2008 SUZUKI FORENZA service

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Glossary of Tire TerminologyAir 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 trans-
mission, power steering, power brakes,
power windows, power seats, and air con-
ditioning.
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.Cold Inflation Pressure:
The amount of air pressure in a tire, mea-
sured in pounds per square inch (psi)
before a tire has built up heat from driving.
Curb Weight:
This means the weight of a motor vehicle
with standard and optional equipment
including the maximum capacity of fuel, oil
and coolant, but without passengers and
cargo.
DOT Markings:
A code molded into the sidewall of a tire
signifying that the tire is in compliance with
the U.S. Department of Transportation
motor vehicle safety standards. The DOT
code includes the Tire Identification Num-
ber (TIN), an alphanumeric designator
which can also identify the tire manufac-
turer, production plant, brand and date of
production.
GVWR:
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating.
This is the maximum permissible overall
weight of the fully loaded vehicle (including
all occupants, accessories and cargo).
GAWR:
Gross Axle Weight Rating.
This is the maximum permissible weight on
an individual axle.
Intended Outboard Sidewall:
The side of an asymmetrical tire that must
always face outward when mounted on a
vehicle.Kilopascal (kPa):
The metric unit for air pressure. There are
6.9 kPa’s to one psi.
Light Truck (LT-Metric) Tire:
A tire used on light duty trucks and some
multipurpose passenger vehicles.
Load Index:
An assigned number ranging from 1 to 279
that corresponds to the load carrying
capacity of a tire.
Maximum Inflation Pressure:
The maximum air pressure to which a cold
tire may be inflated. The maximum air
pressure is molded onto the sidewall.
Maximum Load Rating:
The load rating for a tire at the maximum
permissible inflation pressure for that tire.
Maximum Loaded Vehicle Weight:
The sum of curb weight; accessory weight;
vehicle capacity weight; and production
options weight.
Normal Occupant Weight:
The number of occupants a vehicle is
designed to seat multiplied by 150 pounds
(68 kg).
Occupant Distribution:
Distribution of occupants in a vehicle as
specified in the third column of Table 1
(shown below).
Outward Facing Sidewall:
The side of a asymmetrical tire that has a
particular side that faces outward when
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mounted on a vehicle. The side of the tire
that contains a whitewall, bears white let-
tering or bears manufacturer, brand and or
model name molding that is higher or
deeper than the same moldings on the
other sidewall of the tire.
Passenger (P-Metric) Tire:
A tire used on passenger cars and some
light duty trucks and multipurpose vehicles.
Production Options Weight:
The combined weight of those installed
regular production options weighing over
2.3 kilograms in excess of those standard
items which they replace, not previously
considered in curb weight or accessory
weight, including heavy duty brakes, ride
levelers, roof rack, heavy duty battery, and
special trim.
Recommended Inflation Pressure:
Vehicle manufacturer’s recommended tire
inflation pressure shown on the tire plac-
ard.
Radial Ply Tire:
A pneumatic tire in which the ply cords that
extend to the beads are laid at 90 degrees
to the centerline of the tread.
Rim:
A metal support for a tire and upon which
the tire beads are seated.
Sidewall:
The portion of a tire between the tread and
the bead.Speed Rating:
An alphanumeric code assigned to a tire
indicating the maximum speed at which a
tire can operate.
Tr a c t i o n :
The friction between the tire and the road
surface. The amount of grip provided.
Tr e a d :
The portion of a tire that comes into con-
tact with the road.
Tread wear Indicators:
Narrow bands, sometimes called “wear
bars,” that show across the tread of a tire
when only 2/32 inch of tread remains.
UTQGS:
Uniform Tire Quality Grading Standards, a
tire information system that provides con-
sumers with ratings for a tire’s traction,
temperature and tread wear. Ratings are
determined by tire manufacturers using
government testing procedures. The rat-
ings are molded into the sidewall of the
tire.
Vehicle Capacity Weight:
The number of designated seating posi-
tions multiplied by 150 lbs (68 kg) plus the
rated cargo load.
Vehicle Maximum Load on the Tire:
The load on an individual tire that is deter-
mined by distributing to each axle its share
of the maximum loaded vehicle weight and
dividing by two.Vehicle Normal Load on the Tire:
The load on an individual tire that is deter-
mined by distributing to each axle its share
of the curb weight, accessory weight, and
normal occupant weight (distributed in
accordance with Table 1 shown below) and
dividing by 2.
TABLE 1 – Occupant Loading and Dis-
tribution For Vehicle Normal Load For
Various Designated Seating Capacities
Vehicle Placard:
A label permanently attached to a vehicle
showing the original equipment tire size
and recommended inflation pressure.
