VEHICLE CARE 297Rim : A metal support for a tireand upon which the tire beads areseated.Sidewall : The portion of a tirebetween the tread and the bead.Speed Rating : An alphanumericcode assigned to a tire indicatingthe maximum speed at which atire can operate.Traction : The friction betweenthe tire and the road surface. Theamount of grip provided.Tread : The portion of a tire thatcomes into contact with the road.Treadwear Indicators : Narrowbands, sometimes called wearbars, that show across the tread ofa tire when only 1.6 mm (1/16 in)of tread remains. See When It IsTime for New Tires 0 304.UTQGS (Uniform Tire QualityGrading Standards) : A tireinformation system that providesconsumers with ratings for a tire'straction, temperature, andtreadwear. Ratings are determinedby tire manufacturers usinggovernment testing procedures.The ratings are molded into thesidewall of the tire. See UniformTire Quality Grading 0 307.Vehicle Capacity Weight : Thenumber of designated seatingpositions multiplied by68 kg (150 lb) plus the rated cargoload. See Vehicle Load Limits 0 185.Vehicle Maximum Load on theTire : Load on an individual tiredue to curb weight, accessoryweight, occupant weight, andcargo weight.Vehicle Placard : A labelpermanently attached to a vehicleshowing the vehicle capacityweight and the original equipmenttire size and recommendedinflation pressure. See “Tire andLoading Information Label” underVehicle Load Limits 0 185.Tire PressureTires need the correct amount ofair pressure to operate effectively.CautionNeither tire underinflation noroverinflation is good.Underinflated tires, or tires thatdo not have enough air, canresult in:. Tire overloading andoverheating which couldlead to a blowout.. Premature orirregular wear.. Poor handling.. Reduced fuel economy.Overinflated tires, or tires thathave too much air, can result in:. Unusual wear.. Poor handling.. Rough ride.(Continued)
