Consumer information and Reporting safety defects
13-5
The vehicle placard shows original
tire size, recommended cold tire
inflation pressure on each tire at
maximum loaded vehicle weight,
seating capacity and loading information.
! Adverse safety consequences
of under-inflation
Driving at high speeds with excessively low tire pressures can cause
the tires to flex severely and to
rapidly become hot. A sharp increase in temperature could cause
tread separation, and failure of the
tire(s). Possible resulting loss of
vehicle control could lead to an
accident.
& Glossary of tire terminology
! Measuring and adjusting air
pressure to achieve proper inflation
Example:
The combined weight (in excess of
those standard items which may be
replaced) of automatic transmission, power steering, power brakes,
power windows, power seats, radio,
and heater, to the extent that these
items are available as factory-installed equipment (whether installed or not).
Check and, if necessary, adjust the
pressure of each tire (including the
spare) at least once a month and
before any long journey. Check the
tire pressures when the tires are
cold. Use a pressure gauge to
adjust the tire pressures to the
specific values. Driving even a
short distance warms up the tires
and increases the tire pressures.
Also, the tire pressures are affected
by the outside temperature. It is
best to check tire pressure outdoors before driving the vehicle.
When a tire becomes warm, the air
inside it expands, causing the tire
pressure to increase. Be careful not
to mistakenly release air from a
warm tire to reduce its pressure.
. Accessory weight
. Bead
The part of the tire that is made of
steel wires, wrapped or reinforced
by ply cords and that is shaped to fit
the rim.
. Bead separation
A breakdown of the bond between
components in the bead.
. Bias ply tire
A pneumatic tire in which the ply
cords that extend to the beads are
laid at alternate angles substantially
less than 90 degrees to the centerline of the tread.
. Carcass
The tire structure, except tread and
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