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.
SeeTightening the Wheel Nuts on page 5-77for wheel
nut tightening information and proper torque values.
{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, if any) are properly
in ated.
SeeTires on page 5-74andIn ation - Tire Pressure on
page 5-75for more information on proper tire inflation.
When It Is Time for New Tires
Replace your tires when the tread depth is down to
1/8 of an inch (3.2 mm) for the front tires, or 1/16 of an
inch (1.6 mm) for a rear tire. Also, you need a new
tire if:
•You can see cord or fabric showing through the
tire’s rubber.
•The tread or sidewall is cracked, cut or snagged
deep enough to show cord or fabric.
•The tire has a bump, bulge or split.
•The tire has a puncture, cut or other damage that
cannot be repaired well because of the size or
location of the damage.
{CAUTION:
Mixing tires could cause you to lose control
while driving. If you mix tires of different
types — like radial and bias-belted tires — the
vehicle may not handle properly, and you
could have a crash. Be sure to use the same
type of tires all around.
5-76
When you replace tires, make sure they are the same
size, load range, speed rating and construction type
(bias, bias-belted or radial) as your original tires.
If your vehicle has four-wheel drive, the axle differentials,
propshafts and transfer case may be damaged if tires
of different sizes, brands or tread types are installed on
the front and rear axles. That damage would not be
covered under your warranty.
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance
The wheels on your vehicle were aligned at the
factory to give you the longest tire life and best overall
performance.
Proper front wheel alignment must be maintained in
order to ensure efficient steering, good directional
stability, and prevent abnormal tire wear. If you notice
unusual tire wear or your vehicle is pulling one way
or the other, the alignment may need to be reset. If you
notice your vehicle vibrating when driving on a smooth
road, your wheels may need to be balanced.
Tightening the Wheel Nuts
{CAUTION:
Wheel nuts that are not tight can work loose. If
all the nuts on a wheel come off, the wheel can
come off the vehicle, causing a crash. All
wheel nuts must be properly tightened. Follow
the rules in this section to be sure they are.
This section lets you know how often to check the
tightness of the wheel nuts on your vehicle and how tight
they must be.
5-77
