Tire terminology and definitions, Tire terminology and, Definitions -46 – Buick REGAL 2011 User Manual

Page 286

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Black plate (46,1)

Buick Regal Owner Manual - 2011

10-46

Vehicle Care

(C) Aspect Ratio

:

A two‐digit

number that indicates the tire
height‐to‐width measurements.
For example, if the tire size
aspect ratio is 60, as shown in
item C of the illustration, it would
mean that the tire's sidewall is
60 percent 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 construction; the
letter D means diagonal or bias
ply construction; and the letter B
means belted‐bias ply
construction.

(E) Rim Diameter

:

Diameter of

the wheel in inches.

(F) Service Description

:

These

characters represent the load
index and speed rating of the
tire. The load index represents
the load carrying capacity a tire

is certified to carry. The speed
rating is the maximum speed a
tire is certified to carry a load.

Tire Terminology and
Definitions

Air Pressure

:

The amount of

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

Accessory Weight

:

The

combined weight of optional
accessories. Some examples of
optional accessories are
automatic transmission, power
steering, power brakes, power
windows, power seats, and air
conditioning.

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.

Cold Tire Pressure

:

The

amount of air pressure in a tire,
measured in kPa (kilopascal)
or psi (pounds per square inch)
before a tire has built up heat
from driving. See Tire Pressure
on page 10‑49
.

Curb Weight

:

The weight of a

motor vehicle with standard and
optional equipment including the

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