2008 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA Owners Manual

9-26
INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
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D. Construction Code
This letter code is used to indicate the
type of ply construction in the tire. The
letter “R” means radial ply tire con-
struction, the letter “D” means diago-
nal or bias ply construction, and the
letter “B” means belted-bias ply con-
struction.
E. Rim Diameter
This two-digit number is the wheel or
rim diameter in inches.
Tire Inflation PressureTire inflation pressure should be checked
when the tire is cold. “Cold tire inflation
pressure” is the pressure in a tire that has
been driven less than 1 mile (1.6 km) or
has been standing for three hours or more.
54G307
The front, rear and spare tire pressure
specifications for your vehicle are shown
below and are listed on the Tire and Load-
ing Information Label, which is located on
the driver’s door lock pillar. The Tire and
Loading Information Label contains the fol-
lowing information:
 Seating Capacity
 Maximum Allowed Combined Weight of
Occupants and Cargo
 Original Tire Size
 Recommended Cold Tire Inflation Pres-
sure of Original TiresNOTE:
The tire inflation pressure will change due
to changes in atmospheric pressure, tem-
perature or tire temperature when driving.
To reduce the chance that the low tire
pressure warning light will come on due to
normal changes in temperature and atmo-
spheric pressure, it is important to check
and adjust the tire pressures when the
tires are cold. Tires that appear to be at the
specified pressure when checked after
driving, when the tires are warm, could
have pressure below the specification
when the tires cool down. Also, tires that
are inflated to the specified pressure in a
warm garage may have pressure below the
specification when the vehicle is driven
outside in very cold temperature. If you
adjust the tire pressure in a garage that is
warmer than the outside temperature, you
should add 1 psi to the recommended cold
tire inflation pressure for every 10°F differ-
ence between garage temperature and
outside temperature.
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. Mixing tires could cause you to
lose control while driving which may
lead to an accident. The size and type
of tires used should be only those
approved by SUZUKI Motor Corpora-
tion as standard or optional equip-
ment for your vehicle.
Recommended Cold Tire Inflation
Pressures
Front Tires220 kPa
32 psi
Rear Tires220 kPa
32 psi
Spare220 kPa
32 psi
Tires: 6

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Measuring air pressure
Use the following steps to achieve proper
tire inflation:
1) Identify the recommended tire pressure
on the vehicle’s Tire and Loading Infor-
mation Label or in the owner’s manual.
2) Remove the valve cap from the tire
valve stem.
3) Using a reliable pressure gauge, mea-
sure the tire inflation pressure by press-
ing the tire gauge firmly onto the valve
to get a pressure measurement.
Remember that inflation pressures
should be checked when the tires are
“cold”, meaning before they have been
driven one mile or after sitting for three
hours or more allowing the tire to cool
to ambient air temperature.
4) If the air pressure is too high, slowly
release the air by pressing on the tire
valve stem with the edge of the tire
gauge until you reach the correct pres-
sure.
5) If the air pressure is too low, fill the tire
with air at a service station until it
reaches the recommended pressure.
6) Make sure all tires have the same air
pressure (unless the owner’s manual
indicates otherwise).
Tire InspectionInspect your vehicle’s tires at least once a
month by performing the following checks:
1) Measure the air pressure with a tire
gauge. Adjust the pressure if neces-
sary. Remember to check the spare
tire, too. Refer to the “Measuring Air
Pressure” section.
54G136
(1) Tread wear indicator
(2) Indicator location mark
2) Check that the depth of the tread
groove is more than 1.6 mm (0.06 in.).
To help you check this, the tires have
molded-in tread wear indicators in the
grooves. When the indicators appear
on the tread surface, the remaining
depth of the tread is 1.6 mm (0.06 in.)
or less and the tire should be replaced.
3) Check for abnormal wear, cracks and
damage. Any tires with cracks or other
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.
 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.
Tires: 6

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damage should be replaced. If any tires
show abnormal wear, have them
inspected by your SUZUKI dealer.
4) Check for loose wheel nuts.
5) Check that there are no nails, stones or
other objects sticking into the tires.
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 their use,
however and may depart significantly from
WARNING
Hitting curbs and running over rocks
can damage tires and affect wheel
alignment. Be sure to have tires and
wheel alignment checked periodically
by your SUZUKI dealer.
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 the “SPECIFICATIONS”
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.
Tires: 6

9-29INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
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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 passenger
car tires must meet under the FederalMotor 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 Rotation4-tire rotation
65D459
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 maintenanceschedule. After rotation, adjust front and
rear tire pressures to the specification
listed on your vehicle’s Tire and Loading
Information Label.
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 charac-
teristics.
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
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.
Tires: 6

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Changing WheelsTo change a wheel, use the following pro-
cedure:
1) Remove the jack, tools and spare wheel
from the vehicle.
NOTE:
How to remove the spare wheel:
64J178
1. (Full cover type)
Release the lock at the underneath
of the spare wheel full cover (A) as
shown in the illustration, then
remove the outer cover of the spare
wheel full cover.
64J179
(Half cover type)
Remove the center bolt (1), then
remove the outer cover (2) of the
spare wheel half cover.
64J180
2. Pull out the lock cover (B) fitted on
the lock nut of the spare wheel while
inserting the key full into the key hole
of the lock cover (B).
3. Remove the lock nut and wheel nuts
of the spare wheel, then remove the
spare wheel with both hands.
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.
(A)
(2) (1)
(B)
Tires: 6

