2006 Mercedes SL-Class Owner's Manual - Page 313

Operation Tires and wheels PSI (Pounds per square inch) A standard unit of measure for air pressure -> bar, kilopascal (kPa). Recommended tire inflation pressure Recommended tire inflation pressure listed on placard located on driver's door B-pillar for normal driving conditions. Provides best handling, tread life and riding comfort. Rim A metal support for a tire or a tire and tube assembly upon which the tire beads are seated. Sidewall The portion of a tire between the tread and the bead. TIN (Tire Identification Number) Unique identifier which facilitates efforts by tire manufacturers to notify purchasers in recall situations or other safety matters concerning tires and gives purchases the means to easily identify such tires. The TIN is comprised of "Manufacturer's identification mark", "Tire size", "Tire type code" and "Date of manufacture". Tire load rating Numerical code associated with the maximum load a tire can support. Tire ply composition and material used This indicates the number of plies or the number of layers of rubber-coated fabric in the tire tread and sidewall. Tire manufacturers also must indicate the ply materials in the tire and sidewall, which include steel, nylon, polyester, and others. Tire speed rating Part of tire designation; indicates the speed range for which a tire is approved. Traction Force exerted by the vehicle on the road via the tires. 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 in (1.6 mm) of tread remains. 312