Ford AM/FM stereo manual Tires, Glossary of tire terminology, Maintenance and Specifications

Maintenance and Specifications

Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A represent higher levels of performance on the laboratory test wheel than the minimum required by law.

The temperature grade for this tire is established for a tire that is properly inflated and not overloaded. Excessive speed,

underinflation, or excessive loading, either separately or in combination, can cause heat buildup and possible tire failure.

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 manufacturer.

•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 tires 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 tires load carrying capability.

•kPa: Kilopascal, a metric unit of air pressure.

•PSI: Pounds per square inch, a standard unit of air pressure.

•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.

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