Normal occupant weight
Means 150 lbs (68 kilograms) times the number of occupants seated
in the vehicle up to the total seating capacity of your vehicle.
Occupant distribution
The placement of passengers in a vehicle.
Outer diameter
The diameter of a new, properly inflated tire.
Overall width
Total width measured at the exterior sidewalls of an inflated tire, in-
cluding the additional width of labeling, decorations, or protective
bands or ribs.
Passenger car tire
A tire intended for use on passenger cars, multipurpose passenger
vehicles, and trucks, that have a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR)
of 10,000 pounds 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, pro-
vides the traction and contains the gas or fluid that sustains the load.
Production options weight
The combined weight of installed regular production options weighing
over 5 lbs (2.3 kg) more than the standard items they replace, and not
previously considered as curb weight or accessory weight. These
include, for example, heavy-duty brakes, ride levelers, roof rack,
heavy-duty battery, and special trim.
Radial ply tires
A pneumatic tire in which the ply cords that extend to the beads are
laid at substantially 90 degrees to the centerline of the tread.
was manufactured. The last 4 numbers represent the week and year
of manufacture.
For example, the numbers 1709 mean that the tire was produced in
the 17th week of 2009. Any other numbers are marketing codes used
by the tire manufacturer. This information is used to help identify af-
fected consumers if a tire defect requires a recall.
Vehicle capacity weight
The total rated cargo, luggage and passenger load. Passenger load is
150 lbs (68 kilograms) times the vehicle's total seating capacity (as
listed on the label inside the driver door).
Vehicle maximum load on the tire
The load on an individual tire that is determined by taking each axle's
share of the maximum loaded vehicle weight (GAWR) and dividing
by 2.
Vehicle normal load on the tire
The load on an individual tire that is determined by taking each axle's
share of the curb weight, accessory weight, and normal occupant
weight (distributed according to the table below) and dividing by 2.
Wheel size designation
Wheel rim diameter and width.
Occupant loading and distribution for vehicle normal load for
various designated seating capacities
Designated seating
capacity, number of
occupants
Vehicle normal load,
number of occu-
pants
Occupant distribu-
tion in a normally
loaded vehicle
2, 3, or 4 2 2 in front
5 3 2 in front, 1 in back
Tires and vehicle load limits
