When It Is Time for New Tires.................. 401
Buying New Tires...................................... 401
Different Size Tires and Wheels................ 403
Uniform Tire Quality Grading..................... 403
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance............ 405
Wheel Replacement.................................. 405
Tire Chains............................................... 406
If a Tire Goes Flat.................................... 407
Changing a Flat Tire................................. 408
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools.......... 409
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the
Spare Tire............................................. 411
Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools...... 418
Compact Spare Tire.................................. 420
Appearance Care........................................ 420
Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle.......... 420
Fabric/Carpet............................................. 422
Leather...................................................... 423
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other Plastic
Surfaces................................................ 424
Care of Safety Belts.................................. 424
Weatherstrips............................................ 425Washing Your Vehicle............................... 425
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses................ 425
Finish Care............................................... 425
Windshield and Wiper Blades.................... 426
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels......... 426
Tires......................................................... 427
Sheet Metal Damage................................. 427
Finish Damage.......................................... 428
Underbody Maintenance............................ 428
Chemical Paint Spotting............................ 428
Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials............ 429
Vehicle Identi cation.................................. 430
Vehicle Identi cation Number (VIN)........... 430
Service Parts Identi cation Label............... 430
Electrical System........................................ 431
Add-On Electrical Equipment..................... 431
Windshield Wiper Fuses............................ 431
Fuses and Circuit Breakers....................... 431
Instrument Panel Fuse Block..................... 432
Engine Compartment Fuse Block............... 434
Capacities and Speci cations.................... 436
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
338
(B) Tire Width:The three-digit number indicates
the tire section width in millimeters from sidewall
to sidewall.
(C) Aspect Ratio:A two-digit number that
indicates the tire height-to-width measurements.
For example, if the tire size aspect ratio is
60, as shown in item C of the illustration, it would
mean that the tire’s sidewall is 60 percent as
high as it is wide.
(D) Construction Code:A letter code is used to
indicate the type of ply construction in the tire.
The letter R means radial ply construction;
the letter D means diagonal or bias ply
construction; and the letter B means belted-bias
ply construction.
(E) Rim Diameter:Diameter of the wheel in
inches.
(F) Service Description:These characters
represent the load range and speed rating of the
tire. The load index represents the load carry
capacity a tire is certi ed to carry. The load index
can range from 1 to 279. The speed rating is
the maximum speed a tire is certi ed to carry a
load. Speed ratings range from A to Z.Tire Terminology and De nitions
Air Pressure:The amount of air inside the tire
pressing outward on each square inch of the
tire. Air pressure is expressed in pounds
per square inch (psi) or kilopascal (kPa).
Accessory Weight:This means the combined
weight of optional accessories. Some examples of
optional accessories are, automatic
transmission/transaxle, power steering, power
brakes, power windows, power seats, and
air conditioning.
Aspect Ratio:The relationship of a tire’s height
to its width.
Belt:A rubber coated layer of cords that is
located between the plies and the tread. Cords
may be made from steel or other reinforcing
materials.
Bead:The tire bead contains steel wires wrapped
by steel cords that hold the tire onto the rim.
Bias Ply Tire:A pneumatic tire in which the plies
are laid at alternate angles less than 90 degrees
to the centerline of the tread.
390
Tire Pressure Monitor System
Your vehicle has a Tire Pressure Monitor System
(TPMS). This system uses radio and sensor
technology to check tire pressure levels. TPMS
sensors are mounted onto each tire and wheel
assembly, except for the spare tire. The TPMS
sensors monitor the air pressure in your vehicle’s
tires and transmit tire pressure readings to a
receiver located in the vehicle.
Each tire, including the spare (if provided), should
be checked monthly when cold and in ated to
the in ation pressure recommended by the vehicle
manufacturer on the vehicle placard or tire
in ation pressure label. (If your vehicle has tires of
a different size than the size indicated on the
vehicle placard or tire in ation pressure label, you
should determine the proper tire in ation
pressure for those tires.)As an added safety
feature, your vehicle
has been equipped with
a tire pressure
monitoring system
(TPMS) that illuminates
a low tire pressure
telltale when one
or more of your tires is
signi cantly
under-in ated.
Accordingly, when the low tire pressure telltale
illuminates, you should stop and check your tires
as soon as possible, and in ate them to the
proper pressure. Driving on a signi cantly
under-in ated tire causes the tire to overheat and
can lead to tire failure. Under-in ation also
reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and may
affect the vehicle’s handling and stopping ability.
395