Designated
seating capac-
ity, number of
occupantsVehicle nor-
mal load, num-
ber of
occupantsOccupant
distribution in
a normally
loaded vehicle
2 through 4 2 2 in front
5 through 10 32 in front, 1 in
second seat
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Tire Pressure Monitoring
SystemIf your vehicle is equipped with a tire pres-
sure monitoring system, it uses pressure
sensors containing a unique identification
code to monitor the inflation pressure of
the tires. When the inflation pressure of
one or more tires indicates significant
under-inflation, the tire pressure warning
light comes on. If the warning light blinks,
for approximately one minute and then illu-
minates continuously, the monitoring sys-
tem may not be working. For more
information, see “Tire Pressure Monitoring
System Warning Light” in section 3.
The tire pressure monitoring system does
not replace normal tire maintenance. See
“Inflation – Tire Pressure & Correcting the
Tire Pressure” in this section for more
information.
The tire pressure warning light can come
on due to normal causes such as natural
air leaks and pressure changes caused by
changes in temperature or atmospheric
pressure. Adjusting the air pressure in the
tires to the pressure shown on the tire and
loading information label should cause the
tire pressure warning light to turn off.
If you use new wheels with new tire infla-
tion pressure sensors, their ID codes must
be programmed into the tire pressure mon-
WARNING
If the tire pressure warning light does
not come on when the ignition is
turned to the “ON” position, or
comes on and blinks while driving
there may be a problem with the tire
pressure monitoring system. Have
your vehicle inspected by an autho-
rized dealer.
WARNING
If the tire pressure warning light
comes on and stays on, reduce your
speed and avoid abrupt steering and
braking. Stop in a safe place as soon
as possible and check your tires.
 If you have a flat tire, replace it with
a spare tire. Refer to “Changing a
Flat Tire” in section 5.
 If one or more of your tires is
under-inflated, adjust the inflation
pressure in all of your tires to the
recommended inflation pressure as
soon as possible.
Be aware that driving on a signifi-
cantly under-inflated tire can cause
the tire to overheat and can lead to
tire failure, and may affect steering
control and brake effectiveness. This
could lead to an accident, resulting in
severe injury or death.
CAUTION
 Do not use liquid sealants for a flat
tire as air pressure sensors can be
damaged.
 In case of tire a bursting or sudden
pressure drops, the tire pressure
monitoring system warning light
may not come on immediately.
 The inflation pressures vary with
the ambient temperature. If the
vehicle is subjected to large varia-
tions in ambient temperature, the
tire
inflation pressure may be
under-inflated when the ambient
temperature is relatively low. If the
warning light comes on, adjust the
tire inflation pressure.
 The tire pressure sensors can be
damaged by the installation or
removal of tires. When tires must
be repaired or replaced, we highly
recommend that you have them
repaired or replaced by your
SUZUKI dealer.
 If the tire pressure warning light
comes on or blinks frequently,
there may be something wrong
with one of the tires or with the
monitoring system. Have your vehi-
cle inspected by your SUZUKI
dealer.
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itoring system. Have tire and wheel
replacement performed by an authorized
service facility to avoid the risk of damag-
ing the tire pressure monitor sensors.
The tire pressure monitoring system may
not work normally in the following circum-
stances:
 Wheels other than genuine wheels are
being used.
 Wheels whose ID codes are not memo-
rized by the vehicle are used. The moni-
toring system should be set up by an
authorized service facility.
 Wheels that are not fitted with tire pres-
sure sensors are being used.
 The tire inflation pressure sensors’ bat-
tery is exhausted.
 A wireless facility or device using the
same frequency is near the vehicle.
 Snow or ice is stuck inside the fenders
and/or on the wheels.
The tire pressure monitoring system oper-
ates on a radio frequency subject to Fed-eral Communications Commission (FCC)
Rules and with Industry and Science Can-
ada.
This device complies with Part 15 of the
FCC Rules and with RSS-210 of Industry
and Science Canada. Operation is subject
to the following two conditions: (1) This
device may not cause harmful interference,
and (2) this device must accept any inter-
ference received including interference that
may cause undesired operation of the
device.
NOTE:
Changes or modifications not expressly
approved by the party responsible for com-
pliance could void the user’s authority to
operate the equipment.
NOTE:
Only use tire sizes that are recommended
for your vehicle. Use of inappropriate-size
tires can cause a variety of problems which
will not be covered under warranty.
