1993 CHEVROLET PLYMOUTH ACCLAIM tire pressure

PRESSURE GAUGES
High quality dial type air pressure gauges are rec-
ommended. After checking pressure with the gauge,
replace valve caps and tighten finger tight.
TIRE INFLATION PRESSURES
Under inflation (Fig. 1) causes rapid shoulder wear
and tire flexing and can result in tire failure.
Over inflation (Fig. 2) cause rapid center wear and
loss of the tire's ability to cushion shocks.
Improper inflation can cause:
² Uneven wear patterns
² Reduced tread life
² Reduced fuel economy
² Unsatisfactory ride
² The vehicle to drift.
Proper tire pressure can be found on the placard
attached to the vehicle, See Owner's Manual. This pressure has been selected to provide safe ve-
hicle operation, proper vehicle stability, and a
smooth ride. Tire pressure should be checked cold
once per month and more frequently when the weather temperature varies widely. Tire pressure will
decreases when the outdoor temperature drops.
Inflation pressures specified on the placards are
always cold inflation pressure. Cold inflation pres-
sure is obtained after the vehicle has not been
operated for at least 3 hours or driven less than
one mile after being inoperative for 3 hours. Tire
inflation pressures may increase from 2 to 6 pounds
per square inch (psi) during operation. Do NOT reduce
this normal pressure build-up. Cold inflation pressures must not exceed 240 kPa (35
psi) for P-Series standard load tires.
TIRE PRESSURES FOR HIGH-SPEED OPERA- TION
Chrysler Corporation advocates driving at safe
speeds within posted speed limits. Where speed limits
or conditions are such that the vehicle can be driven at
high speeds, correct tire inflation pressure is very
important. For speeds up to and including 120 km/h
(75 mph), tires must be inflated to the pressure shown
on the tire placard. For speeds in excess of 120 km/h
(75 mph), tires must be inflated to the maximum
pressure specified on the tire sidewall. Vehicles loaded to the maximum capacity should not
be driven at continuous speeds above 120 km/h (75
mph).
WARNING: OVERINFLATED OR UNDER INFLATED
TIRES CAN AFFECT VEHICLE HANDLING. SUDDEN
TIRE FAILURE CAN RESULT, CAUSING LOSS OF
VEHICLE CONTROL.
For police or emergency vehicles that must be driven
at continuous speeds over 144 km/h (90 mph), special
high-speed tires must be used. Consult tire manufac-
turer for tire and inflation pressure recommendations.
REPLACEMENT TIRES
The original equipment tires on the vehicle have
been engineered to provide a proper balance of many
characteristics such as:
² ride
² noise
² handling
² durability
² tread life
² traction
² rolling resistance
² speed capability
Failure to use equipment replacement tires may
adversely affect the safety and handling of the vehicle. The use of oversize tires not listed in the specification
charts may cause interference with vehicle com-
Fig. 1 Under inflation Wear
Fig. 2 Over inflation Wear
22 - 2 WHEELSÐTIRES Ä

ponents. Under extremes of suspension and steering
travel tire damage may occur.
WARNING: FAILURE TO EQUIP THE VEHICLE WITH
TIRES HAVING ADEQUATE SPEED RATING CAN
CAUSE SUDDEN TIRE FAILURE.
ROTATION
DIRECTIONAL TREAD PATTERN TIRES
Some vehicles are fitted with special high-perfor-
mance tires having a directional tread pattern de-
signed to improve traction on wet pavement. To obtain the full benefits of this design, the tires
must be installed so that they rotate in the correct
direction. This is indicated by arrows on the tire
sidewalls. When wheels and tires are being installed, extra
care is needed to ensure that this direction of rota-
tion is maintained. Refer to Owner's Manual for rotation schedule.
NONDIRECTIONAL TIRES
Tires on the front and rear axles of vehicles oper-
ate at different loads and perform different steering,
driving, and braking functions. For these reasons,
they wear at unequal rates, and tend to develop ir-
regular wear patterns. These effects can be reduced
by timely rotation of tires. Rotation will increase
tread life, help to maintain mud, snow, and wet trac-
tion levels, and contribute to a smooth, quiet ride. The suggested rotation method is the forward-cross
tire rotation method. This method takes advantage of
current tire industry practice which now allows cross
rotation of radial-ply tires. Refer to the owner's man-
ual (usually found in the glove box) for additional in-
formation. Other rotation methods may be used, but
may not have all the benefits of the recommended
method. Always check air pressure and wheel nut tightness
after rotation. Do NOT use oil or grease on studs
or nuts. Refer to Owner's Manual for rotation schedule.
TREAD WEAR INDICATORS
Tread wear indicators (Fig. 3) are molded into the
bottom of the tread grooves. When tread is 1.6 mm
(1/16 in.), the tread wear indicators will appear as a
13 mm (1/2 in.) band. Tire replacement is necessary when indicators ap-
pear in two or more grooves, or if localized balding
occurs.
REPAIRING LEAKS
For proper repairing, a radial tire must be removed
from the wheel. Repairs should only be made if the
defect or puncture is in the tread area otherwise the
tire should be replaced. Deflate tire completely before dismounting tire
from the wheel. Use lubrication such as a mild soap
solution when dismounting or mounting tire. Use
tools free of burrs or sharp edges which could dam-
age the tire or wheel rim. Before mounting tire on wheel, make sure all rust
scale is removed from the rim and repaint if neces-
sary. Install wheels on vehicle, progressively tightening
wheel nuts to 129 N Im (95 ft. lbs.) torque (See
Wheels).
TIRE NOISE OR VIBRATION
Radial-ply tires are sensitive to force impulses
caused by improper mounting, wheel irregularities,
or imbalance. To determine if the tires are causing the noise or
vibration, drive the vehicle over a smooth portion of
highway at different speeds and note the effect of ac-
celeration and deceleration on noise level. Differen-
tial and exhaust noise will change in intensity as
speed varies, while tire noise will usually remain
constant.
TIRE WEAR PATTERNS
Under inflation results in faster wear on shoulders
of tire. Over inflation causes faster wear at center of tread.
Excessive camber causes the tire to run at an angle
to the road. One side of tread is worn more than the
other. Excessive toe-in or toe-out causes wear on the
tread edges of the tire, from dragging of tire. There
is a feathered effect across the tread (Fig. 4).
Fig. 3 Tread Wear Indicators
Ä WHEELSÐTIRES 22 - 3

