Tires and Wheels

CHAPTER 3
Tires and Wheels
OBJECTIVES
After studying Chapter 3, the reader will be able to:
1. Prepare for ASE Suspension and Steering (A4)
certification test content area “E” (Wheel and Tire
Diagnosis and Repair).
2. Discuss tire sizes and ratings.
3. Describe tire purchasing considerations and
maintenance.
4. Explain the construction and sizing of steel and alloy
wheels and attaching hardware.
5. Demonstrate the correct lug nut tightening procedure
and torque.
KEY TERMS
• Aspect ratio
Load index
• Back spacing
Lug nuts
•• Bead
Major splice
•• Belt
Offset
•• Body ply
Ply steer
•• Bolt
Rim circle
width
• Carcass ply
• Run-flat tires
• Center section
• Schrader valve
• Conicity
• Sidewall
• DOT tire code
• Speed ratings
• E-metric tire
• Spider
• Green tire
•• TPC
High-flotation tires
•• Tread
Hydroplaning
•• Unsprung
Inner liner weight
•• UTQGS
JWL
• Wear bars
LRR
INTRODUCTION TO TIRES
• The friction (traction) between the tire and the road determines the
handling characteristics of any vehicle.
• The compounding, construction, and condition of tires are some of the most
important aspects of the steering, suspension, alignment, and braking
systems of any vehicle.
• Tires are mounted on wheels that are bolted to the vehicle to provide
the following:
• Shock absorber action when driving over rough surfaces
• Friction (traction) between the wheels and the road
PARTS OF A TIRE
TREAD

• Tread refers to the part of the tire that contacts the ground.
• Tread rubber is chemically different from other rubber parts of a tire, and is
compounded for a combination of traction and tire wear.
• Tread depth is usually 11/32 in. deep on new tires (this could vary, depending
on manufacturer, from 9/32 to 15/32 in.).
PARTS OF A TIRE
TREAD

FIGURE 1 (a) A typical tire tread depth gauge. The center movable plunger is
pushed down into the groove of the tire. (b) The tread depth is read at the top
edge of the sleeve. In this example, the tread depth is 6/32 in.
 PARTS OF A TIRE
TREAD

• Wear indicators are also called wear

bars.
• When tread depth is down to the legal
limit of 2/32 in., bald strips appear across
the tread.

FIGURE 2 Wear indicators (wear bars) are

strips of bald tread that show when the
tread depth is down to 2/32 in., the legal
limit in many states.
 PARTS OF A TIRE
TREAD

• Grooves are large, deep recesses molded

in the tread and separating the tread
blocks.
• These grooves are called circumferential
grooves or kerfs.
• Grooves running sideways across the
tread of a tire are called lateral grooves.

FIGURE 3 The tire tread runs around the

circumference of the tire, and its pattern
helps maintain traction. The ribs provide
grip, while the grooves direct any water on
the road away from the surface. The sipes
help the tire grip the road.
 PARTS OF A TIRE
TREAD

• Grooves in both directions are necessary

for wet traction.
• The trapped water can actually cause the
tires to ride up on a layer of water and
lose contact with the ground, as shown in
• This is called hydroplaning.

FIGURE 4 Hydroplaning can occur at speeds

as low as 30 mph (48 km/h). If the water is
deep enough and the tire tread cannot
evacuate water through its grooves fast
enough, the tire can be lifted off the road
surface by a layer of water. Hydroplaning
occurs at lower speeds as the tire becomes
worn.
PARTS OF A TIRE
SIDEWALL

• The sidewall is that part of the tire between the tread and the wheel.
• The sidewall contains all the size and construction details of the tire.
• WHITE SIDEWALL/LETTERED
PARTS OF A TIRE
BEAD

• The bead is the foundation of the tire and is located where the tire
grips the inside of the wheel rim.
• The bead is constructed of many turns of copper- or bronze-coated steel wire.
• The main body plies (layers of material) are wrapped around the bead.
• Most radial-ply tires and all truck tires wrap the bead with additional material
to add strength.
 PARTS OF A TIRE
BODY PLY

• A tire gets its strength from the layers of

material wrapped around both beads
under the tread and sidewall rubber.
• This creates the main framework, or
“carcass,” of the tire; these body plies are
often called carcass plies.

