Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit:
Check the tire sidewall to determine the load index specified for thetire.
WARNING
Exceeding the maximum vehicle weight can cause you to lose control of the vehicle and cause accidents resulting in severe and/or fatal injuries.
Never exceed the maximum load or the maximum vehicle weight as per the GVWR.
Glossary of tire and load terminology
Accessory weight: The combined weight (in excess of those standard items which may be replaced) of automatic transmission, electro-mechanical power
steering, power brakes, power windows, power seats, radio, and heater, to the extent that these items are available as factory-installed equipment (whether installe
or not).
Aspect ratio: The ratio of sidewall height to tire width, expressed as a percentage. A number of 50 (0.5:1 or 50%) means that the cross-sectional height is 50% of
the tread width. A shorter sidewall can improve steering response and provide better overall handling, for example, on dry pavement.
Bead: The part of a tire made of steel wires, wrapped or reinforced by ply cords, with the shape and structure to ensure proper fit to the wheel rim.
Bead separation: A breakdown of the bond between components in the bead.
Carcass: The tire structure, except tread and sidewall rubber which, when inflated, bears the load.
Chunking: The breaking away of pieces of the tread or sidewall.
Cord: The strands of material forming the plies in the tire.
Cord separation: The parting of cords from adjacent rubber compounds.
Cracking: Any parting within the tread, sidewall, or inner liner of the tire extending to cord material.
Cold tire inflation pressure: The tire pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer for a tire of a specified size that has not been driven for more than a
couple of miles (kilometers) at low speeds in the 3 hour period before the tire pressure is measured or adjusted.
Curb weight: The weight of a motor vehicle with standard equipment including the maximum capacity of fuel, oil, and coolant, air conditioner, and additional weight
of optional equipment.
Extra load tire: A tire designed to operate at higher loads and at higher inflation pressures than the corresponding standard tire.
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR): The load-carrying capacity of a single axle system, measured where the tire contacts the ground.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): The maximum loaded weight of the vehicle.
Groove: The space between 2 adjacent tread ribs.
Load rating code: The maximum load that a tire is rated to carry for a given inflation pressure. You may not find this information on all tires because it is not
required by law.
Maximum loaded vehicle weight: The total of:
Curb weight.
Accessory weight.
Vehicle capacity weight.
Production options weight.
Maximum (permissible) inflation pressure: The maximum cold inflation pressure to which a tire may be inflated. Also called “maximum inflation pressure.”
Normal occupant weight: Means 150 lbs (68 kilograms) times the number of occupants seated in the vehicle up to the total seating capacity of your vehicle.
Occupant distribution: The placement of passengers in a vehicle.
Outer diameter: The diameter of a new, properly inflated tire.
Overall width: Total width measured at the exterior sidewalls of an inflated tire, including the additional width of labeling, decorations, or protective bands or ribs.
Passenger car tire: A tire intended for use on passenger cars, multipurpose passenger vehicles, and trucks, that have a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of
10,000 pounds or less.
Ply: A layer of rubber-coated parallel cords.
Ply separation: A parting of rubber compound between adjacent plies.
Pneumatic tire: A mechanical device made of rubber, chemicals, fabric, and steel or other materials, that, when mounted on an automotive wheel, provides the
traction and contains the gas or fluid that sustains the load.
Production options weight: The combined weight of installed regular production options weighing over 5 lbs (2.3 kg) more than the standard items they replace,
and not previously considered as curb weight or accessory weight. These include, for example, heavy-duty brakes, ride levelers, roof rack, heavy-duty battery, and
special trim.
Radial ply tires: A pneumatic tire in which the ply cords that extend to the beads are laid at substantially 90 degrees to the centerline of the tread.
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