Glossary “tire rim” Definition:
Term used for wheel rim.

Glossary “tire rolling diameter” Definition:
Diameter of a tire measured from the contact point to the top of the tire through the center line of the spindle.

Glossary “tire plug” Definition:
Piece of rubber vulcanized into a hole in a tire.

Glossary “tire pressure gauge” Definition:
Instrument that will accurately measure tire air pressure.

Glossary “tire profile” Definition:
Profile of a tire is based on the width and height of a cross section of the tire determined by an aspect ratio equal to the section height divided by the section width.

Glossary “tire pucker” Definition:
Tire tread that has pulled up on the edges due to mounting on a too-narrow wheel.

Glossary “tire placard” Definition:
A label that is permanently attached to the rear face of the driver’s door of most vehicles providing information such as maximum vehicle load, tire size, including spare, and cold inflation pressure, including spare.

Glossary “tire mixing” Definition:
Having more than one size tire on a vehicle. Tires should be replaced only with those recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. Using incorrect or improper tires can cause the vehicle to handle improperly and may result in an accident.

Glossary “tire motion forces” Definition:
Forces that affect a tire in motion, including centrifugal, acceleration, and deceleration forces.

Glossary “tire out of roundness” Definition:
Lateral or radial runout of a tire.

Glossary “tire performance criteria” Definition:
Information molded on the tire sidewall indicating that the tire meets the manufacturer’s performance standards for traction, endurance, dimensions, noise, handling, and rolling resistance.

Glossary “tire inflation” Definition:
Air pressure inside the tire, measured in pounds per square inch (psi) or kiloPascal (kPa), checked when tire is cool or has been driven less than one mile.

Glossary “tire inflation label” Definition:
A label required by federal law and is usually placed on the inner glovebox door or on the a door post.

Glossary “tire life expectancy” Definition:
Expected service life of a tire, based on its tread wear rating and uniform tire quality grading.

Glossary “tire load range” Definition:
Load carrying capacity of a tire, expressed in letters A through L. The load range letters replace the older method of rating tire strength by the number of plies used in its construction.

Glossary “tire manufacturer’s code” Definition:
A term for manufacturer’s code.

Glossary “tire function” Definition:
1). To cushion the vehicle ride to provide a comfortable ride for the occupant; reduces jolts to the vehicle caused by road irregularities. 2). To support the vehicle weight. 3). To develop traction to drive and steer the vehicle under a wide variety of road conditions. 4). To contribute to the directional stability of the vehicle, and absorb all the stresses of accelerating, braking, and centrifugal force in turns.

Glossary “tire deflection” Definition:
Difference between the free diameter (unloaded) and the rolling diameter (loaded) of the tire.