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Tire terminology and definitions, Tire terminology and definitions -58, Tire size – GMC 2006 Canyon User Manual

Page 334

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Tire Size

The following illustration shows an example of a typical
passenger vehicle tire size.

(A) P-Metric Tire: The United States version of a
metric tire sizing system. The letter P as the first
character in the tire size means a passenger vehicle tire
engineered 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 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 range and speed rating of the tire. The load
index represents the load carry capacity a tire is certified
to carry. The load index can range from 1 to 279. The
speed rating is the maximum speed a tire is certified
to carry a load. Speed ratings range from A to Z.

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 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 transmission, power steering,
power brakes, power windows, power seats, and air
conditioning.

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