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54G27-03E
Uniform Tire Quality GradingThe U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration has developed a grading
system for evaluating the performance of
passenger car tires. The following informa-
tion will help you understand the grading
system, which applies to vehicles sold in
the U.S. Consult your SUZUKI dealer or
tire retailer for help in choosing the correct
replacement tires for your vehicle.
Quality grades can be found where appli-
cable on the tire sidewall between tread
shoulder and maximum section width. For
example:
Treadwear 200 Traction AA Temperature
ADOT Quality Grades
Treadwear
Traction AA A B C
Temperature A B CAll Passenger Car Tires Must Conform To
Federal Safety Requirements in Addition
To These Grades
Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative rat-
ing based on the wear rate of the tire when
tested under controlled conditions on a
specified government test course. For
example, a tire graded 150 would wear
one and one-half (1 1/2) times as well on
the government course as a tire graded
100. The relative performance of tires
depends upon the actual conditions of theiruse, however and may depart significantly
from the norm due to variations in driving
habits, service practices and differences in
road characteristics and climate.
Traction – AA, A, B, C
The traction grades, from highest to low-
est, are AA, A, B and C. Those grades rep-
resent the tire’s ability to stop on wet
pavement as measured under controlled
conditions on specified government test
surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire
marked C may have poor traction perfor-
mance.
Temperature – A, B, C
The temperature grades are A (the high-
est), B and C, representing the tire’s resis-
tance to the generation of heat and its
ability to dissipate heat when tested under
controlled conditions on a specified indoor
laboratory test wheel. Sustained high tem-
perature can cause the material of the tire
to degenerate and reduce tire life, and
excessive temperature can lead to sudden
tire failure. The grade C corresponds to a
level of performance which all passengercar tires must meet under the Federal
Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109.
Grades B and A represent higher levels of
performance on the laboratory test wheel
than the minimum required by law.
Tire Rotation
54G573
To avoid uneven wear of your tires and to
prolong their life, rotate the tires as illus-
trated. Tires should be rotated as recom-
mended in the periodic maintenance
WARNING
The traction grade assigned to this
tire is based on straight-ahead brak-
ing traction tests, and does not
include acceleration, cornering,
hydroplaning or peak traction char-
acteristics.
WARNING
The temperature grade for this tire is
established for a tire that is properly
inflated and not overloaded. Exces-
sive speed, underinflation or exces-
sive loading, either separately or in
combination, can cause heat buildup
and possible tire failure.
5-tire rotation 4-tire rotation
Tires: 6
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54G27-03E
schedule. After rotation, adjust front and
rear tire pressures to the specification
listed on your vehicle’s Tire and Loading
Information Label.
Compact Spare Tire (if equipped)
54G115
(1) Wear indicator
(2) Indicator location mark
Your vehicle comes equipped with the
compact spare tire. The compact spare is
designed to save space in your storage
area, and its lighter weight makes it easier
to install if a flat tire occurs. It is only
intended for temporary emergency use,
until the conventional tire can be repaired
or replaced. The inflation pressure of the
compact spare tire should be checked at
least monthly. Use a quality pocket-type
inflation pressure gauge and set at 420
kPa (60 psi). At the same time, check that
the tire is stored securely. If it is not,
tighten it.
Note that two or more compact spare tires
should not be used on one vehicle simulta-
neously.
WARNING
Rust or dirt on a wheel, or on the
parts to which it is fastened, can
make wheel nuts become loose after
a time. The wheel could come off and
cause an accident. When you change
a wheel, remove any rust or dirt from
places where the wheel attaches to
the vehicle. In an emergency, you can
use a cloth or a paper towel to do
this; but be sure to use a scraper or
wire brush later, if you need to, to get
all the rust or dirt off.
WARNING
The compact spare tire and wheel are
intended for temporary emergency
use only. Continuous use of this
spare can result in tire failure and
loss of control. Always observe these
precautions when using this spare:
Your vehicle will handle differently
with this temporary spare.
Do not exceed 80 km/h (50 mph)
speed.
Replace this spare with a standard
tire and wheel as soon as possible.
Use of this spare will reduce
ground clearance.
Recommended air pressure for this
spare is 420 kPa (60 psi).
