Glossary “tire sidewall” Definition:
That area of the tire between the “bead” and the “tread pattern” made from an abrasive-resistant blend of rubber, which absorbs shocks and impacts from road irregularities and prevents damage to the plies.

Glossary “tire shimmy” Definition:
An out-of-balance condition called wheel shimmy.

Glossary “tire scrub” Definition:
The sliding of a tire at an angle to the direction that it is pointed.

Glossary “tire runout” Definition:
The lateral runout and radial runout of a tire.

Glossary “tire rotation” Definition:
Swapping tires around to various positions, as prescribed by the tire manufacturer, on the vehicle to equalize tire wear.

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 rim” Definition:
Term used for wheel rim.

Glossary “tire purposes” Definition:
Term used for tire functions.

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

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

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

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

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

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 manufacturer’s code” Definition:
A term for manufacturer’s code.

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.