Maintenance and service 11 - 3 9
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Aluminum wheels
Aluminum wheels can be scratched and
damaged easily. Handle them carefully to
maintain their appearance, performance,
and safety. yWhen any of the wheels is removed and
replaced for tire rotation or to change a
flat, always check the tightness of the
wheel nuts after driving approximately 600
miles (1,000 km). If any nut is loose, tight-
en it to the specified torque. y Never apply oil to the threaded parts,
wheel nuts, or tapered surface of the
wheel. y Never let the wheel rub against sharp
protrusions or curbs. y Be sure to fit tire chains on uniformly
and completely around the tire, otherwise
the chains may scratch the wheel. y When wheel nuts, balance weights, or
the center cap is replaced, be sure to re-
place them with genuine SUBARU parts
designed for aluminum wheels.Windshield washer fluid
If you spray washer fluid on the windshield
but the supply of washer fluid appears to
diminish, check the level of washer fluid in the tank.
Use only those wheels that are
specified for your vehicle. Wheels
not meeting specifications could in-
terfere with brake caliper operation
and may cause the tires to rub
against the wheel well housing dur-
ing turns. The resulting loss of vehi-
cle control could lead to an acci-
dent.
Never use engine coolant as washer
fluid because it could cause paint
damage.
B00199
Consumer information and Reporting safety defects 13-3
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Example:
(6) Load Index: A numerical code
which specifies the maximum load a
tire can carry at
the speed indicated
by its speed symbol, at maximum in-
flation pressure.
For example, “88” means 1,234 lbs
(560 kg), “87” means 1,201 lbs (545
kg), “86” means 1,168 lbs (530 kg)
(7) Speed Rating: An alphabetical
system describing a tire’s capability to
travel at established and predeter-
mined speeds.
For example, “V” means 149 mph(240 km/h)
T Tire Identification Number (TIN)
Tire Identification Number (TIN) is
marked on the intended outboard
sidewall. The TIN is composed of four
groups. Here is a brief review of the
TIN with a breakdown of its individual
elements. (1) Manufacturer’s Identification Mark
(2) Tire Size
(3) Tire Type Code
(4) Date of Manufacture
The first two figures identify the week,
starting with “01” to represent the first
full week of the calendar year; the
second two figures represent the
year. For example, 0101 means the
1st week of 2001. T
Other markings
The following makings are also
placed on the sidewall. V Maximum permissible inflation
pressure
The maximum cold inflation pressure
to which this tire may be inflated. For
example, “300 kpa (44 PSI) MAX. PRESS” V Maximum load rating
The load rating at the maximum per-
missible weight load for this tire. For
example, “MAX. LOAD 730 kg (1609
LBS) @ 300 kpa (44 PSI) MAX. PRESS.”
Load indices apply only to the
tire, not to the vehicle. Putting a
load rated tire on any vehicle
does not mean the vehicle can
be loaded up to the tire’s rated load.
P 205 / 50 R 17 88 V Size designation (6) (7) y
Speed ratings apply only to
the tire, not to the vehicle. Put-
ting a speed rated tire on any
vehicle does not mean the ve-
hicle can be operated at the
tire’s rated speed.
yThe speed rating is void if the
tires are worn out, damaged,
repaired, retreaded, or other-
wise altered from their original
condition. If tires are repaired,
retreaded, or otherwise al-
tered, they may not be suitable
for original equipment tire de-
signed loads and speeds.
DOT XX XX XXX XXXX
(1) (2) (3)(4)