Wheels and tires
327
to tread quality, tire traction and temperature
characteristics. The quality grading assessment is
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating): the GAWR is
the maximum permissible axle load. The actual
Maximum weight of the laden vehicle: the maxi-
mum weight is the sum of the curb weight of the
vehicle, the weight of the accessories, the maxi-
mum load and the weight of optional equipment
installed at the factory.
Kilopascal (kPa): metric unit for tire pressure.
6.9 kPa corresponds to 1 psi. Another unit for tire
pressure is bar. 100 kilopascal (kPa) equals 1 bar.
made by the manufacturer following speciꢀcations load on an axle must never exceed the gross axle
from the U.S. government. The quality grade of a
tire is imprinted on the side wall of the tire.
RRecommended tire pressure: the recommended
tire pressure is the tire pressure speciꢀed for the
tires mounted to the vehicle at the factory.
weight rating. The gross axle weight rating can be
found on the vehicle identiꢀcation plate on the
B‑pillar on the driver's side.
Speed rating: the speed rating is part of the tire
identiꢀcation. It speciꢀes the speed range for
which a tire is approved.
The tire and information table contains the recom-
Load index: in addition to the load-bearing index,
the load index may also be imprinted on the side
mended tire pressures for cold tires, the maxi-
GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight): the gross vehicle
mum permissible load and the maximum permissi- weight comprises the weight of the vehicle includ- wall of the tire. This speciꢀes the load-bearing
ble vehicle speed.
ing fuel, tools, the spare wheel, accessories instal- capacity of the tire more precisely.
led, occupants, luggage and the trailer drawbar
noseweight, if applicable. The gross vehicle weight
must not exceed the gross vehicle weight rating
GVWR as speciꢀed on the vehicle identiꢀcation
plate on the B‑pillar on the driver's side.
The tire pressure table contains the recommen-
ded tire pressures for cold tires under various
operating conditions, i.e. loading and/or speed of
the vehicle.
IInnccrreased vehicle weight due to optional equip-
mmeenntt:: the combined weight of all standard and
optional equipment available for the vehicle,
regardless of whether it is actually installed on the
vehicle or not.
Curb weight: the weight of a vehicle with standard
equipment including the maximum capacity of
fuel, oil and coolant. It also includes the air condi-
tioning system and optional equipment if these
are installed on the vehicle, but does not include
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating): the GVWR is passengers or luggage.
the maximum permitted gross weight of the fully
laden vehicle (weight of the vehicle including all
accessories, occupants, fuel, luggage and the
trailer drawbar noseweight if applicable). The
gross vehicle weight rating is speciꢀed on the
vehicle identiꢀcation plate on the B‑pillar on the
driver's side.
Maximum tire load: the maximum tire load is the
maximum permissible weight in kilograms or lbs
for which a tire is approved.
Maximum permissible tire pressure: maximum
permissible tire pressure for one tire.
RRiimm:: the part of the wheel on which the tire is
installed.