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1. Temporary tires
2. Nominal width of tire in millimeters
3. Ratio of height to width (aspect ratio)
4. Diagonal
5. Rim diameter code
6. Load index & speed symbol
T115/70D16 90M is an example of a tire size and load index rating. Here is an explanation
of the various components of that tire size and load index rating. Note that the tire size and
load index rating may be different from the example.
T
Indicates a tire that may be installed on cars, SUVs, minivans and light trucks as designated
by the Tire and Rim Association (T&RA).
11 5
“115” is the nominal width of the tire in millimeters. This three-digit number gives the
width in millimeters o f the tire from sidewall edge to sidewall edge. In general, the larger
the number, the wider the tire.
70
“70” is the aspect ratio. This t wo-digit number indicates the t ire's ratio of height to width.
D
“D” is the tire construction symbol. D indicates “diagonal ply construction”.
16
“16” is the wheel rim diameter in inches.
90
“90” is the Load Index. This two-or three-digit number indicate s how much weight each tire
can support.
M
“M” is the speed rating. The speed rating denotes the maximum s peed for which the use of
the tire is rated.
Letter Rating Speed Rating
M8 1 m ph
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▼Glossary of Terms
Tire Placard:
A label indicating the OE tire sizes, recommended inflation pr essure, and the
maximum weight the vehicle can carry.
Tire Identification Number (TIN): A number on the sidewall of each tire providing
information about the tire brand and manufacturing plant, tire size, and date of manufacture.
Inflation Pressure: A measure of the amo unt of air in a tire.
kPa: Kilopascal, the metric unit for air pressure.
psi: Pounds per square inch, the English unit for air pressure.
B-pillar: The structural member at the side of the vehicle behind the fr ont door.
Original Equipment (OE): Describes components originally equipped on the vehicle.
Vehicle Load Limit: The maximum value of the combination weight of occupants and
cargo.
Bead Area of the Tire: Area of the tire next to the rim.
Sidewall Area of the Tire: Area between the bead area and the tread.
Tread Area of the Tire: Area on the perimeter of the tire that contacts the road when it's
mounted on the vehicle.
Seating capacity means the total allowable number of vehicle occupants. Seating capacity
is described on the tire label.
Production options weight is the combination weight of installed regular production
options weighing over 2.3 kilogram s in excess of the standard items which they replace, and
not previously considered in the curb weight or accessory weigh t, including heavy duty
brakes, ride levelers, roof rack, heavy duty battery, and speci al trim.
Rim is the metal support (wheel) fo r a tire or a tire and tube assembly upon which the tire
beads are seated.
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Ve h i c l e L o a d i n g
WA R N I N G
Do not tow a trailer with this vehicle:
Towing a trailer with this vehicle is dangerous because it has not been designed to tow a
trailer and doing so will affect the drive system which could result in vehicle damage.
This section will guide you in the proper loading of your vehicle, to keep your loaded
vehicle weight within its desi gn rating capability. Properly lo ading your vehicle will provide
maximum return of vehicle design performance. Before loading yo ur vehicle, familiarize
yourself with the following terms for determining your vehicle' s weight ratings, from the
vehicle's Safety Certification La bel and Tire and Load Information Label:
WA R N I N G
Overloaded Vehicle:
Overloading a vehicle is danger ous. The results of overloading can have serious consequences
in terms of passenger safety. Too much weight on a vehicle's suspension system can cause
spring or shock absorber failure, brake failure, handling or steering problems, irregular tire
wear, tire failure or other damage.
Overloading makes a vehicle harder to drive and control. It also increases the distance
required for stopping. In cases of serious overloading, brakes can fail completely, particularly
on steep grades. The load a tire will carry safely is a combination of the size of the tire, its load
range, and corresponding inflation pressure.
Never overload the vehicle and always observe th e vehicle's weight ratings from the vehicle's
Safety Certification and Tire and Load Information labels.
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Base Curb Weight is the weight of the vehicle including a full tank of fuel and all
standard equipment. It does not include passengers, cargo, or optional equipment.
Vehicle Curb Weight is the weight of your new vehicle when you picked it up from y our
dealer plus any aftermarket equipment.
PAYLOAD
Payload is the combination weight of cargo and passengers that the veh icle is designed to
carry. The maximum payload for your vehicle can be found on the Tire and Load
Information label on t he driver's door frame or door pillar. Look for “THE COMBINATION
WEIGHT OF OCCUPANTS AND CARGO SHOULD NEVER EXCEED XXX kg or XXX
lbs” for your maximum payload. The payload listed on the tire l abel is the maximum
payload for the vehicle as built by the assembly plant. If any aftermarket or dealer installed
equipment has been installed on the vehicle, the weight of the equipment must be subtracted
from the payload listed on the tire label in order to be accura te.
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SAMPLE
CARGO
Cargo Weight includes all weight added to the Base Curb Weight, including c argo and
optional equipment.
The cargo weight limit decreases depending on the number of veh icle occupants. The cargo
weight limit can be calculated by subtracting the total weight of the vehicle occupants from
the “combination weight of occupants and cargo should never exc eed” value on the tire
label.
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Examples: Based on a single occupant weight of 68 kg (150 lbs), and a value of 385 kg (849
lbs) for the “combination weight of occupants and cargo should never exceed”:
The cargo weight limit with on e occupant is 385 kg (849 lbs) - 68 kg (150 lbs) = 317 kg
(699 lbs)
The cargo weight limit with two occupants is 385 kg (849 lbs) - (68 × 2) kg ( (150 × 2)
lbs) = 249 kg (549 lbs)
If the weight of the occupant increases, the cargo weight limit decreases by that much.
GAW (Gross Axle Weight) is the total weight placed on each axle (front and rear) -
including vehicle curb weight and all payload.
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating) is the maximum allowable weight that can be carried
by a single axle (front or rear). These numbers are shown o n the Safety Compliance
Certification Label located on the driver's door frame or door pillar. The total load on
each axle must never exceed its GAWR.
GVW
GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) is the Vehicle Curb Weight cargo passengers.
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) is the maximum allowable weight of the fully
loaded vehicle (including all options, equipment, passengers an d cargo). The GVWR is
shown on the Safety Compliance C ertification Label located on the driver's door
frame or door pillar. The GVW must never exceed the GVWR.
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SAMPLE
WA R N I N G
Never Exceed Axle Weight Rating Limits:
Exceeding the Safety Certification Label axle weight rating limits is dangerous and could
result in death or serious injury as a result of substandard vehicle handling, performance,
engine, transmission and/or structural damage , serious damage to the vehicle, or loss of
control.
Always keep the vehicle within the axle weight rating limits.
GCW
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GCW (Gross Combination Weight) is the weight of the loaded vehicle (GVW).
GCWR (Gross Combinat ion Weight Rating) is the maximum allo wable weight of the
vehicle - including all cargo and passengers - that the vehicle can handle without risking
damage. The GCW must never exceed the GCWR.
WA R N I N G
Never Exceed GVWR or GAWR Specifications:
Exceeding the GVWR or the GAWR specified on the certification label is dangerous. Exceeding
any vehicle rating limitation could result in a serious accident, injury, or damage to the
vehicle.
Do not use replacement tires with lower load carrying capacities than the originals because
they may lower the vehicle's GVWR and GAWR limitations. Replacement tires with a higher
limit than the originals do not increase the GVWR and GAWR limitations.
Never exceed the GVWR or the GAWR specified on the certification label.
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