TIRES
Tires are designed to give many thousands of miles of service, but they
must be maintained in order to get the maximum benefit from them.
Glossary of tire terminology
•
Tire label:
A label showing the OE (Original Equipment) tire sizes,
recommended inflation pressure 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. Also referred
to as DOT code.
•
Inflation pressure:
A measure of the amount of air in a tire.
•
Standard load:
A class of P-metric or Metric tires designed to carry a
maximum load at 35 psi [37 psi (2.5 bar) for Metric tires]. Increasing
the inflation pressure beyond this pressure will not increase the tire’s
load carrying capability.
•
Extra load:
A class of P-metric or Metric tires designed to carry a
heavier maximum load at 41 psi [43 psi (2.9 bar) for Metric tires].
Increasing the inflation pressure beyond this pressure will not increase
the tire’s load carrying capability.
•
kPa:
Kilopascal, a metric unit of air pressure.
•
PSI:
Pounds per square inch, a standard unit of air pressure.
•
Cold inflation pressure:
The tire pressure when the vehicle has
been stationary and out of direct sunlight for an hour or more and
prior to the vehicle being driven for 1 mile (1.6 km).
•
Recommended inflation pressure:
The cold inflation pressure found
on the Safety Compliance Certification Label or Tire Label located on
the B-Pillar or the edge of the driver’s door.
•
B-pillar:
The structural member at the side of the vehicle behind the
front door.
•
Bead area of the tire:
Area of the tire next to the rim.
•
Sidewall of the tire:
Area between the bead area and the tread.
•
Tread area of the tire:
Area of the perimeter of the tire that
contacts the road when mounted on the vehicle.
•
Rim:
The metal support (wheel) for a tire or a tire and tube assembly
upon which the tire beads are seated.
2008 07+ Explorer Sport Trac
(esp)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA
(fus)
Tires, Wheels and Loading
221
