Kia Sportage: Tire terminology and definitions

Refer to the following for detailed definitions of the terms that are found in the tire description.

Air Pressure The amount of air inside the tire pressing outward on the tire. Air pressure is expressed in pounds per square inch (psi) or kilopascal (kPa).

Accessory Weight The combined weight of optional accessories.

Some examples of optional accessories are automatic transmission, power seats, and air conditioning.

Aspect Ratio The relationship of a tire's height to its width.

Belt A rubber coated layer of cords that is located between the plies and the tread. Cords may be made from steel or other reinforcing materials.

Bead The tire bead contains steel wires wrapped by steel cords that hold the tire onto the rim.

Bias Ply Tire A pneumatic tire in which the plies are laid at alternate angles less than 90 degrees to the centerline of the tread.

Cold Tire Pressure The amount of air pressure in a tire, measured in pounds per square inch (psi) or kilopascals (kPa) before a tire has built up heat from driving.

Curb Weight The weight of a motor vehicle with standard and optional equipment (including the maximum capacity of fuel, oil and coolant), but without passengers and cargo.

DOT Markings A code molded into the sidewall of a tire signifying that the tire is in compliance with the U.S.

Department of Transportation motor vehicle safety standards. The DOT code includes the Tire Identification Number (TIN), an alphanumeric designator which can also identify the tire manufacturer, production plant, brand and date of production.

GVWR Gross Vehicle Weight Rating GAWR FRT Gross Axle Weight Rating for the Front axle.

GAWR RR Gross Axle Weight Rating for the Rear axle.

Intended Outboard Sidewall The side of an asymmetrical tire that must always face outward when mounted on a vehicle.

Kilopascal (kPa) The metric unit for air pressure.

Light truck (LT) tire A tire designated by its manufacturer as primarily intended for use on lightweight trucks or multipurpose passenger vehicles.

Load ratings The maximum load that a tire is rated to carry for a given inflation pressure.

Load Index An assigned number ranging from 1 to 279 that corresponds to the load carrying capacity of a tire.

Maximum Inflation Pressure The maximum air pressure to which a cold tire may be inflated. The maximum air pressure is molded onto the sidewall.

Maximum Load Rating The load rating for a tire at the maximum inflation pressure for that tire.

Maximum Loaded Vehicle Weight The sum of curb weight; accessory weight; vehicle capacity weight; and production options weight.

Normal Occupant Weight The number of occupants a vehicle is designed to seat multiplied by 150 lbs. (68 kg).

Occupant Distribution Designated seating positions.

Outward Facing Sidewall The side of a asymmetrical tire that has a particular side that faces outward when mounted on a vehicle. The outward facing sidewall bears white lettering or bears manufacturer, brand, and/or model name molding that is higher or deeper than the same moldings on the inner facing sidewall.

Passenger (P-Metric) Tire A tire used on passenger cars and some light duty trucks and multipurpose vehicles.

Ply A layer of rubber-coated parallel cords.

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) in excess of the standard items which they replace, not previously considered in curb weight or accessory weight. Examples include heavy duty brakes, ride levelers, roof rack, heavy duty battery, and special trim.

Recommended Inflation Pressure Vehicle manufacturer's recommended tire inflation pressure and shown on the tire placard.

Radial Ply Tire A pneumatic tire in which the ply cords that extend to the beads are laid at 90 degrees to the centerline of the tread.

Rim A metal support for a tire and upon which the tire beads are seated.

Sidewall The portion of a tire between the tread and the bead.

Speed Rating An alphanumeric code assigned to a tire indicating the maximum speed at which a tire can operate.

Traction The friction between the tire and the road surface. The amount of grip provided.

Tread The portion of a tire that comes into contact with the road.

Treadwear Indicators Narrow bands, sometimes called "wear bars" that show across the tread of a tire when only 2/32 inch (1.6 mm) of tread remains.

UTQGS Uniform Tire Quality Grading Standards, a tire information system that provides consumers with ratings for a tire's traction, temperature and treadwear. Ratings are determined by tire manufacturers using government testing procedures.

The ratings are molded into the sidewall of the tire.

Vehicle Capacity Weight The weight of designated seating positions multiplied by 150 lbs. (68 kg) plus the rated cargo and luggage load.

Vehicle Maximum Load on the Tire Load on an individual tire due to curb and accessory weight plus maximum occupant and cargo weight.

Vehicle Normal Load on the Tire Load on an individual tire that is determined by distributing to each axle its share of the curb weight, accessory weight, and normal occupant weight and driving by 2.

Vehicle Placard A label permanently attached to a vehicle showing the original equipment tire size and recommended inflation pressure.

All season tires

Kia specifies all season tires on some models to provide good performance for use all year round, including snowy and icy road conditions.

All season tires are identified by ALL SEASON and/or M+S (Mud and Snow) on the tire sidewall. Snow tires have better snow traction than all season tires and may be more appropriate in some areas.

Summer tires

Kia specifies summer tires on some models to provide superior performance on dry roads.

Summer tire performance is substantially reduced in snow and ice.

Summer tires do not have the tire traction rating M+S (Mud and Snow) on the tire side wall. if you plan to operate your vehicle in snowy or icy conditions, Kia recommends the use of snow tires or all season tires on all four wheels.

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