FIGURE 5 Typical construction of a radial

tire. Some tires have only one body ply, and
some tires use more than two belt plies.
PARTS OF A TIRE
BELT

• A tire belt is two or more layers of material applied over the body
plies and under the tread area only, to stabilize the tread and increase
tread life and handling.
• Belt material can consist of the following:
• a. Steel mesh
• b. Nylon
• c. Rayon
• d. Fiberglass
• e. Aramid
• All radial tires are belted.
PARTS OF A TIRE
INNER LINER

• The inner liner is the soft rubber lining (usually a butyl rubber
compound) on the inside of the tire that protects the body plies and
helps provide for self-sealing of small punctures.
PARTS OF A TIRE
MAJOR SPLICE

• When the tire is assembled by a craftsperson on a tire-building

machine, the body plies, belts, and tread rubber are spliced together.
• The fabric is overlapped approximately five threads.
• The point where the majority of these overlaps occur is called the
major splice, which represents the stiffest part of the tire.
PARTS OF A TIRE
MAJOR SPLICE

FIGURE 6 The major splice of a tire can often be seen

and felt on the inside of the tire. The person who
assembles (builds) the tire usually places a sticker near
the major splice as a means of identification for quality
control.
 TIRE MOLDING
• After the tire has been assembled by the
tire builder, it is called a green tire.

FIGURE 7 Tire construction is

performed by assembling the many
parts of a tire together on a tire-
building machine.
TIRE MOLDING

FIGURE 8 After the entire tire has

been assembled into a completed
“green” tire, it is placed into a
tiremolding machine where the tire
is molded into shape and the
rubber is changed chemically by
the heat. This nonreversible
chemical reaction is called
vulcanization.
 METRIC DESIGNATION
• European and Japanese tires use metric designations. For example, 185SR x 14 denotes
the following:
Why Do I Get Shocked by Static Electricity When I Drive a Certain
Vehicle?

• Static electricity builds up in insulators due to

friction of the tires with the road. Newer tires use
silica and contain less carbon black in the rubber,
which makes the tires electrically conductive.
Because the tires cannot conduct the static
electricity to the ground, static electricity builds up
inside the vehicle and is discharged through the
body of the driver and/or passenger whenever the
metal door handle is touched.
 METRIC DESIGNATION
AMERICAN METRIC TIRE SIZE DESIGNATIONS

• After 1980, American tires were also designated using the metric system. For example,
P205/75R x 14 denotes the following:
How Much Does Tire Pressure Change
with a Change in Temperature?

• As the temperature of a tire increases, the

pressure inside the tire also increases. The general
amount of pressure gain (when temperatures
increase) or loss (when temperatures decrease) is
as follows:
• 10°F increase causes 1 PSI increase
• 10°F decrease causes 1 PSI decrease
• For example, if a tire is correctly inflated to 35 PSI
when cold and then driven on a highway, the tire
pressure may increase 5 PSI or more.
How Much Bigger Can I Go?

• Many owners think they can improve their vehicle

by upgrading the tire size over the size that comes
from the factory to make their vehicle look
sportier and ride and handle better. When
changing tire size, there are many factors to
consider.
How Much Bigger Can I Go?

FIGURE 9 Notice that the overall outside diameter of the tire remains almost the same
and at the same time the aspect ratio is decreased and the rim diameter is increased.
 SERVICE DESCRIPTION
• Tires built after 1990 use a “service description” method of sidewall information in
accordance with ISO 4000 (International Standards Organization) that includes size,
load, and speed rating together in one easy-to-read format.
SERVICE DESCRIPTION

FIGURE 10 Cross-sectional view

of a typical tire showing the
terminology.
What Effect Does Tire Size Have on Overall Gear Ratio?

• Customers often ask what effect changing tire size

has on fuel economy and speedometer readings. If
larger (or smaller) tires are installed on a vehicle,
many other factors also will change. These include
the following:
• Speedometer reading
• Odometer reading
• Fuel economy
HIGH-FLOTATION TIRE SIZES
• High-flotation tires for light trucks are designed to give improved off-
road performance on sand, mud, and soft soil and still provide
acceptable hard-road surface performance.
• These tires are usually larger than conventional tires and usually
require a wider-than-normal wheel width.
• High-flotation tires have a size designation such as 33 x 12.50R x 15LT:
HIGH-FLOTATION TIRE SIZES
LOAD INDEX AND EQUIVALENT LOADS

• The load index is an abbreviated method to indicate the load-carrying

capabilities of a tire.
• The weights listed in the chart represent the weight that each tire can
safely support.
• Multiply this amount by 4 to get the maximum that the vehicle should
weigh fully loaded with cargo and passengers.
LOAD INDEX AND EQUIVALENT LOADS

FIGURE 11 Typical sidewall markings for load index

and speed rating following the tire size.
 SPEED RATINGS
• Tires are rated according to the
maximum sustained speed.
• A vehicle should never be driven faster
than the speed rating of the tires.
What Does the Little “e” Mean on the
Sidewall?

