Maintenance
8-32
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.
Pneumatic tire
A mechanical device made of rubber,
chemicals, fabric and steel or other
materials, that, when mounted on
an automotive wheel provides the
traction and contains the gas or fluid
that sustains the load.
Pneumatic options weight
The combined weight of installed
regular production options weighing
over 5 lb. (2.3 kg) in excess of the
standard items which they replace,
not previously considered in
curb weight or accessory weight,
including heavy duty breaks, ride
levelers, roof rack, heavy duty
battery, and special trim.
Recommended Inflation Pressure
Vehicle manufacturer’s
recommended tire inflation pressure
as shown on the tire placard.
