Saturn 2009 VUE Hybrid - Manual (Page 263)

Traction : The friction between
the tire and the road surface.
The amount of grip provided.
Tread : The portion of a tire that
comes into contact with the road.
Treadwear Indicators : Narrow
bands, sometimes called wear
bars, that show across the tread
of a tire when only 1/16 inch
(1.6 mm) of tread remains. See
When It Is Time for New Tires on
page 5-51.
UTQGS (Uniform Tire Quality
Grading Standards)
: A tire
information system that provides
consumers with ratings for a tire’s
traction, temperature, and
treadwear. Ratings are
determined by tire manufacturers
using government testing
procedures. The ratings are
molded into the sidewall of the
tire. See Uniform Tire Quality
Grading on page 5-54.
Vehicle Capacity Weight : The
number of designated seating
positions multiplied by 150 lbs
(68 kg) plus the rated cargo load.
See Loading the Vehicle on
page 4-18.
Vehicle Maximum Load on the
Tire
: Load on an individual
tire due to curb weight,
accessory weight, occupant
weight, and cargo weight.
Vehicle Placard : A label
permanently attached to a
vehicle showing the vehicle’s
capacity weight and the original
equipment tire size and
recommended inflation pressure.
See “Tire and Loading
Information Label” under
Loading the Vehicle on
page 4-18.
Inflation - Tire Pressure
Tires need the correct amount
of air pressure to operate
effectively.
Notice: Do not let anyone tell
you that under-inflation or
over-inflation is all right. It is
not. If your tires do not have
enough air (under-inflation),
you can get the following:
• Too much flexing
• Too much heat
• Tire overloading
• Premature or irregular wear
• Poor handling
• Reduced fuel economy
If your tires have too much air
(over-inflation), you can get
the following:
• Unusual wear
• Poor handling
• Rough ride
• Needless damage from road
hazards
A vehicle specific Tire and
Loading Information label is
attached to your vehicle.
Service and Appearance Care 5-43