• The letter “e” and number code combination

(positioned in a circle or rectangle) identify the
country originally granting approval, followed by
two digits indicating the Regulation Series under
which the tire was approved. Tires that have also
been tested and meet the “pass-by” noise limits
can have a second E.C.E. branding followed by an
“-s” (for sound).
What Does the Little “e” Mean on the Sidewall?

FIGURE 12 The E.C.E. symbol on a sidewall of a tire.

Notice the small -s at the end, indicating that the tire
meets the “pass-by” noise limits.
 TIRE PRESSURE AND TRACTION
• All tires should be inflated to the
specifications given by the vehicle
manufacturer.
• Most vehicles have recommended tire
inflation figures written in the owner’s
manual or on a placard or sticker on the
door post or glove compartment.

FIGURE 13 A typical door placard used on a

General Motors vehicle indicating the
recommended tire inflation. Note that the
information also includes the tire size and
speed rating of the tire as well as the
recommended wheel size.
TIRE CONICITY AND PLY STEER
• Tire conicity can occur during the construction of any radial or belted
tire when the parts of the tire are badly positioned, causing the tire to
be smaller in diameter on one side.
• When this tire is installed on a vehicle, it can cause the vehicle to pull
to one side of the road due to the cone shape of the tire.
TIRE CONICITY AND PLY STEER

FIGURE 14 Conicity is a fault in the tire that can cause

the vehicle to pull to one side due to the cone effect
(shape) of the tire.
 TIRE CONICITY AND PLY STEER
• Ply steer is another term that describes a
slight pulling force on a vehicle due to
tire construction.
• Ply steer is due to the angle of the cords
in the belt layers.

FIGURE 15 Notice the angle of the belt

material in this worn tire. The angle of the
belt fabric can cause a “ply steer” or slight
pulling force toward one side of the vehicle.
VEHICLE HANDLING AND TIRE SLIP ANGLE

• The tire surface contact area or tire patch size is about one-half the
area of one page of this book.
• All accelerating, braking, and cornering forces of a vehicle are
transferred to the pavement at just four spots.
• The combined area of these four spots is about equal to the size of
this opened book.
VEHICLE HANDLING AND TIRE SLIP ANGLE

FIGURE 16 Slip angle is the angle between the direction the tire tread is
heading and the direction it is pointed.
RIM WIDTH AND TIRE SIZE
• As a general rule, for a given rim width it is best not to change tire
width more than 10 mm (either wider or narrower).
• For a given tire width, it is best not to vary rim width more than 1/2
in. in either direction.
Is There a Rule-of-Thumb for Rim Size?

• According to the Tire and Rim Association, Inc., the

answer is no. Each tire size has a designated rim
width on which it is designed to be mounted so as
to provide the best performance and wear. The
width of the specified rim also varies with rim
diameter. A 235/45 x 17 tire may require a 7.5-in.
rim but a 235/45 x 19 tire may require an 8.0-in.
rim. A rule-of-thumb that has been used is to
multiply the width of the rim by 33.55 to
determine the approximate tire size for the rim.
UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADING SYSTEM

• The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and the National

Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) developed a system of
tire grading, the Uniform Tire Quality Grading System (UTQGS), to
help customers better judge the relative performance of tires.
• The three areas of tire performance are tread wear, traction, and
temperature resistance.
UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADING SYSTEM

FIGURE 17 Typical “Uniform Tire Quality Grading System”

(UTQGS) ratings imprinted on the tire sidewall.
UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADING SYSTEM

• TREAD WEAR
• TRACTION
• TEMPERATURE RESISTANCE
ALL-SEASON TIRE DESIGNATION
• Most all-season tires are rated and labeled as M & S, MS, or M S, and
therefore must adhere to general design features as specified by the
Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA).
• Tires labeled M & S are constructed with an aggressive tread design
as well as tread compounds and internal construction that are
designed for mud and snow.
• The tread rubber used to make all-season tires is also more flexible at
low temperatures.
DOT TIRE CODE
• All tires sold in the United States must be approved by the U.S.
Federal Department of Transportation (DOT).
• The DOT tire code requirements include resistance to tire damage
that could be caused by curbs, chuckholes, and other common
occurrences for a tire used on public roads.
DOT TIRE CODE

FIGURE 18 Typical DOT date code. This tire was built the sixth
week of 2005.
Tire Date Code Information Saved Me Money!

