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FAQ

by Eduardo Torres

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Tires and Wheels

Q1: What is Tire Air Pressure and why is it important?

  • A1: Tire Air Pressure refers to the force exerted by air within a tire, measured in psi or kPa. Proper air pressure is crucial for tire longevity, fuel efficiency, and safe handling.

Q2: How do I find the Recommended Inflation Pressure for my tires?

  • A2: The Recommended Inflation Pressure for your tires is provided by the vehicle manufacturer and can be found on the vehicle placard, usually located on the door jamb or in the owner’s manual.

Q3: What is the difference between Radial Ply Tires and Bias Ply Tires?

  • A3: Radial Ply Tires have cords that run at 90 degrees to the tread’s centerline, offering better road grip and fuel efficiency. Bias Ply Tires have cords at alternating angles, providing a smoother ride on rough surfaces.

Q4: What does the Speed Rating on a tire indicate?

  • A4: The Speed Rating is an alphanumeric code on a tire indicating the maximum speed at which the tire can safely operate.

Q5: What should I know about Treadwear Indicators?

  • A5: Treadwear Indicators are narrow bands in the tire tread that become visible when only 1/16 inch of tread remains, signaling that the tire needs replacement.

Q6: How does Vehicle Capacity Weight affect my vehicle?

  • A6: Vehicle Capacity Weight is the total weight of passengers and cargo that a vehicle can safely carry. Exceeding this limit can affect vehicle handling and safety.

Q7: What are the benefits of having Winter Tires?

  • A7: Winter Tires are designed for cold temperatures and provide improved traction on snow and ice, enhancing safety during winter driving conditions.

Q8: What is Wheel Alignment and why is it important?

  • A8: Wheel Alignment involves adjusting the angles of wheels to the car maker’s specifications. Proper alignment ensures smooth driving, reduced tire wear, and better fuel economy.

Q9: How often should I check my Tire Air Pressure?

  • A9: It’s recommended to check your Tire Air Pressure at least once a month and before long trips. Correct air pressure is vital for tire performance and safety.

Q10: Can I use All-Season Tires in winter?

  • A10: All-season tires can handle mild winter conditions but are not a substitute for Winter Tires in severe snow and ice conditions. It’s advisable to use Winter Tires in harsh winter environments for maximum safety.

