2010 Chevrolet Avalanche Owner's Manual - Page 476

Speed Rating : An alphanumeric code assigned to a tire indicating the maximum speed at which a tire can operate. Traction : The friction between the tire and the road surface. The amount of grip provided. Tread : The portion of a tire that comes into contact with the road. Treadwear Indicators : Narrow bands, sometimes called wear bars, that show across the tread of a tire when only 1/16 inch (1.6 mm) of tread remains. See When It Is Time for New Tires on page 6‑70 . UTQGS (Uniform Tire Quality Grading Standards) : A tire information system that provides consumers with ratings for a tire's traction, temperature, and treadwear. Ratings are determined by tire manufacturers using government testing procedures. The ratings are molded into the sidewall of the tire. See Uniform Tire Quality Grading on page 6‑73 . Vehicle Capacity Weight : The number of designated seating positions multiplied by 150 lbs (68 kg) plus the rated cargo load. See Loading the Vehicle on page 5‑32 . Vehicle Maximum Load on the Tire : Load on an individual tire due to curb weight, accessory weight, occupant weight, and cargo weight. Vehicle Placard : A label permanently attached to a vehicle showing the vehicle's capacity weight and the original equipment tire size and recommended inflation pressure. See "Tire and Loading Information Label" under Loading the Vehicle on page 5‑32 . Inflation - Tire Pressure Tires need the correct amount of air pressure to operate effectively. Notice: Do not let anyone tell you that under‐inflation or over‐inflation is all right. It is not. If your tires do not have enough air (under‐inflation), you can get the following: ... Too much flexing Too much heat Tire overloading Premature or irregular wear Poor handling Reduced fuel economy 6-62