• This author was looking at a three-year-old vehicle when I

noticed that the right rear tire had a build date code newer
than the vehicle. I asked the owner, “How badly was this
vehicle hit?” The owner stumbled and stuttered a little,
then said, “How did you know that an accident occurred?”
I told the owner that the right rear tire, while the exact
same tire as the others, had a date code indicating that it
was only one year old, whereas the original tires were the
same age as the vehicle. The last three numbers of the DOT
code on the sidewall indicate the week of manufacture (the
first two numbers of the three-digit date code) followed by
the last number of the year.
Tire Date Code Information Saved Me Money!

• The owner immediately admitted that the vehicle slid on

ice and hit a curb, damaging the right rear tire and wheel.
Both the tire and wheel were replaced and the alignment
checked. The owner then dropped the price of the vehicle
$500! Knowing the date code helps assure that fresh tires
are purchased and can also help the technician determine
if the tires have been replaced. For example, if new tires
are found on a vehicle with 20,000 miles, then the
technician should check to see if the vehicle may have
been involved in an accident or may have more miles than
indicated on the odometer.
SPARE TIRES
• Most vehicles today come equipped with space-saver spare tires that
are smaller than the wheels and tires that are on the vehicle.
• The reason for the small size is to reduce the size and weight of the
entire vehicle and to increase fuel economy by having the entire
vehicle weigh less by not carrying a heavy spare tire and wheel
around.
RUN-FLAT TIRES
• Run-flat tires (abbreviated RFT) are designed to operate without any
air for a limited distance (usually 50 miles at 55 mph).
• This feature allows vehicle manufacturers to build vehicles without the extra
room and weight of a spare tire and jack assembly.
• A typical run-flat tire (also called extended mobility tire [EMT] or zero
pressure [ZP] tire) requires the use of an air pressure
sensor/transmitter and a dash-mounted receiver to warn the driver
that a tire has lost pressure.
RUN-FLAT TIRES

FIGURE 19 Cutaway of a run-flat tire showing the reinforced

sidewalls and the required pressure sensor.
RUN-FLAT TIRES

FIGURE 20 A conventional tire on the left and a run-flat tire on the

right, showing what happens when there is no air in the tire.
RUN-FLAT TIRES
PAX RUN-FLAT TIRES

• Michelin developed a run-flat tire that has three unique components:

• A special wheel that has two bead seats that are of different diameters. The
outside bead seat is 10 mm smaller in diameter than the inside bead seat.
This means that a conventional tire cannot be installed on a PAX-style wheel.
• A urethane support ring that is designed to support the weight of the vehicle
in the event of a flat tire.
• A special tire that is designed to operate without air.
RUN-FLAT TIRES
PAX RUN-FLAT TIRES

FIGURE 21 The PAX run-flat tire system is composed of

three unique components—a special asymmetrical wheel,
a urethane support ring, and special tire.
PAX Replacement Tip

• In most cases, the fastest and easiest approach to

follow if a PAX tire requires replacement is to
purchase a replacement tire/wheel assembly.
While more expensive than replacing just the tire,
this approach is often used to help the vehicle
owner get back on the road faster without any
concerns as to whether the replacement tire was
properly installed.
RUN-FLAT TIRES
SERVICING A PAX WHEEL/TIRE ASSEMBLY

• If a flat tire occurs or when a PAX tire becomes worn and requires
replacement, special care should be taken to properly remove the tire
from the wheel.
• Because the urethane support ring prevents the tire bead from
entering the dropped center section of the wheel, the outside bead
should be broken from the wheel, and then the support ring removed
before the tire can be removed from the wheel.
GENERAL MOTORS TPC RATING
• All General Motors original equipment (OE) tires have a rating that
identifies the size as well as the tread design, wear, traction, and heat
resistance factors.
• All of these factors are combined in a set of numbers and letters that is
imprinted in the tire mold.
• This is referred to as the Tire Performance Criteria (TPC) rating of the tire.
• If a customer wants to have the same tire performance in a
replacement tire, then replace the tire with any brand of tire that has
the same TPC identification.
GENERAL MOTORS TPC RATING

FIGURE 22 The Tire Performance Criteria (TPC) specification

number is imprinted on the sidewall of all tires used on General
Motors vehicles from the factory.
What Is a Low-Rolling-Resistance Tire?

