Age
Tires degrade over time, even when they are not being used. It is
recommended that tires generally be replaced after 6 years of normal
service. Heat caused by hot climates or frequent high loading
conditions can accelerate the aging process.
You should replace the spare tire when you replace the other road tires
due to the aging of the spare tire.
Federal law requires tire manufacturers to place standardized
information on the sidewall of all tires. This information identifies and
describes the fundamental characteristics of the tire and also provides a
U.S. DOT Tire Identification Number for safety standard certification and
in case of a recall.
U.S. DOT Tire Identification Number (TIN):This begins with the
letters “DOT” and indicates that the tire meets all federal standards. The
next two numbers or letters are the plant code designating where it was
manufactured, the next two are the tire size code and the last four
numbers represent the week and year the tire was built. For example,
the numbers 317 mean the 31st week of 1997. After 2000 the numbers
go to four digits. For example, 2501 means the 25th week of 2001. The
numbers in between are identification codes used for traceability. This
information is used to contact customers if a tire defect requires a recall.
Safety practices
Driving habits have a great deal to do with your tire mileage and safety.
•Observe posted speed limits
•Avoid fast starts, stops and turns
•Avoid potholes and objects on the road
•Do not run over curbs or hit the tire against a curb when parking
If your vehicle is stuck in snow, mud, sand, etc.,do notrapidly
spin the tires; spinning the tires can tear the tire and cause an
explosion. A tire can explode in as little as three to five seconds.
Never spin the tires in excess of the 35 mph (55 km/h) point
indicated on the speedometer.
2006 Freestyle(219)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Tires, Wheels and Loading
167
specifications ..................272, 274
Exhaust fumes ..........................189
F
Fluid capacities .........................270
Foglamps .....................................54
Four-Wheel Drive vehicles
driving off road .......................198
Fuel ............................................257
calculating fuel
economy ............................79, 262
cap ...........................................259
capacity ...................................270
choosing the right fuel ...........260
comparisons with EPA fuel
economy estimates .................265
detergent in fuel .....................261
filling your vehicle
with fuel ..................257, 259, 262
filter, specifications ........257, 269
fuel pump shut-off switch .....206
improving fuel economy ........262
octane rating ...................261, 274
quality ......................................261
running out of fuel .................261
safety information relating to
automotive fuels .....................257
Fuel pump shut-off switch .......206
Fuses ..........................................207
G
Garage Door Opener
(see Homelink wireless control
system) ........................................74
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ............259
Gas mileage
(see Fuel economy) .................262
Gauges .........................................14H
Hazard flashers .........................206
Head restraints .................105, 110
Headlamps ...................................52
aiming ........................................54
autolamp system .......................52
bulb specifications ....................57
daytime running lights .............53
flash to pass ..............................53
high beam .................................53
replacing bulbs .........................57
turning on and off ....................52
Heating
heating and air conditioning
system ...............40, 42, 44, 46, 49
Homelink wireless control
system ..........................................74
Hood ..........................................243
I
Ignition ...............................186, 274
Infant seats
(see Safety seats) .....................151
Inspection/maintenance (I/M)
testing ........................................267
Instrument panel ........................63
cleaning ...................................239
cluster ........................................10
lighting up panel and
interior .......................................54
J
Jack ............................................214
positioning ...............................214
storage .....................................214
Jump-starting your vehicle ......222
2006 Freestyle(219)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
283
