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Tread Wear, Traction and Temperature
Grades
Tr e a d w e a r : The tread wear grade is a
comparative rating based on the wear rate
of the tire when test ed under controlled
conditions on a specified government test
course. For example, a tire graded 150
would wear one and one -half (1 1/2) times
as well on the government course as a tire
graded 100.
Traction: The traction grades, from
highest to lowest are AA, A, B, and C.
The grades represent the tire's ability to
stop on wet pavement as measured under
controlled conditions on specified
government test surfaces of asphalt and
concrete. A tire marked C may have poor
traction performance.
Te m p e r a t u r e : The temperature grades are
A (the highest), B and C, representing the
tire's resistance to the generation of heat
and its ability to dissipate heat when tested
under controlled conditions on a specified
indoor laboratory test wheel.
Snow Tires
In some heavy snow areas, local
governments may require true snow tires,
those with very deeply cut tread. These
tires should only be us ed in pairs or placed
on all four wheels. Make sure you
purchase snow tires that are the same size
and construction type as the other tires on
your vehicle.
SAFETY WARNING
The following safety warning appears on
the tire's sidewall.
SERIOUS INJURY MAY RESULT
FROM:
EXPLOSION OF TIRE/RIM
ASSEMBLY DUE TO IMPROPER
MOUNTING-MATCH TIRE
DIAMETER TO RIM DIAMETER;
NEVER EXCEED 40 psi (275 kPa) TO
SEAT BEADS-ONLY SPECIALLY
TRAINED PERSONS SHOULD
MOUNT TIRES.
TIRE FAILURE DUE TO
UNDER-INFLATION/
OVERLOADING/
DAMAGE-FOLLOW OWNER'S
MANUAL AND PLACARD IN
VEHICLE-FREQUENTLY CHECK
INFLATION PRESSURE AND
INSPECT FOR DAMAGE.
▼ Information on Temporary Tires
Please refer to the sample below.
1. Temporary tires
2. Nominal width of tire in millimeters
3. Ratio of height to w
idth (aspect ratio)
4. Diagonal
5. Rim diameter code
6. Load index & speed symbol
Customer Information and Reporting Safety Defects
Tire Information (U.S.A.)
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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 of 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 two-digit
number indicates the tire'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 indicates how much
weight each tire can support.
M
“M” is the speed rating. The speed rating
denotes the maximum speed for which the
use of the tire is rated.
Letter Rating Speed Rating
M8 1 m ph
Customer Information and Reporting Safety Defects
Tire Information (U.S.A.)
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7. Repeat with each tire, including thespare.
NOTE
Some spare tires require higher
inflation pressure.
8. Visually inspect the tires to make sure
there are no nails or other objects
embedded that could poke a hole in the
tire and cause an air leak.
9. Check the sidewalls to make sure there are no gouges, cuts, bulges, cracks or
other irregularities.
▼Glossary of Terms
Tire Placard:
A label indicating the OE
tire sizes, recommended inflation pressure,
and the maximum weight the vehicle can
carry.
Tire Identification Number (TIN): A
number on the side wall of each tire
providing information about the tire brand
and manufacturing plant, tire size, and
date of manufacture.
Inflation Pressure: A measure of the
amount of air in a tire.
kPa: Kilopascal, the me tric 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 front door.
Original Equipment (OE): Describes
components original ly 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 de scribed on the tire
label.
Production options weight is the
combination weight of installed regular
production options weighing over 2.3
kilograms in excess of the standard items
which they replace, and not previously
considered in the curb weight or accessory
weight, including heavy duty brakes, ride
levelers, roof rack, heavy duty battery, and
special trim.
Rim is the metal support (wheel) for a tire
or a tire and tube assembly upon which the
tire beads are seated.
Customer Information and Reporting Safety Defects
Tire Information (U.S.A.)
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