Suzuki 2008 Reno User Manual

Page 174

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5-30

SERVICE AND APPEARANCE CARE

85Z14-03E

The following illustration shows an exam-
ple of a typical passenger car tire size.

A. Tire Type

This letter code indicates the primary
intended use of the tire. The “P” as
the first character in the tire size
means a passenger vehicle tire engi-
neered to standards set by the U.S.
Tire and Rim Association.

B. Tire Width

The three-digit number indicates the
tire section width in millimeters from
sidewall to sidewall.

C. Aspect Ratio

A two-digit number that indicates the
tire height-to-width measurements.
For example, if the tire size aspect
ratio is “70”, as shown in item “C” of
the illustration, it would mean that the

tire’s sidewall is 70% as high as it is
wide.

D. Construction Code

A letter code is used to indicate the
type of ply construction in the tire. The
letter “R” means radial ply construc-
tion, the letter “D” means diagonal or
bias ply construction; and the letter
“B” means belted-bias ply construc-
tion.

E. Rim Diameter

Diameter of the wheel in inches.

F. Service Description

These characters represent the load
range and the speed rating of a tire.
The load range represents the load
carrying capacity a tire is certified to
carry. The speed rating is the maxi-
mum speed a tire is certified to carry
a load. Speed ratings range from “A”
to “Z”.

Glossary of Tire Terminology

Air Pressure:
The amount of air inside the tire pressing
outward on each square inch of the tire. Air
pressure is expressed in pounds per
square inch (psi) or kilopascal (kPa).

Accessory Weight:
This means the combined weight of
optional accessories. Some examples of
optional accessories are automatic trans-
mission, power steering, power brakes,
power windows, power seats, and air con-
ditioning.

Aspect Ratio:
The relationship of a tire’s height to its
width.

Belt:
A rubber coated layer of cords that is
located between the plies and the tread.
Cords may be made from steel or other
reinforcing materials.

Bead:
The tire bead contains steel wires wrapped
by steel cords that hold the tire onto the
rim.

Bias Ply Tire:
A pneumatic tire in which the plies are laid
at alternate angles less than 90 degrees to
the centerline of the tread.

Tires:

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