• Low-rolling-resistance (LRR) tires reduce rolling

resistance, which is the power-robbing friction
between the tire and crown. The E-metric tire,
designated for use on electric or hybrid vehicles,
operates at higher inflation pressures, reduced
load percentages, and lower rolling resistance.
These tires were first used on the GM EV1 electric
vehicle.
WHEELS
• Today’s wheels are constructed of steel or aluminum alloy.
• The center section of the wheel that attaches to the hub is called the
center section or spider because early wheels used wooden spokes
that resembled a spider’s web. The rubber tire attaches to the rim of
the wheel.
• The rim has two bead flanges where the bead of the tire is held
against the wheel when the tire is inflated.
WHEELS

FIGURE 23 The size of the wheel is usually cast or

stamped into the wheel. This wheel is 7 inches wide. The
letter “J” refers to the contour of the bead seat area of
the wheel.
WHEELS

FIGURE 24 The wheel rim well provides a space for the tire
to fit during mounting; the bead seat provides a tire-
towheel sealing surface; the flange holds the beads in
place.
WHEELS
• WHEEL OFFSET
• POSITIVE OFFSET
• NEGATIVE OFFSET
• BACK SPACING
• DETERMINING BOLT CIRCLE
• STEEL WHEELS
• ALUMINUM WHEELS
WHEELS

FIGURE 25 A cross section

of a wheel showing part
designations.
WHEELS

FIGURE 26 Offset is the distance between the

centerline of the wheel and the wheel mounting
surface.
WHEELS

FIGURE 27 Back spacing (rear

spacing) is the distance from
the mounting pad to the edge
of the rim. Most custom
wheels use this measurement
method to indicate the
location of the mounting pad
in relation to the rim.
WHEELS

FIGURE 28 Bolt circle is the

diameter of a circle that can be
drawn through the center of each
lug hole or stud. The bolt circle is
sometimes referred to as PCD for
pitch circle diameter.
WHEELS

FIGURE 29 Measuring the bolt circle on a five lug wheel is

difficult, but a quick and easy way includes measuring as
shown to determine the approximate bolt circle of a five-lug
wheel.
WHEELS

FIGURE 30 Measure center-to-center distance and

compare the distance to the figures in the chart in the text to
determine the diameter for a five-lug bolt circle.
What Does This Mark in a Wheel Mean?

• The symbol JWL, for the Japan Wheel Light Metal

Standard Mark, means that the wheel meets the
technical standards for passenger-car light-alloy
disk wheels.
• The manufacturer is responsible for conducting the
inspections set forth in the technical standard, and
the JWL mark is displayed on those products that
pass the inspection.
What Does This Mark in a Wheel Mean?

FIGURE 31 A typical JWL symbol for the Japan Wheel

Light Metal standard mark.
TIRE VALVES
• All tires use a tire valve, called a Schrader valve, to hold air in the tire.
• Schrader valves are used not only as valves in tires but on fuel-injection
systems, air-conditioning systems, and air shock (ride control) systems.
• Most tire experts agree that the valve stem (which includes the
Schrader valve) should be replaced whenever tires are replaced—tires
can last four or more years, and in that time the valve stem can
become brittle and crack.
TIRE VALVES

FIGURE 32 (a) A rubber snap-in

style tire valve assembly. (b) A
metal clamp-type tire valve
assembly used on most high-
pressure (over 60 PSI) tire
applications such as is found on
many trucks, RVs, and trailers.
The internal Schrader valve
threads into the valve itself and
can be replaced individually, but
most experts recommend
replacing the entire valve
assembly every time the tires are
replaced to help prevent air loss.
UNSPRUNG WEIGHT
• The wheel and tire are unsprung weight because they are not
supported by the vehicle’s springs.
• If heavy wheels or tires are used, every time the vehicle hits a bump,
the wheel is forced upward.
• The heavy mass of the wheel and tire would transmit this force through
the spring of the vehicle and eventually to the driver and passengers.
• Obviously, a much lighter wheel and tire assembly reacts faster to
bumps and dips in the road surface.
• The end result is a smoother-riding vehicle with greater control.
 LUG NUTS
• Lug nuts are used to hold a wheel to the
brake disc, brake drum, or wheel bearing
assembly.
• Typical lug nuts are tapered so that the
wheel stud will center the wheel onto
the vehicle.
• Many alloy wheels use a shank-nut-type
lug nut that has straight sides without a
taper.

FIGURE 33 Various styles of lug nuts.