Do not use tire chains on the com-
pact spare. If you must use tire
chains, rearrange the wheels so
standard tires and wheels are fitted
to the front axle.
The compact spare tire has a much
shorter tread life than the conven-
tional tires on your vehicle.
Replace the tire as soon as the
tread wear indicator appears.
When replacing the compact tire,
use a replacement tire with the
exact same size and construction.
Tires: 6
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54G27-03E
Changing Wheels
54G420
To change a wheel, use the following pro-
cedure:
1) Remove the jack, tools and spare
wheel from the vehicle.
2) Loosen, but do not remove the wheel
nuts.
3) Jack up the vehicle (follow the jacking
instructions in the “EMERGENCY SER-
VICE” section in this manual).
4) Remove the wheel nuts and wheel.
5) Install the new wheel and replace the
wheel nuts with their cone shaped end
facing the wheel. Tighten each nut
snugly by hand until the wheel is
securely seated on the hub.
54G116
6) Lower the jack and fully tighten the nuts
(to the specified torque) in a crisscross
fashion with a wrench as shown in the
illustration.Snow TiresYour vehicle is equipped with all-season
tires which are designed for use in summer
and most winter conditions. For improved
traction in severe winter conditions,
SUZUKI recommends mounting radial
snow tires on all four wheels. Snow tires
must be the same size as the standard
tires. Also be sure to use the tires of the
same type and brand on all four wheels of
your vehicle.
CAUTION
For All-wheel drive (AWD) models,
driving with an underinflated com-
pact spare tire or over 80 km/h (50
mph) while using a compact spare
tire can result in damage to the drive
train.
Wheel tightening torque
85 Nm (61.5 lb-ft, 8.5 kg-m)
Loosen
Tighten
Tires: 6
Battery: 9
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54G27-03E
Jacking Instructions
54G42075F062
1) Place the vehicle on level, hard ground.
2) Set the parking brake firmly and shift
into “P” (Park) if your vehicle has an
automatic transaxle, or shift into “R”
(Reverse) if your vehicle has a manual
transaxle.
3) Turn on the hazard warning flasher if
your vehicle is near traffic.
4) Block the front and rear of the wheel
diagonally opposite of the wheel being
lifted.
5) Place the spare wheel near the wheel
being lifted as shown in the illustration
in case that the jack slips.
54G253
6) Position the jack vertically and raise the
jack by turning the jack handle clock-
wise until the jack head recess fits
around the flange of the body between
two bosses as shown in the illustration.
NOTE:
For vehicles equipped with lower body
trim, the bosses are located behind the
body trim.
For your easy identification, there are ribs
on the body trim to indicate the position of
the bosses as shown in the illustration. Do
not operate the jack on the body trim.
7) Continue to raise the jack slowly and
smoothly until the tire clears the
ground. Do not raise the vehicle more
than necessary.
Jacking Instructions: 5
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54G27-03E
For vehicle not equipped with lower
body trim
Front wheel
54G257
(1) Boss
(2) FlangeRear wheel
54G281
(1) Boss
(2) Flange
WARNING
Use the jack only to change wheels.
Never jack up the vehicle on an
inclined surface.
Never raise the vehicle with the
jack in a location other than
between the frame bosses near the
wheel to be changed.
Make sure that the jack is raised at
least 51 mm (2 inches) before it
contacts the flange. Use of the jack
when it is within 51 mm (2 inches)
of being fully collapsed may result
in failure of the jack.
Never get under the vehicle when it
is supported by the jack.
Never run the engine when the
vehicle is supported by the jack
and never allow passengers to
remain in the vehicle.
(1)
(2)
(1)
(2)
Jacking Instructions: 5
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54G27-03E
For vehicle equipped with lower body
trim
Front wheel
54G260
(1) Lower body trim
(2) Boss
(3) RibRear wheel
54G261
(1) Lower body trim
(2) Boss
(3) Rib
54G643
(1) Lower body trim
(2) Flange
(1)
(2)(3)
View AView A
(1)
(2)(3)
View A View A
WARNING
Do not position the jack on the lower
body trim. This part is not strong
enough to withstand the jacking load
and may be broken if used for jack-
ing.
Using the lower body trim as a jack-
ing point may also result in the vehi-
cle rolling off the jack, causing
severe injury.
