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appropriate for use with that tire.
Tread: That portion of a tire that comes into contact with the road.
Tread rib: A tread section running circumferentially around a tire.
Tread separation: Pulling away of the tread from the tire carcass.
Tread-wear indicators (TWI): The projections within the principal grooves
designed to give a visual indication of the degrees of wear of the tread.
Vehicle capacity weight: The rated cargo and luggage load plus 68 kilograms (150
lb.) times the vehicle’s designated seating capacity.
Vehicle maximum load on the tire: The load on an individual tire that is
determined by distributing to each axle its share of the maximum loaded vehicle
weight and dividing by two.
Vehicle normal load on the tire: The 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 (distributed in accordance with Table I of CRF 49 571.110)
and dividing by 2.
Weather side: The surface area of the rim not covered by the inated tire.
Wheel center member: In the case of a non-pneumatic tire assembly incorporating
a wheel, a mechanical device which attaches, either integrally or separably, to the
non-pneumatic rim and provides the connection between the non-pneumatic rim
and the vehicle; or, in the case of a non-pneumatic tire assembly not incorporating
a wheel, a mechanical device which attaches, either integrally or separably, to the
non-pneumatic tire and provides the connection between tire and the vehicle.
Wheel-holding xture: The xture used to hold the wheel and tire assembly
securely during testing.
6.4 Tire Safety - Everything Rides on It
The National Trafc Safety Administration (NHTSA) has published a brochure (DOT
HS 809 361) that discusses all aspects of Tire Safety, as required by CFR 575.6.
This brochure is reproduced in part below. It can be obtained and downloaded from
NHTSA, free of charge, from the following web site:
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/rules/TireSafety/ridesonit/tires_index.html
Studies of tire safety show that maintaining proper tire pressure, observing tire
and vehicle load limits (not carrying more weight in your vehicle than your tires
or vehicle can safely handle), avoiding road hazards, and inspecting tires for cuts,
slashes, and other irregularities are the most important things you can do to avoid
tire failure, such as tread separation or blowout and at tires. These actions, along
with other care and maintenance activities, can also:
• Improve vehicle handling
• Help protect you and others from avoidable breakdowns and accidents
• Improve fuel economy
• Increase the life of your tires.
This booklet presents a comprehensive overview of tire safety, including
information on the following topics:
• Basic tire maintenance