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9-41
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 motor 
vehicle safety standards. The DOT 
code includes the Tire Identification 
Number (TIN), an alphanumeric 
designator which can also identify 
the tire manufacturer, production 
plant, brand and date of production.
GVWR
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
GAWR FRT
Gross Axle Weight Rating for the 
Front Axle.
GAWR RR
Gross Axle Weight Rating for the 
Rear axle.
Intended Outboard Sidewall
The side of an asymmetrical tire, 
that must always face outward when 
mounted on a vehicle.
Kilopascal (kPa)
The metric unit for air pressure.
Light truck (LT) tire
A tire designated by its manufacturer 
as primarily intended for use on 
lightweight trucks or multipurpose 
passenger vehicles.
Load ratings
The maximum load that a tire is rated 
to carry for a given inflation pressure.Load Index
An assigned number ranging from 1 
to 279 that corresponds to the load 
carrying capacity of a tire.
Maximum Inflation Pressure
The maximum air pressure to which 
a cold tire may be inflated. The 
maximum air pressure is molded 
onto the sidewall.
Maximum Load Rating
The load rating for a tire at the 
maximum permissible inflation 
pressure for that tire.
Maximum Loaded Vehicle Weight
The sum of curb weight; accessory 
weight; vehicle capacity weight; and 
production options weight.
Normal Occupant Weight
The number of occupants a vehicle 
is designed to seat multiplied by 150 
pounds (68 kg).
Occupant Distribution
Designated seating positions.
Outward Facing Sidewall
An asymmetrical tire has a particular 
side that faces outward when 
mounted on a vehicle. The outward 
facing sidewall bears white lettering 
or bears manufacturer, brand, and/or 
model name molding that is higher 
or deeper than the same moldings 
on the inner facing sidewall.
Passenger (P-Metric) tire
A tire used on passenger cars 
and some light duty trucks and 
multipurpose vehicles.
Ply
A layer of rubber-coated parallel 
cords.