09
9-41
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 permissible 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 
pounds (68 kg).
Occupant distribution
Designated seating positions.
Outward facing sidewall
An asymmetrical tire 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.