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fIndIng your VehIcle’s recommended tIre pressure and load
lImIts
Tire information placards and vehicle certification labels contain information on tires and
load limits. These labels indicate the vehicle manufacturer’s information including:
•
recommended tire size
•
recommended tire inflation pressure
•
Vehicle capacity weight (VCW–the maximum occupant and cargo weight a
vehicle is designed to carry)
•
Front and rear gross axle weight ratings (gaWr– the maximum weight the axle
systems are designed to carry).
Both placards and certification labels are permanently attached to the vehicle
door edge,door post, glove-box door, or inside of the trunk lid. You can also find the
recommended tire pressure and load limit for your vehicle in the vehicle owner’s manual.
understandIng tIre pressure and load lImIts
Tire inflation pressure is the level of air in the tire that provides it with load-carrying capacity
and affects the overall performance of the vehicle. The tire inflation pressure is a number
that indicates the amount of air pressure– measured in pounds per square inch(psi)–a tire
requires to be properly inflated. (You will also find this number on the vehicle information
placard expressed in kilopascals (kPa), which is the metric measure used internationally.)
Manufacturers of passenger vehicles and light trucks determine this number based on
the vehicle’s design load limit, that is, the greatest amount of weight a vehicle can safely
carry and the vehicle’s tire size. The proper tire pressure for your vehicle is referred to as the
“recommended cold inflation pressure.” (as you will read below, it is difficult to obtain there
commended tire pressure if your tires are not cold.)
Because tires are designed to be used on more than one type of vehicle, tire
manufacturers list the “maximum permissible inflation pressure” on the tire sidewall. This
number is the greatest amount of air pressure that should ever be put in the tire under
normal driving conditions.
checkIng tIre pressure
it is important to check your vehicle’s tire pressure at least once a month for the following
reasons:
•
Most tires may naturally lose air over time.
•
Tires can lose air suddenly if you drive over a pothole or other object or if you strike
the curb when parking.
•
With radial tires, it is usually not possible to determine under inflation by visual
inspection.
For convenience, purchase a tire pressure gauge to keep in your vehicle. gauges can
bepurchased at tire dealerships, auto supply stores, and other retail outlets.
