6-60
When to Check
Check your tires once a month or more. Also, check the
tire pressure of the spare tire (if equipped).
How to Check
Use a good quality pocket
-type gage to check tire
pressure. You can't tell if your tires are properly inflated
simply by looking at them. Radial tires may look
properly inflated even when they're underinflated.
Be sure to put the valve caps back on the valve stems.
They help prevent leaks by keeping out dirt and
moisture.
Rims and Wheels
Rims and wheels are stamped with a maximum load
and cold inflation rating. Be sure you don't exceed
these limits.
Dual Tire Operation
When the vehicle is new, check the wheel nut tightness
on all wheels with a torque wrench after your first
100 miles (160 km) and then 1,000 miles (1 600 km)
after that. Whenever a wheel, wheel bolt or wheel nut is
removed or serviced, repeat the 100 miles (160 km), and
then 1,000 mile (1 600 km) wheel nut tightness check.
See ªTightening the Wheel Nutsº later in this section
for proper torque values and wheel nut tightening
information.
CAUTION:
If you operate your vehicle with a tire that is
badly underinflated, the tire can overheat. An
overheated tire can lose air suddenly or catch
fire. You or others could be injured. Be sure all
tires (including the spare, if any) are properly
inflated.
See ªTiresº and ªInflation -- Tire Pressureº in the Index
for more information on proper tire inflation.
