and heater, to the extent that these items
are available as factory-installed equip-
ment (whether installed or not).
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) or bars.
Aspect ratio Dimensional relationship between tire
section height and section width expressed
in percentage.
Bar Another metric unit for air pressure. There
are 14.5038 pounds per square inch (psi) to
1 bar; there are 100 kilopascals (kPa) to
1 bar.
Bead The tire bead contains steel wires wrapped
by steel cords that hold the tire onto the
rim.
Cold tire inflation pressure Tire inflation pressure when your vehicle
has been sitting for at least 3 hours or
driven no more than 1 mile (1.6 km).
Curb weight The weight of a motor vehicle with standard
equipment including the maximum capa-
city of fuel, oil, and coolant, and, if so
equipped, air conditioning and additionaloptional equipment, but without passen-
gers and cargo.
DOT (Department of Transportation) A tire branding symbol which denotes the
tire meets requirements of the U.S. Depart- ment of Transportation. GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating) The GAWR is the maximum permissible axle
weight. The gross vehicle weight on each
axle must never exceed the GAWR for the
front and rear axle indicated on the cer-
tification label located on the driver’s
door B‑pillar.
GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) The GVW comprises the weight of the vehi-
cle including fuel, tools, installed acces-
sories, passengers and cargo. The GVW must never exceed the GVWR indicated on the
certification label located on the driver’s
door B‑pillar.
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) This is the maximum permissible vehicle
weight of the fully loaded vehicle (weight
of the vehicle including all options, pas-
sengers, fuel, and cargo. It is indicated on
certification label located on the driver’s door B‑pillar.
Kilopascal (kPa) The metric unit for air pressure. There are
6.9 kPa to 1 psi; another metric unit for air
pressure is bars. There are 100 kilopas-
cals (kPa) to 1 bar.
Maximum load rating The maximum load in kilograms and pounds
that can be carried by the tire.
Maximum loaded vehicle weight The sum of curb weight, accessory weight,
total load limit and production options
weight.
Maximum permissible tire inflation
pressure This number is the greatest amount of air
pressure that should ever be put in the tire.144
Tires and wheels>> Operation.
