Functional Requirements for Light Vehicle Tires

Tire selection is an important task for a vehicle manufacturer. No other component has such a combined influence on a vehicle's ride, handling interior and exterior noise level, stopping ability, and appearance. Tires supplied on a new car affect the customer's perceived value and consequent acceptance of that vehicle and, later on, their replacement is likely to be the largest single maintenance expense for the first or second owner.

Consideration of many factors leads to the selection of tires for original equipment use. This paper reviews the major objectives of a new tire approval program at Chrysler. Tire selection from a vehicle manufacturer's point of view starts with a definition of the vehicle and a review of the physical and legal requirements that pertain.