Question 1

The part of the tire that is just under the tread of a radial tire is called the ________.

Accepted Answer

The part of the tire that is just under the tread of a radial tire is called the belt. The belt provides stability to the tread area of the tire, improving traction and wear.

Question 2

The aspect ratio of a tire means ________.

Accepted Answer

The aspect ratio of a tire refers to the ratio of its height to its width, indicating the tire's profile height relative to its width.

Question 3

A tire is labeled 215/60R×15 92T; the T indicates ________.

Accepted Answer

The "T" in the tire label indicates its speed rating, which specifies the maximum speed at which the tire can safely carry a load under specified conditions.

Question 4

A tire is labeled 215/60R×5 92T; the 92 indicates ________.

Accepted Answer

The number 92 in a tire label like 215/60R×5 92T indicates the tire's load rating, which specifies the maximum weight the tire can safely support when properly inflated.

Question 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 ________.

Accepted Answer

Tire conicity refers to a condition where the tire's tread is not perfectly symmetrical around its circumference, causing the tire to roll in a slightly curved path. This can lead to the vehicle pulling to one side, a phenomenon known as "radial tire pull."

Question 6

Tire inflation is very important to the safe and economical operation of any vehicle. Technician A says that the tire pressure should never exceed the maximum pressure imprinted on the sidewall of the tire. Technician B says to inflate tires to the pressures recommended on the tire information decal or placard on the drivers door. Which technician is correct?

Accepted Answer

Both technicians are correct. The maximum pressure imprinted on the sidewall of the tire is the maximum safe pressure for the tire. The tire information decal or placard on the driver's door will recommend the correct tire pressure for the vehicle, which will be less than the maximum pressure.

Question 7

When purchasing replacement tires, do not change tire width from the stock size by more than ________.

Accepted Answer

Changing tire width by more than 10 mm from the stock size can affect vehicle handling, safety, and performance.

Question 8

What do the letters JJ mean in a wheel designation size labeled 14×7JJ?

Accepted Answer

The letters JJ in a wheel designation size refer to the shape of the flange area of the wheel, indicating a specific profile for the rim where the tire bead sits.

Question 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?

Accepted Answer

Technician A is correct because PAX run-flat tires do indeed use a special wheel design that is different from standard wheels, making them incompatible with standard tires. Technician B is incorrect because a standard tire cannot be used to replace a PAX run-flat tire due to the unique design of the PAX system.

Question 10

Wheel back spacing is also called ________.

Accepted Answer

Wheel back spacing is also referred to as rear spacing, which is the distance from the mounting surface of the wheel to the back edge of the wheel.

Question 11

Front-wheel drive vehicles usually use what type of wheel?

Accepted Answer

Front-wheel drive vehicles typically use wheels with a positive offset. This means the mounting surface of the wheel is located in front of the wheel centerline. Positive offset wheels are used in front-wheel drive vehicles to accommodate the drive train components and ensure proper wheel alignment and handling.

Question 12

All radial tires are belted.

Accepted Answer

Radial tires are constructed with reinforcing belts, typically made of steel, that are located beneath the tread and run around the circumference of the tire, which is a defining characteristic of radial tire construction.

Question 13

Which of the following is not part of the UTQG system?

Accepted Answer

The UTQG (Uniform Tire Quality Grading) system includes ratings for traction, treadwear, and temperature resistance, but not speed rating. Speed rating is a separate system that classifies tires based on their maximum speed capability.

Question 14

Technician A says that all tires sold for passenger vehicle use must be approved by the DOT. Technician B says that the DOT code will indicate the build date of the tire. Which technician is correct?

Accepted Answer

Both statements are correct. All tires sold for passenger vehicle use in the United States must be approved by the Department of Transportation (DOT), and the DOT code on a tire includes information about its manufacture date among other details.

Question 15

Technician A says to always purchase replacement tires with the same or greater speed rating as when the vehicle was new. Technician B says to install the same type of tire (example: m+s) on all wheels. Which technician is correct?

Accepted Answer

Both technicians are correct. Technician A is correct because using tires with the same or greater speed rating ensures the vehicle maintains its handling and safety characteristics. Technician B is correct because using the same type of tire on all wheels ensures consistent handling and traction.

Question 16

If the center section of a wheel is outward from the wheel center line, it has ________.

Accepted Answer

Positive offset occurs when the center section of the wheel is positioned outward from the wheel's center line, moving the mounting surface closer to the outside of the wheel.

Question 17

Technician A says that backspacing is the same as offset. Technician B says that backspacing is the distance between the back rim edge and the wheel center section. Which technician is correct?

Accepted Answer

Backspacing is indeed the distance between the back rim edge and the wheel center section, which is different from offset, the distance from the centerline of the wheel to its mounting surface.

Question 18

Technician A says that the bolt circle is the diameter of a circle that can be drawn through the center of each lug hole or stud. Technician B says that lug nuts have different tapers to fit different wheel lug holes. Which technician is correct?

Accepted Answer

Technician A is correct because the bolt circle, or bolt pattern, indeed refers to the diameter of an imaginary circle that passes through the center of the wheel's lug holes, which is a crucial measurement for ensuring the wheel fits the vehicle properly. Technician B is also correct because lug nuts do come in different tapers (such as conical, ball, and flat) to match the seating style of the wheel lug holes, ensuring a proper fit and secure mounting of the wheel to the vehicle.

Question 19

Which of these is (are) a main function of tires?

Accepted Answer

Tires are designed to provide friction or traction between the vehicle and the road, which is essential for acceleration, braking, and cornering. Additionally, they also serve as a part of the vehicle's suspension system by absorbing shocks from road irregularities, thus cushioning the vehicle ride.

Question 20

Technician A says that grooves in the tire tread are necessary for excellent dry traction. Technician B says that grooves in the tire tread are necessary for wet traction, to prevent hydroplaning. Which technician is correct?

Accepted Answer

Grooves in the tire tread are primarily designed for wet traction, allowing water to escape from under the tire to prevent hydroplaning. For dry traction, the amount of rubber contact with the road is more critical, and grooves are not as necessary.

Quiz 109: Tires and Wheels