Get Tires, Wheels and Loading -> TIRES Guide for Ford Explorer SUV Fifth Generation (2005-2011)

Tires, Wheels and Loading

Treadwear

The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the wear rate of

the tire when tested under controlled conditions on a specified

government test course. For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one

and one-half (1¹⁄

) times as well on the government course as a tire

graded 100. The relative performance of tires depends upon the actual

conditions of their use, however, and may depart significantly from the

norm due to variations in driving habits, service practices, and

differences in road characteristics and climate.

Traction AA A B C

The traction grades, from highest to lowest are AA, A, B, and C. The

grades represent the tire’s ability to stop on wet pavement as measured

under controlled conditions on specified government test surfaces of

asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may have poor traction

performance.

WARNING: The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on

straight-ahead braking traction tests, and does not include

acceleration, cornering, hydroplaning or peak traction characteristics.

Temperature A B C

The temperature grades are A (the highest), B and C, representing the

tire’s resistance to the generation of heat and its ability to dissipate heat

when tested under controlled conditions on a specified indoor laboratory

test wheel. Sustained high temperature can cause the material of the tire

to degenerate and reduce tire life, and excessive temperature can lead to

sudden tire failure. The grade C corresponds to a level of performance

which all passenger car tires must meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle

Safety Standard No. 139. Grades B and A represent higher levels of

performance on the laboratory test wheel than the minimum required by

law.

WARNING: The temperature grade for this tire is established

for a tire that is properly inflated and not overloaded. Excessive

speed, underinflation, or excessive loading, either separately or in

combination, can cause heat buildup and possible tire failure.

TIRES

Tires are designed to give many thousands of miles of service, but they

must be maintained in order to get the maximum benefit from them.

239

2010 Explorer (exp)

Owners Guide, 2nd Printing

USA (fus)

Tires, Wheels and Loading

Glossary of tire terminology

• Tire label: A label showing the OE (Original Equipment) tire sizes,

recommended inflation pressure and the maximum weight the vehicle

can carry.

• Tire Identification Number (TIN): A number on the sidewall of

each tire providing information about the tire brand and

manufacturing plant, tire size and date of manufacture. Also referred

to as DOT code.

• Inflation pressure: A measure of the amount of air in a tire.

• Standard load: A class of P-metric or Metric tires designed to carry a

maximum load at 35 psi [37 psi (2.5 bar) for Metric tires]. Increasing

the inflation pressure beyond this pressure will not increase the tire’s

load carrying capability.

• Extra load: A class of P-metric or Metric tires designed to carry a

heavier maximum load at 41 psi [43 psi (2.9 bar) for Metric tires].

Increasing the inflation pressure beyond this pressure will not increase

the tire’s load carrying capability.

• kPa: Kilopascal, a metric unit of air pressure.

• PSI: Pounds per square inch, a standard unit of air pressure.

• Cold inflation pressure: The tire pressure when the vehicle has

been stationary and out of direct sunlight for an hour or more and

prior to the vehicle being driven for 1 mile (1.6 km).

• Recommended inflation pressure: The cold inflation pressure found

on the Safety Compliance Certification Label or Tire Label located on

the B-Pillar or the edge of the driver’s door.

• B-pillar: The structural member at the side of the vehicle behind the

front door.

• Bead area of the tire: Area of the tire next to the rim.

• Sidewall of the tire: Area between the bead area and the tread.

• Tread area of the tire: Area of the perimeter of the tire that

contacts the road when mounted on the vehicle.

• Rim: The metal support (wheel) for a tire or a tire and tube assembly

upon which the tire beads are seated.

INFLATING YOUR TIRES

Safe operation of your vehicle requires that your tires are properly

inflated. Remember that a tire can lose up to half of its air pressure

without appearing flat.

240

2010 Explorer (exp)

Owners Guide, 2nd Printing

USA (fus)

Tires, Wheels and Loading -> TIRES for Your Ford Explorer SUV Fifth Generation (2005-2011)

Related Topics

Tires, Wheels and Loading