Kia Seltos: Tires and wheels / Tire terminology and definitions

Refer to the following definitions for tire-related terms commonly found in the Kia Seltos tire description, tire placard, sidewall markings, and maintenance information.

Air Pressure: The amount of air inside the tire pressing outward against the tire structure. Air pressure is measured in pounds per square inch (psi) or kilopascals (kPa).

Accessory Weight: The combined weight of optional accessories installed on the vehicle. Examples may include automatic transmission, power seats, air conditioning, and other factory-installed equipment.

Aspect Ratio: The relationship between a tire's height and its width. It is shown as a percentage in the tire size designation.

Belt: A rubber-coated layer of cords located between the tire plies and the tread. These cords may be made from steel or other reinforcing materials.

Bead: The tire bead contains steel wires wrapped by steel cords. It holds the tire securely on the wheel rim.

Bias Ply Tire: A pneumatic tire in which the plies are laid at alternating angles of less than 90 degrees to the centerline of the tread.

Cold Tire Pressure: The air pressure in a tire before the tire has built up heat from driving. It is measured in psi or kPa and should be used when checking Kia Seltos tire pressure.

Curb Weight: The weight of a motor vehicle with standard and optional equipment, including maximum levels of fuel, oil, and coolant, but without passengers or cargo.

DOT Markings: A code molded into the tire sidewall showing that the tire complies with U.S. Department of Transportation motor vehicle safety standards. The DOT code includes the Tire Identification Number (TIN), which can identify the tire manufacturer, production plant, brand, and production date.

GVWR: Gross Vehicle Weight Rating.

GAWR FRT: Gross Axle Weight Rating for the front axle.

GAWR RR: Gross Axle Weight Rating for the rear axle.

Intended Outboard Sidewall: The side of an asymmetrical tire that must face outward when the tire is mounted on the vehicle.

Kilopascal (kPa): The metric unit used to measure air pressure.

Light Truck (LT) Tire: A tire designated by the manufacturer as primarily intended for use on light trucks or multipurpose passenger vehicles.

Load Ratings: The maximum load that a tire is rated to carry at a specified inflation pressure.

Load Index: An assigned number from 1 to 279 that corresponds to the load-carrying capacity of a tire.

Maximum Inflation Pressure: The maximum air pressure to which a cold tire may be inflated. This value is molded into the tire sidewall.

Maximum Load Rating: The load rating for a tire at the maximum permissible inflation pressure for that tire.

Maximum Loaded Vehicle Weight: The combined total of curb weight, accessory weight, vehicle capacity weight, and production options weight.

Normal Occupant Weight: The number of occupants the vehicle is designed to seat, multiplied by 150 lbs. (68 kg).

Occupant Distribution: The designated seating positions in the vehicle.

Outward Facing Sidewall: The side of an asymmetrical tire that must face outward when mounted on a vehicle. This sidewall may include white lettering or manufacturer, brand, or model name markings that are higher or deeper than the markings on the inner-facing sidewall.

Passenger (P-Metric) Tire: A tire used on passenger cars, some light-duty trucks, and multipurpose vehicles.

Ply: A layer of rubber-coated parallel cords inside the tire.

Pneumatic Tire: A mechanical device made from rubber, chemicals, fabric, steel, or other materials. When mounted on a wheel, it provides traction and contains air or fluid that supports the vehicle load.

Production Options Weight: The combined weight of installed regular production options weighing more than 5 lbs. (2.3 kg) above the standard items they replace, when not already included in curb weight or accessory weight. Examples may include heavy-duty brakes, ride levelers, a roof rack, a heavy-duty battery, or special trim.

Recommended Inflation Pressure: The tire inflation pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer and shown on the Kia Seltos tire placard.

Radial Ply Tire: A pneumatic tire in which the ply cords extend to the beads and are laid at 90 degrees to the centerline of the tread.

Rim: A metal support for the tire on which the tire beads are seated.

Sidewall: The portion of the tire located between the tread and the bead.

Speed Rating: An alphanumeric code assigned to a tire that indicates the maximum speed at which the tire is designed to operate safely.

Traction: The friction between the tire and the road surface. It represents the amount of grip the tire can provide.

Tread: The portion of the tire that contacts the road surface.

Treadwear Indicators: Narrow bands, also called wear bars, that appear across the tire tread when only 2/32 inch (1.6 mm) of tread remains.

UTQGS: Uniform Tire Quality Grading Standards. This tire information system provides consumers with ratings for treadwear, traction, and temperature performance. Ratings are determined by tire manufacturers using government testing procedures and are molded into the tire sidewall.

Vehicle Capacity Weight: The weight of designated seating positions multiplied by 150 lbs. (68 kg), plus the rated cargo and luggage load.

Vehicle Maximum Load on the Tire: The load placed on an individual tire due to curb weight, accessory weight, maximum occupant weight, and cargo weight.

Vehicle Normal Load on the Tire: The load placed on an individual tire, determined by distributing each axle's share of curb weight, accessory weight, and normal occupant weight, then dividing by 2.

Vehicle Placard: A label permanently attached to the Kia Seltos that shows the original equipment tire size and the recommended tire inflation pressure.

Understanding these tire terms helps Kia Seltos owners choose correct replacement tires, maintain proper inflation, and recognize important tire safety information printed on the sidewall.