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81A057
Tightening torque for wheel nut
100 Nm (72.3 lb-ft, 10.0 kg-m)
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.
NOTE:
How to install the spare wheel:
When you install the spare wheel to the
vehicle again, handle it in the reverse order
of removal.
64J196
EXAMPLE
CAUTION
To avoid the removal of the spare
wheel full cover while driving, be
sure to fit the claws (3) of the outer
cover of the spare wheel full cover to
each hole (4) of the inner cover of the
spare wheel full cover.
(3)
(4)
WARNING
Vehicle equipped with P225/65R17
tires have a spare wheel and tire that
are a different size than the wheels
and tires on the vehicle. The spare
wheel and tire on these vehicles are
intended for temporary emergency
use only. The wheel is painted yellow
to remind you that the wheel and tire
are for temporary use only. Continu-
ous use of this spare can result in tire
failure and loss of control. Always
observe these precautions when
using this spare:
 Be aware that your vehicle will han-
dle differently with this temporary
spare.
 Do not exceed 80 km/h (50 mph)
speed.
 Replace the temporary spare with a
standard tire and wheel as soon as
possible.
 Do not operate your vehicle in “4H
LOCK” or “4L LOCK” with this tem-
porary spare.
 Do not use tire chains on the spare
tire. If you must use tire chains,
rearrange the wheels so standard
tires and wheels are fitted to the
rear axle.
(Continued)
Tires: 6

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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.
GLOSSARY OF TIRE TERMINOL-
OGYAccessory Weight – the combined weight
(in excess of those standard items which
may be replaced) of automatic transmis-
sion, power steering, power brakes, power
windows, power seats, radio, and heater,
to the extent that these items are available
as factory-installed equipment (whether
installed or not).
Cold Tire Inflation Pressure – the pressure
in a tire that has been driven less than 1
mile or has been standing for three hours
or more.
Curb Weight – the weight of a motor vehi-
cle with standard equipment including the
maximum capacity of fuel, oil, and coolant,
and, if so equipped, air conditioning and
additional weight optional engine.
Intended Outboard Sidewall – (1) the side-
wall that contains a whitewall, bears white
lettering or bears manufacturer, brand,
and/or model name molding that is higher
or deeper than the same molding on the
other sidewall of the tire, or (2) the outward
facing sidewall of an asymmetrical tire that
has a particular side that must always face
outward when mounted on a vehicle.
Maximum Inflation Pressure – the maxi-
mum cold inflation pressure a tire is
designed to support in normal service.
Maximum Loaded Vehicle Weight – the
sum of curb weight, accessory weight,vehicle capacity weight (total load capac-
ity), and production options weight.
Normal Occupant Weight – 68 kilograms
times the number of occupants specified in
the second column of Table 1 (shown
below).
Occupant distribution – distribution of
occupants in a vehicle as specified in the
third column of Table 1 (shown below).
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 – the
cold tire inflation pressure recommended
by a manufacturer.
Rim – metal support for a tire or tire and
tube assembly upon which the tire beads
are seated.
Vehicle Capacity Weight – the rated cargo
and luggage load plus 68 kilograms (150
lbs) times the vehicle’s designated seating
capacity.
Vehicle Maximum Load on the Tire – the
load on an individual tire that is determined
by distributing to each axle its share of the
maximum loaded vehicle weight and divid-
ing by two.
WARNING
(Continued)
 Replace the spare tire with a new
one as soon as the tread wear indi-
cator appears.
 When replacing the spare tire, use
a replacement tire with the exact
same size and construction.
Battery: 9
Fuses: 7

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Vehicle Normal Load on the Tire – the load
on an individual tire that is determined 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 LoadingYour vehicle was designed for specific load
capacities. The load capacities of your
vehicle are indicated by the Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating (GVWR), the Gross Axle
Weight Rating (GAWR, front and rear), and
the total load capacity, the seating capac-
ity, and the cargo load capacity. The
GVWR and GAWR (front and rear) are
listed on the Safety Certification Label
which is located below the driver’s side
door latch striker. The total load capacity
and seating capacity are listed on the Tire
and Loading Information Label which is
located below the Safety Certification
Label. The cargo load capacity can be
determined as described below.
Cargo Load Capacity – Maximum weight
of cargo and luggage that the vehicle can
safely carry. Cargo load capacity is the dif-
ference between the total load capacity of
the vehicle and the total combined weight
of all vehicle occupants. Refer to “Steps for
Determining Correct Load Limit” for details
on how to determine cargo load capacity.
GVWR – Maximum permissible overall
weight of the fully loaded vehicle (including
all the occupants, accessories and cargo
plus the trailer tongue weight if towing a
trailer).
GAWR – (Front and Rear) Maximum per-
missible weight on an individual axle.
Seating Capacity – Maximum number of
occupants the vehicle is designed to carry.NOTE:
Even though the number of occupants is
within the seating capacity, you still must
make sure that you do not exceed the total
load capacity of the vehicle.
Total Load Capacity – Maximum permissi-
ble weight a vehicle can carry including the
weight of all the occupants, accessories,
cargo, plus trailer tongue weight (if towing
a trailer).
The weight of any accessories already
installed on your vehicle at the time of pur-
chase, or that you or the dealer install after
purchase, must be subtracted from the
total load capacity to determine how much
capacity remains available for occupants,
cargo, and trailer tongue weight (if towing a
trailer). Contact your dealer for further
information.
Actual weight of the loaded vehicle and
actual loads at the front and rear axles can
only be determined by weighing the vehicle
using a vehicle scale. To measure the
weight and load, try making your vehicle to
a highway weighing station, shipping com-
pany or inspection station for trucks, etc.
Compare these weights to the GVWR and
GAWR (front and rear) listed on the Safety
Certification Label. If the gross vehicle
weight or the load on either axle exceeds
these ratings, you must remove enough
weight to bring the load down to the rated
capacity.
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
Fuses: 7