Correcting the Tire PressureTo permanently eliminate the low tire pres-
sure warning light, you must fill the tires
with the correct amount of air. However, at
the next vehicle start-up, the warning light
will reappear if the tire pressure is not cor-
rected. The best time to check your tire
pressure is when the tires are cold. A Tire
and Loading Information label, located on
the driver’s door near the door latch, shows
the correct inflation pressure for the tires
when they are cold. Cold means your vehi-
cle has been sitting for at least three hours
or driven no more than one mile. You may
notice during cooler conditions that low tire
pressure warning light will appear when
the vehicle is first started and then turn off
as you start to drive the vehicle. This could
be an early indicator that your tire pres-
sures are getting low and need to be
inflated to the proper pressure.
WARNING
Only use tires and wheels recom-
mended by us as standard or
optional equipment for your vehicle.
Use of tires or wheels not recom-
mended by us can result in TPMS fail-
ure. Refer to “Tires” in the “SERVICE
AND APPEARANCE CARE” section
for additional information.
WARNING
We highly recommend that any TPMS
sensor replacement or tire rotation
be done by an authorized Suzuki
dealer. The dealer will make sure that
the TPMS system is set up to recog-
nize the ID codes of the TPMS sen-
sors.
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Tire Inflation PressureThe Tire and Loading Information label
shows the correct inflation pressures for
your tires when they’re cold. “Cold” means
your vehicle has been sitting for at least
three hours or driven no more than 1 mile
(1.6 km). See “Loading Your Vehicle” in
section 4.
When to Check
Check your tires each time you fill your fuel
tank or at least once a month using a tire
pressure gauge.
Don’t forget your compact spare tire. It
should be at 60 psi (420 kPa).
How to check
Use a good quality pocket-type gauge to
check tire pressure. You can’t tell if your
tires are properly inflated simply by looking
at them. Radial tires may look properly
inflated even when they’re under inflated.
Check the tire’s inflation pressure when the
tires are cold. Cold means your vehicle has
been sitting for at least three hours or
driven no more than 1 mile (1.6 km).Remove the valve cap from the tire valve
stem. Press the tire gauge firmly onto the
valve to get a pressure measurement. If
the cold tire inflation pressure is low, add
air until you reach the recommended pres-
sure.
If you overfill the tire, release air by push-
ing on the metal stem in the center of the
tire valve. Recheck the tire pressure with
the tire gauge.
Be sure to put the valve caps back on the
valve stems. They help prevent leaks by
keeping out dirt and moisture.
Tire Inspection and RotationInspect your vehicle’s tires at least once a
month.
Tires should be rotated every 7,500 miles
(12,000 km).
Any time you notice unusual wear, rotate
your tires as soon as possible and check
wheel alignment. Also check for damaged
tires or wheels. See “When It Is Time for
New Tires” and “Wheel Replacement” in
this section for more information.
The purpose of regular rotation is to
achieve more uniform wear for all tires on
the vehicle. The first rotation is the most
important. See “Scheduled Maintenance
Services” in section 6, for scheduled rota-
tion intervals. Tire
Pressure195/55R15
(Sedan)Front33 psi
(228 kPa)
Rear33 psi
(228 kPa)
195/55R15
(Wagon)Front33 psi
(228 kPa)
Rear33 psi
(228 kPa)
125/70D15
(Temporary)Front60 psi
(420 kPa)
Rear60 psi
(420 kPa)
WARNING
 Air pressures should be checked
when the tires are cold or you may
get inaccurate readings.
 Check the inflation pressure from
time to time while inflating the tire
gradually, until the specified pres-
sure is obtained.
(Continued)
WARNING
(Continued)
 Never underinflate or overinflate
the tires.
Underinflation can cause unusual
handling characteristics or can
cause the rim to slip on the tire
bead, resulting in an accident or
damage to the tire or rim.
Underinflation can also cause tires
to overheat, leading to tire failure.
Overinflation can cause the tire to
burst, resulting in personal injury.
Overinflation can also cause
unusual handling characteristics
which may result in an accident.
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When rotating your tires, always use the
correct rotation pattern shown here.
Don’t include the compact spare tire in
your tire rotation.
After the tires have been rotated, adjust
the front and rear inflation pressures as
shown on the Tire and Loading Information
label. Make certain that all wheel nuts are
properly tightened. See “Wheel Nut
Torque” under “Capacities and Specifica-
tions” in this section.
Vehicle LoadingThe tires on your vehicle, when they are
inflated to the recommended tire inflation
pressure, have a load-carrying capacity
that is greater than the load that will be on
the tires when the vehicle is at its GVWR
or GAWR limit. Never use replacement
tires that have a load-carrying capacity
less than the original tires on your vehicle.
Tire load-carrying capacity information is
molded into the tire sidewall typically
shown as “Max. Load”. Use of replacement
tires with a lower load-carrying capacity
than the original tires, or failure to keep the
tires inflated to the recommended tire pres-
sure, may reduce the GVWR or GAWR
limit of your vehicle.NOTE:
Use of replacement tires with a higher
load-carrying capacity than the original
tires, or using a tire inflation pressure
higher than the recommended tire inflation
pressure, will not increase the GVWR or
GAWR limit of your vehicle.
