2008 SUZUKI SX4 tire type

6-10
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
80J21-03E
Brake Assist SystemWhen you slam the brakes on, the brake
assist system judges as an emergency
stop and provides more powerful braking
for a driver who cannot hold down the
brake pedal firmly.
NOTE:
If you depress the brakes forcefully, you
may hear a clicking sound in the brake
pedal. This is normal and indicates that the
brake assist system is activated properly.
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
(if equipped)ABS will help you avoid skidding by elec-
tronically controlling braking pressure. It
will also help you maintain steering control
when braking on slippery surfaces or when
braking hard.
The ABS works automatically, so you do
not need any special braking technique.
Just push the brake pedal down without
pumping. The ABS will operate whenever it
senses that the wheels are locking up.
You may feel the brake pedal pulsate while
the ABS is operating.
NOTE:
The ABS will not work if vehicle speed is
under 5 – 6 km/h (3 – 4 mph).
WARNING
Even without reserve power in the
brake system, you can still stop the
vehicle by pressing the brake pedal
harder than normally required. How-
ever, the stopping distance may be
longer.
WARNING
 On some types of loose surfaces
(such as gravel, snow-covered
roads, etc.), the stopping distance
required for an ABS-equipped vehi-
cle may be slightly greater than for
a comparable vehicle with a con-
ventional brake system. With a
conventional brake system, skid-
ding tires are able to “plow” the
gravel or snow layer, shortening
the stopping distance. ABS mini-
mizes this resistance effect. Allow
for extra stopping distance when
driving on loose surfaces.
 On regular paved roads, some driv-
ers may be able to obtain slightly
shorter stopping distances with
conventional brake systems than
with ABS.
 In both of the above conditions,
ABS will still offer the advantage of
helping you maintain directional
control. However, remember that
ABS will not compensate for bad
road or weather conditions or poor
driver judgment. Use good judg-
ment and do not drive faster than
conditions will safely allow.
Catalytic Converter: NO
Improving Fuel Economy: NO

6-11OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
80J21-03E
54G140
65D451
How the ABS WorksA computer continuously monitors wheel
speed. The computer compares the
changes in wheel speed when braking. If
the wheels slow suddenly, indicating a
skidding situation, the computer will
change braking pressure several times
each second to prevent the wheels from
locking. When you start your vehicle or
when you accelerate after a hard stop, you
may hear a momentary motor or clicking
noise as the system resets or checks itself.
WARNING
If the ABS warning light ((1) or (2)) on
the instrument panel comes on and
stays on while driving, there may be a
problem with the ABS system.
If this happens:
1) Pull off the road and stop care-
fully.
2) Turn the ignition switch to “LOCK”
and then start the engine again.
If the warning light comes on briefly
then turns off, the system is normal.
If the warning light still stays on,
have the system inspected by your
SUZUKI dealer immediately. If the
ABS system becomes inoperative,
the brake system will function as an
ordinary brake system that has no
ABS.
or
WARNING
If the ABS warning light ((1) or (2))
and the Brake system warning light
(3) on the instrument panel simulta-
neously stay on or come on when
driving, both anti-lock function and
rear brake force control function
(Proportioning valve function) of the
ABS system may have failed. This
could cause the rear wheels to skid
or the vehicle to spin during braking
on a slippery road or hard braking on
a dry paved road. If both warning
lights come on, drive carefully, avoid-
ing hard braking as much as possi-
ble, and ask your SUZUKI dealer to
inspect the ABS system immediately.
(1) (2)
(3)or
WARNING
The ABS may not work properly if
tires or wheels other than those
specified in the owner’s manual are
used. This is because the ABS works
by comparing changes in wheel
speed. When replacing tires or
wheels, use only the size and type
specified in this owner’s manual.
Improving Fuel Economy: NO

