
Maintenance
9-26
For example:
DOT XXXX XXXX 1523 represents that
the tire was produced in the 15th
week of 2023.
4. Tire ply composition and material
The number of layers or plies of
rubber-coated fabric in the tire. Tire
manufacturers also must indicate the
materials in the tire, which include
steel, nylon, polyester, and others.
The letter “R” means radial ply
construction; the letter “D“ means
diagonal or bias ply construction; and
the letter “B” means belted-bias ply
construction.
5. Maximum permissible inflation
pressure
This number is the greatest amount
of air pressure that should be put in
the tire. Do not exceed the maximum
permissible inflation pressure. Refer
to the Tire and Loading Information
label for recommended inflation
pressure.
6. Maximum load rating
This number indicates the maximum
load in kilograms and lbs. that can be
carried by the tire. When replacing
the tires on the vehicle, always use a
tire that has the same load rating as
the factory installed tire.
Uniform tire quality grading
Quality grades can be found where
applicable on the tire sidewall
between tread shoulder and
maximum section width.
For example:
TREADWEAR 200
TRACTION AATEMPERATURE A
Tread wear
The tread wear grade is a
comparative rating based on the
wear rate of the tire when tested
under controlled conditions on a
specified government test course.
For example, a tire graded 150 would
wear one-and-a-half times (1½) as
well on the government course as a
tire graded 100.
The relative performance of tires
depends upon the actual conditions
of their use, however, and may depart
significantly from the norm due to
variations in driving habits, service
practices and differences in road
characteristics and climate.
These grades are molded on the
sidewalls of passenger vehicle tires.
The tires available as standard or
optional equipment on your vehicle
may vary with respect to grade.
Traction - AA, A, B & C
The traction grades, from highest to
lowest, are AA, A, B and C. Those
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.
WARNING The traction grade assigned to this
tire is based on straight ahead
braking traction tests, and does not
include acceleration, cornering,
hydroplaning, or peak traction
characteristics.
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Temperature - A, B & C
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.
Sustained high temperature can
cause the material of the tire to
degenerate and reduce tire life, and
excessive temperature can lead to
sudden tire failure. Grades B and A
represent higher levels of
performance on the laboratory test
wheel than the minimum required by
law.
WARNING The temperature grade for this tire is
established for a tire that is properly
inflated and not overloaded.
Excessive speed, under-inflation,
over-inflation, or excessive loading,
either separately or in combination,
can cause heat build-up and possible
sudden tire failure. This may cause
loss of vehicle control resulting in an
accident.
Tire Terminology and
Definitions
Air pressure
The amount of air inside the tire
pressing outward on the tire. Air
pressure is expressed in lbs. per
square in. (psi) or kilopascal (kPa).Accessory weight
This means the combined weight of
optional accessories. Some examples
of optional accessories are gear,
power seats, and air conditioning.
Aspect ratio
The relationship of a tire’s height to
its width.
Belt
A rubber coated layer of cords that is
located between the plies and the
tread. Cords may be made from steel
or other reinforcing materials.
Bead
The tire bead contains steel wires
wrapped by steel cords that hold the
tire onto the rim.
Bias ply tire
A pneumatic tire in which the plies
are laid at alternate angles less than
90 degrees to the centerline of the
tread.
Cold tire pressure
The amount of air pressure in a tire,
measured in lbs. per square in. (psi) or
kilopascals (kPa) before a tire has
built up heat from driving.
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.
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9
9-31
rotation interval in this chapter to
achieve the tread life potential of
these tires. Cuts and punctures in
radial-ply tires are repairable only in
the tread area, because of sidewall
flexing. Consult your tire dealer for
radial-ply tire repairs.
WARNING Do not mix bias ply and radial ply tires
under any circumstances. This may
cause unusual handling
characteristics that may cause loss of
vehicle control resulting in an
accident.
if equipped
Low Aspect Ratio Tires
The aspect ratio is lower than 50 on
low aspect ratio tires.
Because low aspect ratio tires are
optimized for handling and braking,
their sidewall is a little stiffer than a
standard tire. Also, low aspect ratio
tires tend to be wider so that they
consequently have increased contact
with the road surface. In some
instances, low aspect ratio tires may
generate more road noise compared
with standard tires.
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