(2)
(1)
(2)
(1)
Jacking Instructions: 5
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54G27-03E
2) Turn off all vehicle accessories, except
those necessary for safety reasons (for
example, headlights or hazard lights).
54G079
3) Make jumper cable connections as fol-
lows:
1. Connect one end of the first jumper
cable to the positive (+) terminal of
the discharged battery (1).
2. Connect the other end to the positive
(+) terminal of the booster battery
(2).
3. Connect one end of the second
jumper cable to the negative (–) ter-
minal of the booster battery (2).
4. Make the final connection to an
unpainted, heavy metal part (i.e.
engine hook (3)) of the engine of the
vehicle with the discharged battery
(1).4) If the booster battery you are using is
installed on another vehicle, start the
engine of the vehicle with the booster
battery. Run the engine at moderate
speed.
5) Start the engine of the vehicle with the
discharged battery.
6) Remove the jumper cables in the exact
reverse order in which you connected
them.
Towing a Disabled VehicleEmergency TowingIf your vehicle is disabled, it may be towed
by a tow truck using one of the following
methods:
1) Tow the vehicle with two wheels lifted
by the tow truck and the other two
wheels on a towing dolly.
2) Use the appropriate towing method
specified for your vehicle in the “Towing
Your Vehicle (recreational towing)” sec-
tion, but with the wheels lifted by the
tow truck instead of on a towing dolly.
Be sure to carefully follow the specific
instructions provided in the “Towing
Your Vehicle (recreational towing)” sec-
tion.
(1)
(3)
(2)
WARNING
Never connect the jumper cable
directly to the negative (–) terminal of
the discharged battery, or an explo-
sion may occur.
CAUTION
If vehicle damage (such as steering
or drivetrain damage, etc.) prevents
normal use of the towing procedures
for your vehicle described in the
“Towing Your Vehicle (recreational
towing)” section, have your vehicle
towed with two wheels lifted by the
tow truck and the other two wheels
on a towing dolly.
Jump Starting Instructions: 7
Towing a Disabled Vehicle: 6
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54G27-03E
WashingWhen washing the vehicle, follow the
instructions below:
1) Flush the underside of body and wheel
housings with pressurized water to
remove mud and debris. Use plenty of
water.2) Rinse the body to loosen the dirt.
Remove dirt and mud from the body
exterior with running water. You may
use a soft sponge or brush. Do not use
hard materials which can scratch the
paint or plastic. Remember that the
headlight covers or lenses are made of
plastic in many cases.
3) Wash the entire exterior with a mild
detergent or car wash soap using a
sponge or soft cloth. The sponge or
cloth should be frequently soaked in the
soap solution.
4) Once the dirt has been completely
removed, rinse off the detergent with
running water.
5) After rinsing, wipe off the vehicle body
with a wet chamois or cloth and allow it
to dry in the shade.6) Check carefully for damage to painted
surfaces. If there is any damage,
“touch-up” the damage following the
procedure below:
1. Clean all damaged spots and allow
them to dry.
2. Stir the paint and “touch-up” the
damaged spots lightly using a small
brush.
3. Allow the paint to dry completely.
WARNING
Never attempt to wash and wax
your vehicle with the engine run-
ning.
When cleaning the underside of the
body and fender, where there may
be sharp-edged parts, you should
wear gloves and a long-sleeved
shirt to protect your hands and
arms from being cut.
After washing your vehicle, care-
fully test the brakes before driving
to make sure they have maintained
their normal effectiveness.
CAUTION
When washing the vehicle, avoid
directing steam or hot water of
more than 80°C (176°F) on plastic
parts.
To avoid damaging engine compo-
nents, do not use pressurized
water in the engine compartment.
CAUTION
To avoid damage to the paint or plas-
tic surface, do not wipe the dirt off
without ample water. Be sure to fol-
low above procedure.
CAUTION
When using a commercial car wash
product, observe the cautions speci-
fied by the manufacturer. Never use
strong household detergents or
soaps.
CAUTION
If you use an automatic car wash,
make sure that your vehicle’s body
parts, such as spoilers, can not be
damaged. If you are in doubt, consult
the car wash operator for advice.
Vehicle Cleaning: