Subaru Forester: Tires and wheels / Tire terminology and definitions

Refer to the following list for detailed definitions and technical explanations of key automotive terms found in tire descriptions and manual specifications for your Kia Telluride:

Air Pressure

The total force of compressed air inside the tire structure pushing outward against the inner liner and tread walls. Internal air pressure is typically measured and expressed in pounds per square inch (psi) or kilopascals (kPa).

Accessory Weight

The combined weight of optional factory-installed equipment and feature packages. Common examples of optional accessories include automatic transmission systems, multi-way power seats, power sunroof assemblies, and air conditioning units.

Aspect Ratio

The dimensional relationship of a tire’s sidewall height expressed as a percentage of its section width.

Belt

A rubber-coated fabric layer reinforced with structural cords, positioned directly between the interior body plies and the outer tread surface. The reinforcing internal cords may be constructed from high-tensile steel woven wire or other durable composite materials.

Bead

The reinforced inner edge of a tire containing high-strength steel wires wrapped by durable steel cords, designed to seat tightly against the wheel rim flange to maintain an airtight seal.

Bias Ply Tire

A pneumatic tire construction in which internal ply cords extend diagonally across the tire profile at alternate angles under 90 degrees relative to the tread centerline.

Cold Tire Pressure

The internal inflation pressure of a tire, measured in pounds per square inch (psi) or kilopascals (kPa), taken before the tire generates heat from active vehicle operation or ambient sun exposure.

Curb Weight

The total baseline weight of a motor vehicle like the Kia Telluride, including all standard and optional equipment, along with full fluid capacities (maximum engine oil, coolant, and a full tank of fuel), but excluding passengers and cargo payload.

DOT Markings

An official standardized code permanently molded into the tire sidewall indicating that the tire meets or exceeds U.S. Department of Transportation motor vehicle safety regulations. This marking incorporates the Tire Identification Number (TIN), an alphanumeric code identifying the specific manufacturer, production plant, brand design, and exact calendar week and year of manufacture.

GVWR

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating—the maximum permissible total weight limit of the vehicle when fully loaded with occupants, cargo, fluids, and accessories.

GAWR FRT

Gross Axle Weight Rating for the Front axle—the maximum allowable structural load weight supported by the front axle assembly.

GAWR RR

Gross Axle Weight Rating for the Rear axle—the maximum allowable structural load weight supported by the rear axle assembly.

Intended Outboard Sidewall

The designated exterior-facing sidewall of an asymmetrical tire design that features specific raised lettering or must always face outward when mounted onto the wheel rim of your Kia Telluride.

Kilopascal (kPa)

The international metric unit used for measuring fluid and air pressure within tire inflation systems.

Light truck (LT) tire

A heavy-duty tire specifically designated by its manufacturer for primary installation on pickup trucks, full-size vans, or multi-purpose sport utility vehicles requiring higher load capacity.

Load rating

The maximum total weight capacity that an individual tire is engineered to safely support at a specified cold inflation pressure.

Load Index

A standardized numerical code ranging from 1 to 279 molded on the sidewall, which corresponds directly to the maximum load-carrying capability of the tire.

Maximum Inflation Pressure

The absolute upper limit of cold air pressure to which a tire can be safely inflated, as permanently molded onto the sidewall casing by the manufacturer.

Maximum Load Rating

The peak structural load capacity of a tire when operating at its maximum specified cold inflation pressure.

Maximum Loaded Vehicle Weight

The total combined weight calculation encompassing the base curb weight, optional accessory weight, total vehicle capacity weight limit, and production options weight.

Normal Occupant Weight

The standardized weight calculation determined by multiplying the designated seating capacity of the Kia Telluride by an estimated average weight of 150 lb (68 kg) per person.