When It Is Time for New TiresOne way to tell when it’s time for new tires
is to check the tread wear indicators, which
will appear when your tires have only 1/16
inch (1.6 mm) or less of tread remaining.
You need a new tire if any of the following
statements are true:
 You can see the indicators at three or
more places around the tire.
 You can see cord or fabric showing
through the tire’s rubber.
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. See “Changing
a Flat Tire” in this section.
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 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 can’t be repaired well
because of the size or location of the
damage.Buying New TiresTo find out what kind and size of tires you
need, look at the Tire and Loading Infor-
mation label.
Make sure the replacements are the same
size, load range, speed rating and con-
struction type (bias, bias-belted or radial)
as your original tires.
Uniform Tire Quality GradingQuality grades can be found where appli-
cable on the tire sidewall between the
tread shoulder and the maximum section
width. For example:
Tread wear 200 Traction AA Tempera-
ture A
The following information relates to the
system developed by the United States
National Highway Traffic Safety Adminis-
tration, which grades tires by tread wear,
traction and temperature performance.
(This applies only to vehicles sold in the
United States.) The grades are molded on
the sidewalls of most passenger car tires.
The Uniform Tire Quality Grading system
does not apply to deep tread, winter-type
snow tires, space-saver or temporary use
spare tires, tires with nominal rim diame-
ters of 10 to 12 inches (25 to 30 cm), or to
some limited-production tires.
While the tires available on SUZUKI vehi-
cles may vary with respect to these grades,
they all conform to federal safety require-
ments.
Tread wear
The tread wear 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 a half (1.5) times as well on the gov-
ernment course as a tire graded 100. The
WARNING
Your SUZUKI is equipped with tires
which are all the same type and size.
This is important to ensure proper
steering and handling of the vehicle.
Never mix tires of different size or
type on the four wheels of your vehi-
cle. The size and type of tires used
should be only those approved by
SUZUKI Motor Corporation as stan-
dard or optional equipment for your
vehicle.
WARNING
Replacing the wheels and tires
equipped on your vehicle with certain
combinations of aftermarket wheels
and tires can significantly change the
steering and handling characteris-
tics of your vehicle. Oversized tires
may also rub against the fender over
bumps, causing vehicle damage or
tire failure. Therefore, use only those
wheel and tire combinations
approved by SUZUKI Motor Corpora-
tion as standard or optional equip-
ment for your vehicle. For
information regarding the specified
tires, refer to the Tire Information
Label located on the driver’s side
door pillar or “Tire Inflation Pres-
sure” in this section.
CAUTION
Replacing the original tires with tires
of a different size may result in false
speedometer or odometer readings.
Check with your SUZUKI dealer
before purchasing replacement tires
that differ in size from the original
tires.
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relative performance of tires depends upon
the actual conditions of their use, however,
and may depart significantly from the norm
due to variations in driving habits, service
practices and differences in road charac-
teristics and climate.
Traction – AA, A, B, C
The traction grades, from highest to low-
est, are AA, A, B, and C. Those grades
represent 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 suddentire failure. The grade C corresponds to a
level of performance which all passenger
car 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.
Wheel Alignment and Tire BalanceThe wheels on your vehicle were aligned
and balanced carefully at the factory to
give you the longest tire life and best over-
all performance.
Scheduled wheel alignment and wheel bal-
ancing are not needed. However, if you
notice unusual tire wear or your vehicle
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 rebal-
anced.
Wheel ReplacementReplace any wheel that is bent, cracked or
badly rusted or corroded. If wheel nuts
keep coming loose, the wheel, wheel bolts
and wheel nuts should be replaced. If the
wheel leaks air, replace it (except some
aluminum wheels, which can sometimes
be repaired). See your SUZUKI dealer if
any of these conditions exist.
Your SUZUKI dealer will know the kind of
wheel you need.
Each new wheel should have the same
load-carrying capacity, diameter, width, off-
set and be mounted the same way as the
one it replaces.
If you need to replace any of your wheels,
wheel bolts or wheel nuts, replace them
only with new SUZUKI original equipment
parts. This way, you will be sure to have
the right wheel, wheel bolts and wheel nuts
for your vehicle.
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.
WARNING
Using the wrong replacement wheels,
wheel bolts or wheel nuts on your
vehicle can be dangerous. It could
affect the braking and handling of
your vehicle, make your tires lose air
and make you lose control. You could
have a collision in which you or oth-
ers could be injured. Always use the
correct wheel, wheel bolts and wheel
nuts for replacement.
Tires: