cont.)
Understanding Reception..............................3-87
Raising the Retractable Hardtop........................2-51
Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides......................1-27
Rear Seat Passengers, Safety Belts..................1-23
Rearview Mirror, Automatic Dimming
with Compass.............................................2-41
Rearview Mirror, Automatic Dimming with
OnStar
®and Compass.................................2-39
Rearview Mirror with OnStar®...........................2-39
Rearview Mirrors.............................................2-39
Reclining Seatbacks.......................................... 1-4
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants.................6-12
Recreational Vehicle Towing.............................4-38
Remote Keyless Entry System............................ 2-4
Remote Keyless Entry System, Operation............ 2-5
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the
Spare Tire..................................................5-78
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools...................5-76
Replacement Bulbs.........................................5-55
Reporting Safety Defects
Canadian Government..................................7-11
General Motors...........................................7-11
United States Government............................7-10
Restraint System Check
Checking the Restraint Systems....................1-71
Replacing Restraint System Parts After
a Crash..................................................1-72
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)......................2-24
10
