Maintenance
9-40
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 pounds per square inch
(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.
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.