LUG NUTS
SIZE

• Lug nuts are sized to the thread size of the stud onto which they
screw.
• The diameter and the number of threads per inch are commonly
stated.
• Since some vehicles use left-hand threads, RH and LH are commonly
stated, indicating “right-hand” and “left-hand” threads.
• A typical size is 7/16-20RH, where the 7/16 indicates the diameter of
the wheel stud and 20 indicates that there are 20 threads per inch.
LUG NUTS
LUG STUDS

• Lug studs are usually installed in hubs or drums using a press fit.
• Serrations on the shoulder of the stud provide support.
• Most studs are replaceable and should be replaced if the treads are
damaged.
SUMMARY
1. New tires have between 9/32 in. and 15/32 in. tread depth. Wear bars
(indicators) show up as a bald strip across the tread of the tire when the tread
depth gets down to 2/32 in.
2. All tires are assembled by hand from many different materials and chemical
compounds. After a green tire is assembled, it is placed into a mold under heat
and pressure for about 30 minutes. Tread design and the tire shape are
determined by the mold design.
3. A 205/75R x 14 92S tire is 205 mm wide at its widest section and is 75% as high
as it is wide. The R stands for radial-type construction. The tire is designed for a
14-in.-diameter rim. The number 92 is the load index of the tire (the higher the
number, the more weight the tire can safely support). The S is the speed rating
of the tire (S x 112 mph maximum sustained).
SUMMARY
4. The Uniform Tire Quality Grading System is a rating for tread wear
(100, 150, etc.), traction (A, B, C), and temperature resistance (A, B,
C).
5. For best overall handling and satisfaction, always select the same
size and type of tire that came on the vehicle when new.
6. Replacement wheels should have the same offset as the factory
wheels to prevent abnormal tire wear and/or handling problems.
7. All wheels must be secured with the proper size and style of lug
nuts. If a wheel stud is broken, it should be replaced immediately to
avoid possible wheel damage or loss of vehicle control.
REVIEW QUESTIONS
1. List the various parts of a tire and explain how a tire is constructed.
2. What is the aspect ratio?
3. List the factors that should be considered when purchasing tires.
4. Explain the three major areas of the Uniform Tire Quality Grading
System.
5. How is the proper tire inflation pressure determined?
CHAPTER QUIZ
1. The part of the tire that is under just the tread of a radial tire is
called the ________.
a. Bead
b. Body (carcass) ply
c. Belt
d. Inner liner
CHAPTER QUIZ
2. The aspect ratio of a tire means ________.
a. Its width to diameter of a wheel ratio
b. The ratio of height to width
c. The ratio of width to height
d. The ratio of rolling resistance
CHAPTER QUIZ
3. A tire is labeled 215/60R15 x 92T; the T indicates ________.
a. Its speed rating
b. Its tread wear rating
c. Its load rating
d. Its temperature resistance rating
CHAPTER QUIZ
4. The 92 in the tire designation in question 3 refers to the tire’s
________.
a. Speed rating
b. Tread wear rating
c. Load rating
d. Temperature resistance rating
CHAPTER QUIZ
5. Radial tires can cause a vehicle to pull to one side while driving. This
is called “radial tire pull” and is often due to ________.
a. The angle of the body (carcass) plies
b. Tire conicity
c. Tread design
d. Bead design
CHAPTER QUIZ
6. Tire inflation is very important to the safe and economical operation
of any vehicle. Technician A says that the pressure should never
exceed the maximum pressure imprinted on the sidewall of the tire.
Technician B says to inflate the tires to the pressures recommended
on the tire information decal or placard on the driver’s door. Which
technician is correct?
a. Technician A only
b. Technician B only
c. Both Technicians A and B
d. Neither Technician A nor B
CHAPTER QUIZ
7. When purchasing replacement tires, do not change tire width from
the stock size by more than ________.
a. 10 mm
b. 15 mm
c. 20 mm
d. 25 mm
CHAPTER QUIZ
8. What do the letters JJ mean in a wheel designation size labeled 14 x
7JJ?
a. The offset of the rim
b. The bolt circle code
c. The back spacing of the rim
d. The shape of the flange area
CHAPTER QUIZ
9. Technician A says that a PAX run-flat tire uses a special wheel.
Technician B says that a standard tire can be used to replace a PAX
run-flat tire. Which technician is correct?
a. Technician A only
b. Technician B only
c. Both Technicians A and B
d. Neither Technician A nor B
CHAPTER QUIZ
10. Wheel back spacing is also called ________.
a. Rear spacing
b. Positive offset
c. Negative offset
d. Offset