Every time you check inf lation, you
should also examine the tires f or
damage, f oreign objects, and wear.
Youshouldlookfor:Bumps or bulges in the tread or
side of the tire. Replace the tire if
youfindeitherof theseconditions.
Cuts, splits, or cracks in the side
of the tire. Replace the tire if you
can see f abric or cord.
Excessive tread wear. In addition to proper inf lation,
correct wheel alignment helps to
decrease tire wear. If you f ind a tire
is worn unevenly, have your dealer
check the wheel alignment.
The tires were properly balanced by
the factory. They may need to be
rebalanced at some time bef ore they
are worn out. Have your dealer
check the tires if you f eel a consis-
tent vibration while driving. A tire
should always be rebalanced if it is
removed f rom the wheel f or repair.
Your car’s tires have wear indicators
molded into the tread. When the
tread wears down to that point, you
will see a 1/2 inch (12.7 mm) wide
band running across the tread. This
shows there is less than 1/16 inch
(1.6 mm) of tread lef t on the tire. A
tire that is this worn gives very little
traction on wet roads. You should
replace the tire if you can see the
tread wear indicator in three or more
places around the tire. Make sure the installer balances the
wheels when you have new tires
installed. This increases riding
comf ort and tire lif e. Your car’s
original tires were dynamic or ‘‘spin’’
balanced at the f actory. For best
results, have the installer perf orm a
dynamic balance.
CONT INUED
Inspection
Maintenance
Tires
Maint enance195
INDICATOR LOCATION MARKS
TREAD WEAR INDICATORS
Î.....................................
Operation . 69
.........................................
Washing . 214
..................
Waxing and Polishing . 215
Wheels
...............
Adjusting the Steering . 71
............
Alignment and Balance . 195
..........................
Compact Spare . 222
......................................
Wrench . 224
Windows .....................................
Cleaning . 218
...........................
Rear, Def ogger . 70
Windshield .......................................
Cleaning . 69
...................................
Def roster . 101
Wipers, Windshield
.......................
Changing Blades . 186
.....................................
Operation . 68
....................................
Worn Tires . 195
.....
Wrecker, Emergency Towing . 245
U.S. and Canada only
Index
IX