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AND WARNINGS
WARNING: WEAR EYE PROTECTION WHEN SER-
VICING THE AIR CONDITIONING REFRIGERANT
SYSTEM. SERIOUS EYE INJURY CAN RESULT
FROM EYE CONTACT WITH REFRIGERANT. IF EYE
CONTACT IS MADE, SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION
IMMEDIATELY. DO NOT EXPOSE REFRIGERANT TO OPEN
FLAME. POISONOUS GAS IS CREATED WHEN RE-
FRIGERANT IS BURNED. AN ELECTRONIC TYPE
LEAK DETECTOR IS RECOMMENDED. LARGE AMOUNTS OF REFRIGERANT RELEASED
IN A CLOSED WORK AREA WILL DISPLACE THE
OXYGEN AND CAUSE SUFFOCATION. THE EVAPORATION RATE OF (R-12) REFRIGER-
ANT AT AVERAGE TEMPERATURE AND ALTITUDE
IS EXTREMELY HIGH. AS A RESULT, ANYTHING
THAT COMES IN CONTACT WITH THE REFRIGER-
ANT WILL FREEZE. ALWAYS PROTECT SKIN OR
DELICATE OBJECTS FROM DIRECT CONTACT
WITH REFRIGERANT.
CAUTION: Liquid refrigerant is corrosive to metal
surfaces. Follow the operating instructions supplied
with equipment being used.
COOLING SYSTEM PRECAUTIONS
WARNING: ANTIFREEZE IS AN ETHYLENE GLYCOL
BASE COOLANT AND IS HARMFUL IF SWAL-
LOWED OR INHALED. IF SWALLOWED, DRINK
TWO GLASSES OF WATER AND INDUCE VOMIT-
ING. IF INHALED, MOVE TO FRESH AIR AREA.
SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION IMMEDIATELY. DO NOT STORE IN OPEN OR UNMARKED CON-
TAINERS. WASH SKIN AND CLOTHING THOROUGHLY AF-
TER COMING IN CONTACT WITH ETHYLENE GLY-
COL. KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN AND PETS.
DO NOT OPEN A COOLING SYSTEM WHEN THE
ENGINE IS AT RUNNING TEMPERATURE. PER-
SONAL INJURY CAN RESULT.
The engine cooling system is designed to develop
internal pressure of 97 to 123 kPa (14 to 18 psi). Al-
low the vehicle 15 minutes (or until a safe tempera-
ture and pressure are attained) before opening the
cooling system. Refer to Group 7, Cooling System.
HANDLING TUBING AND FITTINGS
Kinks in the refrigerant tubing or sharp bends in
the refrigerant hose lines will greatly reduce the ca-
pacity of the entire system. High pressures are pro-
duced in the system when it is operating. Extreme
care must be exercised to make sure that all connec-
tions are pressure tight. Dirt and moisture can enter
the system when it is opened for repair or replace-
ment of lines or components. The refrigerant oil will
absorb moisture readily out of the air. This moisture
will convert into acids within a closed system. The following precautions must be observed:
The system must be completely empty before open-
ing any fitting or connection in the refrigeration sys-
tem. Open fittings with caution even after the
system has been emptied. If any pressure is noticed
as a fitting is loosened, allow trapped pressure to
bleed off very slowly. A good rule for the flexible hose lines is to keep the
radius of all bends at least 10 times the diameter of
the hose. Sharper bends will reduce the flow of re-
frigerant. The flexible hose lines should be routed so
they are at least 3 inches (80 mm) from the exhaust
manifold. Inspect all flexible hose lines to make sure
they are in good condition and properly routed. Unified plumbing connections with aluminum gas-
kets cannot be serviced with O-rings. These gaskets
are not reusable and do not require lubrication be-
fore installing. The use of correct wrenches when making connec-
tions is very important. Improper wrenches or im-
proper use of wrenches can damage the fittings. The A/C system will remain chemical stabile as
long as pure-moisture-free R-12 and refrigerant oil is
used. Abnormal amounts of dirt, moisture or air can
upset the chemical stability. This condition could
cause operational troubles or even serious damage if
present in more than very small quantities. When it is necessary to open the refrigeration sys-
tem, have everything needed to service the system
ready. The system should not be left open any longer
than necessary. Cap or plug all lines and fittings as
soon as they are opened to prevent the entrance or
dirt and moisture. All lines and components in parts
stock should be capped or sealed until they are ready
to be used. All tools, including the refrigerant dispensing man-
ifold, the manifold gauge set, and test hoses should
be kept clean and dry.
Fig. 6 Heater only or HeaterÐA/C Controls
Ä HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING 24 - 3