Glossary

  1. Accessory Weight
    • The total weight of additional, non-standard features in a vehicle. Examples include features like automatic transmission, power-operated seats, and air conditioning systems.
  2. Air Pressure (Tire Air Pressure)
    • Refers to the measure of force exerted by air within a tire, pushing against its inner walls. It’s quantified in units like pounds per square inch (psi) or kilopascals (kPa).
  3. All-Season Tires
    • Tires designed to provide good performance in a variety of conditions including wet roads and light winter driving.
  4. Aspect Ratio of a Tire
    • Describes the proportional relationship between a tire’s height and its width.
  5. Bias Ply Tire
    • A type of pneumatic tire characterized by the arrangement of its internal plies. In these tires, the plies are positioned at alternating angles, each less than 90 degrees relative to the tread’s centerline.
  6. Cold Tire Pressure
    • The air pressure in a tire (measured in psi or kPa) before it gets warm from driving.
  7. Curb Weight
    • The weight of a vehicle with all equipment and full tanks of fuel, oil, and coolant, but without passengers or cargo.
  8. DOT Markings
    • Codes on a tire’s sidewall showing it meets U.S. Department of Transportation safety standards. Includes the Tire Identification Number (TIN) which can tell you who made the tire, where, and when.
  9. GAWR FRT
    • Gross Axle Weight Rating for the Front Axle – the maximum weight the front axle can safely carry.
  10. GAWR RR
    • Gross Axle Weight Rating for the Rear Axle – the maximum weight the rear axle can safely carry.
  11. GVWR
    • Gross Vehicle Weight Rating – the maximum weight a vehicle can safely handle.
  12. Intended Outboard Sidewall
    • The side of a tire with a specific design that should always face outward when mounted.
  13. Kilopascal (kPa)
    • A unit for measuring air pressure, used in place of psi.
  14. Light Truck (LT) Tire
    • A tire made mainly for lightweight trucks or multipurpose passenger vehicles.
  15. Load Index
    • A number from 1 to 279 indicating how much weight a tire can support.
  16. Load Ratings
    • The highest weight a tire can carry safely at a certain air pressure.
  17. Maximum Inflation Pressure
    • The highest air pressure you can safely put in a tire, as shown on the tire’s sidewall.
  18. Maximum Load Rating
    • The highest weight a tire can handle at its maximum air pressure.
  19. Maximum Loaded Vehicle Weight
    • The total weight of a vehicle including its curb weight, accessories, passengers, and cargo.
  20. Normal Occupant Weight
    • The designed seating capacity of a vehicle multiplied by 150 pounds per person.
  21. Occupant Distribution
    • The layout of seating positions in a vehicle.
  22. Outward Facing Sidewall
    • The side of an asymmetrical tire that should face outside, often marked with white letters or deeper brand markings.
  23. Passenger (P-Metric) Tire
    • A tire used on passenger cars and some light-duty trucks and multipurpose vehicles.
  24. Ply
    • Layers of rubber-coated cords in a tire.
  25. Pneumatic Options Weight
    • The weight of extra options over 5 pounds that aren’t included in the standard or accessory weight, like heavy-duty brakes or special trim.
  26. Pneumatic Tire
    • A tire made of rubber, fabric, and other materials, filled with air or fluid, used for traction and load support.
  27. Radial Ply Tire
    • A type of tire where the internal cords run at 90 degrees to the direction of travel, extending to the edges.
  28. Recommended Inflation Pressure
    • The air pressure for tires suggested by the vehicle manufacturer, found on the tire placard.
  29. Rim
    • The metal frame that supports the tire and holds the edges of the tire in place.
  30. Run-Flat Tires
    • Tires designed to resist the effects of deflation when punctured, allowing the vehicle to continue to be driven at a reduced speed for limited distances.
  31. Sidewall
    • The side area of a tire, between the outer edge and the main tread.
  32. Speed Rating
    • A code on a tire showing the highest speed it can safely maintain.
  33. Tire Aging
    • The process of tire deterioration over time, regardless of use and tread depth.
  34. Tire Balancing
    • The process of equalizing the weight of the combined tire and wheel assembly so that it spins smoothly at high speed.
  35. Tire Belt
    • A layer within the tire, made of rubber-coated cords, situated between the internal plies and the external tread. The cords are typically made of steel or other strong materials.
  36. Tire Bead
    • A component of the tire comprising steel wires and cords, which secures the tire firmly to the rim.
  37. Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
    • An electronic system designed to monitor the air pressure inside the pneumatic tires on various types of vehicles.
  38. Tire Rotation
    • The practice of moving tires from one position on a vehicle to another, to ensure even tire wear.
  39. Tire Tread Depth
    • The measure of the depth of the tread grooves in the tire, which affects traction and safety.
  40. Traction
    • How much grip a tire has with the road surface.
  41. Tread
    • The part of the tire that touches the road.
  42. Treadwear Indicators
    • Thin bars in the tire tread showing when the tread is worn down to 1/16 inch.
  43. UTQGS (Uniform Tire Quality Grading Standards)
    • A system that rates tires on traction, temperature resistance, and treadwear. These ratings are set by manufacturers following government tests and are shown on the tire’s sidewall.
  44. Vehicle Capacity Weight
    • The total weight of all the seats in a vehicle (multiplied by 150 lbs each) plus the maximum weight of cargo and luggage the vehicle can carry.
  45. Vehicle Maximum Load on the Tire
    • The maximum weight each tire can support, including the vehicle’s weight and its maximum possible load of passengers and cargo.
  46. Vehicle Normal Load on the Tire
    • The typical weight each tire supports, calculated by distributing the vehicle’s weight, accessories, and average passenger weight across all tires.
  47. Vehicle Placard
    • A permanent label on a vehicle showing the recommended tire size and air pressure.
  48. Wheel Alignment
    • The adjustment of the angles of wheels to ensure that they are set to the car maker’s specification, necessary for the smooth operation and extended tire life.
  49. Wheel Offset
    • The distance from the centerline of the wheel to its mounting surface, affecting the tire’s position relative to the vehicle.
  50. Winter Tires
    • Tires specifically designed to perform well in winter conditions like snow and ice.