Malibu Boats 21 VLX, Owner'S Manual

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Tread wear grades are an indication of a tire’s relative wear rate. The higher the tread wear number is, the
longer it should take for the tread to wear down. For example, a tire grade of 400 should wear twice as long as a
tire grade of 200.
Traction grades are an indication of a tire’s ability to stop on wet pavement. A higher graded tire should allow
you to stop on wet roads in a shorter distance than a tire with a lower grade. Traction is graded from the highest
to lowest as “AA,” “A,” “B,” or “C.”
Temperature grades are an indication of a tire’s resistance to heat. Sustained high temperature (for example,
driving long distances in hot weather), can cause a tire to deteriorate, leading to blowouts and tread separation.
From highest to lowest, a tire’s resistance to heat is graded as “A,” “B,” or “C.”
Tire Fundamentals
Federal law requires tire manufacturers to place standardized information on the sidewall of all tires.
This information identifies and describes the fundamental characteristics of the tire and also provides a tire
identification number for safety standard certification and in case of a recall.
Information on Trailer Tires
Please refer to the photo below.
ST
: The “ST” indicates that the tire is for trailer use.
Next number
: This three-digit number gives the
width in millimeters of the tire from sidewall edge to
sidewall edge. In general, the larger the number, the
wider the tire.
Next number:
This two-digit number, known as the
aspect ratio, gives the tire’s ratio of height to width.
Numbers of 70 or lower indicate a short sidewall
for improved steering response and better overall
handling on dry pavement.
R
: The “R” stands for radial. Radial ply construction of tires has been the industry standard for the past 20 years.
Next number
: This two-digit number is the wheel or rim diameter in inches. If you change your wheel size, you
will have to purchase new tires to match the new wheel diameter.
Tire Safety Tips
Preventing Tire Damage
• Slow down if you have to go over a pothole or other object in the road.
• Do not run over curbs or other foreign objects in the roadway and try not to strike the curb when parking.
Tire Safety Checklist
• Check tire pressure regularly (at least once a month or every 50 miles, whichever comes first), including the
spare tire.
• Inspect tires for uneven wear patterns on the tread, cracks, foreign objects or other signs of wear or trauma.
• Remove bits of glass and other foreign objects wedged in the tread.
2020 Malibu Boats LLC • Owner’s Manual • Page 200