2008 SUZUKI SX4 flat tire

6-20
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
80J21-03E
Improving Fuel EconomyThe following instructions will help you
improve fuel economy.
Avoid excessive idling
If you are to wait for more than a minute
while you are parked, stop the engine and
start it again later. When warming up a
cold engine, allow the engine to idle until
the temperature gauge pointer comes up
to the “C” position. In this position, the
engine is sufficiently warm for starting off.
Avoid “jackrabbit” starts
Fast starts away from lights or stop signs
will consume fuel unnecessarily and
shorten engine life. Start off slowly.
Avoid unnecessary stops
Avoid unnecessary deceleration and stop-
ping. Try to maintain a slow, steady speed
whenever possible. Slowing down and then
accelerating again uses more fuel.
Keep a steady cruising speed
Keep as constant a speed as road and traf-
fic conditions will permit.
60A183S
Keep the air cleaner clean
A dirty air cleaner will cause the fuel injec-
tion system to supply too much fuel to the
engine for the amount of air being sup-
plied. The result is waste of fuel due to
incomplete fuel burning.
Keep weight to a minimum
The heavier the load, the more fuel the
vehicle consumes. Take out any luggage
or cargo when it is not necessary.
Keep tire pressure correct
Underinflation of the tires can waste fuel
due to increased running resistance of the
tires. Keep your tires inflated to the correct
pressure shown on the label located below
the driver’s side door latch striker.EXAMPLE

9-24
INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
80J21-03E
Clutch Pedal
80J004
Check the clutch pedal for smooth opera-
tion and clutch fluid level from time to time.
If clutch dragging is felt with the pedal fully
depressed, have the clutch inspected by
your SUZUKI dealer. If the clutch fluid level
is near the “MIN” line, fill it up to the “MAX”
line with DOT3 brake fluid.
TiresFor safe operation of your vehicle, it is
important that the tires be the correct type
and size, in good condition, and properly
inflated. Be sure to follow the requirements
and recommendations in this section.Tire Sidewall LabelingUseful information about a tire is molded
into its sidewall. The example below shows
a typical passenger car tire.
Typical Passenger Car Tire Sidewall
67D027
A. Tire Manufacturer
The name of the tire manufacturer is
shown here.
B. Tire Name/Model
The tire name or model is shown
here.C. Tire Size
The tire size code is a combination of
letters and numbers used to define a
particular tire’s width, height, aspect
ratio, construction type, and service
description. See the “Tire Size” expla-
nation later in this section for more
details.
D. U.S. DOT Tire Identification Number
The Department of Transportation
(DOT) marking indicates that the tire
is in compliance with the U.S. Depart-
ment of Transportation Motor Vehicle
Safety Standards. The letters and
numbers following the DOT marking
is the Tire Identification Number
(TIN). The TIN identifies the tire man-
ufacturer and plant, tire size, and date
the tire was manufactured.
E. Uniform Tire Quality Grading (UTQG)
Tire manufacturers are required to
grade tires based on three perfor-
mance factors: treadwear, traction
and temperature resistance. Refer to
the “Uniform Tire Quality Grading”
section for more details.
F. Load Rating
Load rating is the maximum weight a
tire is designed to support in normal
service.
G. Max Inflation Pressure
Max inflation pressure is the maxi-
mum inflation pressure a tire is
designed for.
AH B
G
E
FD
J I
C
Tires: 6

9-25INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
80J21-03E
H. Tire Ply Material
These tire markings describe the type
of cord and number of plies in the
sidewall and under the tread.
I. Load Index and Speed Rating
The two- or three-digit number is the
tire’s load index, the maximum load a
tire can carry at the speed indicated
by its speed symbol at the maximum
inflation pressure. The higher the
number is, the greater the load carry-
ing capacity. The letter symbol
denotes the speed at which a tire is
designed to be driven for extended
periods of time. (Ratings are listed
below.)
*The letters ZR may be used on tires with a
maximum speed capability over 149 mphand will always be used on tires with a
maximum speed capability over 186 mph.
J. M+S Marking
This marking indicates the tire has
some mud and snow capabilities and
is designed for all-season use.
Tire SizeThe following illustration shows an exam-
ple of a typical passenger car tire size.
67D028
A. Tire Type
This letter code indicates the primary
intended use of the tire. The letter “P”
identifies a tire primarily intended for
use on a passenger vehicle.
B. Tire Width
This three-digit number indicates the
tire section width in millimeters from
sidewall to sidewall.C. Aspect Ratio
This two-digit number represents the
tire section height divided by the tire
section width.
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.
Letter Rating Speed Rating
Q 99 mph
R106 mph
S112 mph
T118 mph
U124 mph
H130 mph
V149 mph
W 168 mph*
Y 186 mph*
A
B
C
D
E
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.
Tires: 6

9-26
INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
80J21-03E
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.
80JS025
The front and rear tire pressure specifica-
tions for your vehicle are shown below and
are listed on the Tire and Loading Informa-
tion Label, which is located on the driver’s
door lock pillar. The Tire and Loading Infor-
mation Label contains the following infor-
mation:
 Seating Capacity
 Maximum Allowed Combined Weight of
Occupants and Cargo
 Original Tire Size
 Recommended Cold Tire Inflation Pres-
sure of Original Tires
 Size of Compact Spare Tire Recommended Cold Tire Inflation Pres-
sure of Compact Spare Tire
NOTE:
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.
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).
Recommended Cold Tire Inflation
Pressures
Fr on t T ir es230 kPa
33 psi
Rear Tires230 kPa
33 psi
Compact Spare Tire420 kPa
60 psi
Tires: 6

9-27INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
80J21-03E
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 otherdamage 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.
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.
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.
Tires: 6

9-29INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
80J21-03E
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 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
54G114
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
schedule. After rotation, adjust front and
rear tire pressures to the specification
listed on your vehicle’s Tire and Loading
Information Label.
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

9-30
INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
80J21-03E
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
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.
CAUTION
For intelligent All Wheel Drive (i-
AWD) models, driving with an under-
inflated compact spare tire or over 80
km/h (50 mph) while using a compact
spare tire can result in damage to the
drive train.
Tires: 6

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INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
80J21-03E
GLOSSARY OF TIRE TERMINOL-
OGYAccessory Weight – the combined weight
(in excess of those standard items which
may be replaced) of automatic transaxle,
power steering, power brakes, power win-
dows, 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.
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
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