6-13OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
80J21-03E
The ESP
® indicator lights are described
below:
SLIP Indicator Light
66J033
When one of the ESP
® systems other than
ABS is activated, the SLIP indicator light in
the instrument cluster blinks 5 times per
second.
NOTE:
When the SLIP indicator light comes on
and stays on while driving, indicating a
malfunction of the ESP® systems (other
than ABS), the brake system will function
as an ordinary ABS with no additional
ESP
® functions.NOTE:
When you disconnect and re-connect the
battery, ESP
® system functions other than
ABS will be deactivated and the slip indica-
tor light will blink 1 time per second. In this
case, use the following procedure to re-
activate the ESP
® systems:
1) Drive your vehicle straight ahead with-
out tire slippage at a speed until the slip
indicator is turned off. (Drive straight for
approximately 35 km/h (22 mph) or
more and 10 seconds or more.)
2) The slip indicator light will go out and
the ESP
® systems (other than ABS) will
be re-activated.
It may take more than few seconds before
the slip indicator light goes out depending
on the road surface condition.
“ESP” Warning Light
66J031
When the ESP
® systems (other than ABS)
have a system malfunction, the “ESP”
warning light in the instrument cluster
comes on.
WARNING
 The ESP
® may not work properly if
tires or wheels other than those
specified in the Owner’s Manual are
used. When replacing tires or
wheels, use only the size and type
specified in this Owner’s Manual.
 The ESP® may not work properly if
tires are not inflated to the recom-
mended tire inflation pressure.
 The ESP® may not work properly if
tires are fitted with tire chains.
 The ESP® may not work properly if
the tires are excessively worn. Be
sure to replace tires when the tread
wear indicators in the grooves
appear on the tread surface.
 The ESP® is not a substitute for
winter tires or tire chains on a snow
covered road.
WARNING
 The ESP
® may not work properly if
engine related parts such as the
muffler are not equivalent to stan-
dard equipment or are extremely
deteriorated.
 Do not modify the vehicle’s sus-
pension since the ESP
® may not
operate correctly.
CAUTION
If the SLIP indicator light comes on
and stays on while driving, there may
be a malfunction of the ESP
® sys-
tems (other than ABS). You should
have the systems inspected by an
authorized SUZUKI dealer.

7-3DRIVING TIPS
80J21-03E
Tire ChainsTire chains should only be used if they are
needed to increase traction or are required
by law. Make sure that the chains you use
are small-link chains or cable-type chains
and are the correct size for your vehicle’s
tires. Also make sure that there is enough
clearance between the fenders and the
chains as installed on the tires.
Install the chains on the front tires tightly,
according to the chain manufacturer’s
instructions. Retighten the chains after
driving about 1.0 km (1/2 mile) if neces-
sary. With the chains installed, drive slowly.Do not drive through deep or rushing
water
Driving in deep or rushing water can be
hazardous. You could lose control of the
vehicle and the occupants could drown.
Also, your vehicle could be seriously dam-
aged. To avoid these risks, observe the fol-
lowing instructions and precautions.
 Do not drive through deep or rushing
water. Deep or rushing water, such as
fast-moving streams or floodwaters,
could carry your vehicle away from your
intended path. The water is too deep if it
covers your wheel hubs, axles or
exhaust tailpipe. Know the depth of the
water before you attempt to drive
through it.
 If water blocks the tailpipe, the engine
may not start or run. If the water is deep
enough to get drawn into the engine
intake system, the engine will be badly
damaged.
 Submerged brakes will have poor brak-
ing performance. Drive slowly and care-
fully. Driving slowly will also help avoid
water splashing onto the ignition system,
which could cause the engine to stall.
 Even when driving through shallow or
still waters, drive carefully since the
water may be hiding ground hazards
such as holes, ditches or bumps.
54G638S
CAUTION
Do not continue rocking the vehicle
for more than a few minutes. Pro-
longed rocking can cause engine
overheating, transaxle or transfer
case damage or tire damage.
CAUTION
If you hear the chains hitting against
the vehicle body while driving, stop
and tighten them.
If your vehicle is equipped with full
wheel caps, remove the wheel caps
before installing the chains or the
wheel caps can be damaged by the
chain bands.
WARNING
In addition to following the driving
tips in this section, it is important to
observe the following precautions.
 Make sure your tires are in good
condition and always maintain the
specified tire pressure. Refer to
“Tires” in the “INSPECTION AND
MAINTENANCE” section for
details.
 Do not use tires other than those
specified by SUZUKI. Never use dif-
ferent sizes or types of tires on the
front and rear wheels. For informa-
tion regarding the specified tires,
refer to the Tire Information Label
located on the driver’s side door
pillar.
(Continued)
Driving on Slippery Roads: NO

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

9-27INSPECTION 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

9-30
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