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UTQGS (Uniform Tire Quality Grading Standards):
A tire information system that provides consumers
with ratings for a tire’s traction, temperature, and
treadwear. Ratings are determined by tire manufacturers
using government testing procedures. The ratings are
molded into the sidewall of the tire. SeeUniform
Tire Quality Grading on page 5-87.
Vehicle Capacity Weight:The number of designated
seating positions multiplied by 150 lbs (68 kg) plus
the rated cargo load. SeeLoading Your Vehicle
on page 4-50.
Vehicle Maximum Load on the Tire:Load on an
individual tire due to curb weight, accessory weight,
occupant weight, and cargo weight.
Vehicle Placard:A label permanently attached to a
vehicle showing the vehicle’s capacity weight and
the original equipment tire size and recommended
in ation pressure. See “Tire and Loading Information
Label” underLoading Your Vehicle on page 4-50.In ation - Tire Pressure
Tires need the correct amount of air pressure to operate
effectively.
Notice:Do not let anyone tell you that
under-in ation or over-in ation is all right. It is not.
If your tires do not have enough air (under-in ation),
you can get the following:
Too much exing
Too much heat
Tire overloading
Premature or irregular wear
Poor handling
Reduced fuel economy
If your tires have too much air (over-in ation), you
can get the following:
Unusual wear
Poor handling
Rough ride
Needless damage from road hazards
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A Tire and Loading Information label is attached to the
vehicle’s center pillar (B-pillar), below the driver’s
door lock post (striker). This label lists your vehicle’s
original equipment tires and their recommended cold tire
in ation pressures. The recommended cold tire
in ation pressure, shown on the label, is the minimum
amount of air pressure needed to support your vehicle’s
maximum load carrying capacity.
For additional information regarding how much weight
your vehicle can carry, and an example of the tire
and loading information label, seeLoading Your Vehicle
on page 4-50.
When to Check
Check your tires once a month or more. Do not forget to
check the spare tire. For additional information
regarding the spare tire, seeSpare Tire on page 5-112.
How to Check
Use a good quality pocket-type gage to check tire
pressure. You cannot tell if your tires are properly in ated
simply by looking at them. Radial tires may look properly
in ated even when they’re underin ated. Check the tire’s
in ation pressure when the tires are cold. Cold means
your vehicle has been sitting for at least three hours or
driven no more than 1 mile (1.6 km).
Remove the valve cap from the tire valve stem. Press
the tire gage rmly onto the valve to get a pressure
measurement. If the cold tire in ation pressure matches
the recommended pressure on the Tire and Loading
Information label, no further adjustment is necessary.
If the in ation pressure is low, add air until you reach the
recommended amount.
If you over ll the tire, release air by pushing on the
metal stem in the center of the tire valve. Recheck the
tire pressure with the tire gage.
Be sure to put the valve caps back on the valve stems.
They help prevent leaks by keeping out dirt and
moisture.
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Operating your vehicle with a light load means:
The total weight of occupants in your vehicle is less
than the total seating capacity number your vehicle
was designed to carry multiplied by 150 lbs (68 kg).
The total seating capacity number is on the Tire
and Loading Information label.
No more than 200 lbs (91 kg) of cargo, which must
be secured in the cargo area.
No trailer is attached to your vehicle.
You have not added any additional equipment to
your vehicle, like a truck cap or tool box.
The vehicle load capacity and the rear axle load
capacity are reduced when the tire pressure is lowered
to the amount recommended for improved ride.
Before operating your vehicle with passengers or cargo
greater than a light-load, you must in ate the rear
tires to the recommended cold tire pressure shown on
the Tire and Loading Information Label. SeeLoading
Your Vehicle on page 4-50.
Dual Tire Operation
When the vehicle is new, or whenever a wheel, wheel
bolt or wheel nut is replaced, check the wheel nut torque
after 100, 1,000 and 6,000 miles (160, 1 600 and
10 000 km) of driving. For proper torque and wheel nut
tightening information, seeRemoving the Spare Tire
and Tools on page 5-93.
The outer tire on a dual wheel setup generally wears
faster than the inner tire. Your tires will wear more
evenly and last longer if you rotate the tires periodically,
seeTire Inspection and Rotation on page 5-83. Also
seeScheduled Maintenance on page 6-4.
{CAUTION:
If you operate your vehicle with a tire that is
badly underin ated, the tire can overheat. An
overheated tire can lose air suddenly or catch
re. You or others could be injured. Be sure all
tires (including the spare) are properly in ated.
SeeIn ation - Tire Pressure on page 5-79, for
information on proper tire in ation.
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