2009 TOYOTA YARIS SEDAN Owners Manual

244 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
nIf the tread wears down below 0.16 in. (4 mm) on snow tires
The effectiveness of snow tires is lost.
nMaximum load of tire
Check that the maximum load of the replaced tire is greater than 1/2 of
the Gross Axle Weight Ratings (GAWR) of either the front axle or the
rear axle, whichever is greater.
As for the maximum load of the tire, see the load limit at maximum cold
tire inflation pressure mentioned on the sidewall of the tire, and as for the
Gross Axle Weight Ratings (GAWR) , see the Certification Label. (→P.
248, 341).
nTire types
1 Summer tires
Summer tires are high-speed performance tires best suited to highway
driving under dry conditions. Sinc e summer tires do not have the same
traction performance as snow tire s, summer tires are inadequate for
driving on snow-covered or icy roads. For driving on snow-covered
roads or icy roads, the use of snow tires is recommended. When
installing snow tires, be sure to replace all four tires.
2 All season tires
All season tires are designed to provide better traction in snow and to
be adequate for driving in most winter conditions, as well as for use
year round. All season tires, however, do not have adequate traction
performance compared with snow tires in heavy or loose snow. Also,
all season tires fall short in acceleration and handling performance
compared with summer tires in highway driving.
3Snow tires For driving on snow-covered roads or icy roads, we recommend using
snow tires. If you need snow tires, select tires of the same size, con-
struction and load capacity as the or iginally installed tires. Since your
vehicle has radial tires as original equipment, make sure your snow
tires also have radial construction. Do not install studded tires without
first checking local regulations for possible restriction. Snow tires
should be installed on all wheels. ( →P. 141)

245
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
nRoutine tire inflation pressure checks
The tire pressure warning system doe
s not replace routine tire inflation
pressure checks. Make su re to check tire inflation pressure as part of
your routine of daily vehicle checks.
nTire pressure warning system certification
MODEL/FCC IDs:
Transmitter: PAXPMV107J
Receiver: HYQ13BCG
IC (Canada) IDs:
Transmitter: 3729A-PMV107J
Receiver: 1551A-13BCG
For vehicles sold in U.S.A.
NOTE:
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject
to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful
interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired operation.
FCC WARNING:
Changes or modifications not expre ssly approved by the party responsi-
ble for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equip-
ment.

246 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
CAUTION
nTire pressure warning system operation
The tire pressure warning system may not provide warning immediately
if a tire bursts or if sudden air leakage occurs.
nWhen inspecting or replacing tires
Observe the following precautions to prevent accidents. Failure to do so
may cause damage to parts of the drive train, as well as dangerous han-
dling characteristics, which may le ad to fatal or injury accidents.
lDo not mix tires of different makes, models, tread patterns or tread-
wear.
lDo not use tire sizes other than those recommended by Toyota.
lDo not mix radial, bias-belted, or bias-ply tires.
lDo not mix summer, all season and winter tires.
lDo not use tires that have been used on another vehicle.
lDo not use tires if you do not know how they were used previously.

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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
NOTICE
nRepairing or replacing tires, wheels and tire pressure warning
valves and transmitters
When removing or fitting the wheels, tires or the tire pressure warning
valve and transmitter, contact your
Toyota dealer as the tire pressure
warning valve and transmitter may be damaged if not handled correctly.
nTo avoid damaging the tire pressure warning valves and transmit-
ters
Do not use liquid sealants on flat tires.
nDriving on rough roads
Take particular care when driving on roads with loose surfaces or pot-
holes.
These conditions may cause losses in tire inflation pressure, reducing
the cushioning ability of the tires. In addition driving on rough roads may
cause damage to the tires themselves, as well as the vehicle’s wheels
and body.
nIf tire inflation pressures become low while driving
Do not continue driving, or your tires and/or wheels may be ruined.

248
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Tire inflation pressure
nTire inflation pressure
The recommended cold tire inflation pressure and tire size is dis-
played on the tire and loadi ng information label. (→P. 341)

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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
n
Inspection and adjustment procedure
Tire valve
Tire pressure gauge
Remove the tire valve cap.
Press the tip of the tire pressure gauge onto the tire valve.
Read the pressure using the graduations of the gauge.
If the tire inflation pressure is not within the recommended
levels, adjust inflate the tire.
If you add too much air, pres s the center of the valve to
lower.
After completing the tire inflation pressure measurement
and adjustment, apply soapy water to the valve and check
for leakage.
Reinstall the tire valve cap.

250 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
nTire inflation pressure check interval
You should check tire pressure every two weeks, or at least once a
month.
Do not forget to check the spare tire.
nEffects of incorrect tire inflation pressure
Driving with incorrect tire inflation pressure ma y result in the following:
lReduced fuel efficiency
lReduced driving comfort and tire life
lReduced safety
lDamage to the drive train
If a tire needs frequent re filling, have it checked by your Toyota dealer.
nInstructions for checking tire inflation pressure
When checking tire inflation pressure, observe the following:
lCheck only when the tires are cold.
If your vehicle has been parked for at least 3 hours and has not been
driven for more than 1 mile or 1.5 km, you will get an accurate cold
tire inflation pressure reading.
lAlways use a tire pressure gauge.
The appearance of the tire can be mi sleading. In addition, tire infla-
tion pressures that are even just a few pounds off can degrade ride
and handling.
lDo not bleed or reduce tire inflation pressure after driving. It is normal
for the tire inflation pressure to be higher after driving.
lNever exceed the vehicle capacity weight.
Passengers and luggage weight should be placed so that the vehicle
is balanced.

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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
CAUTION
nProper inflation is critical
to save tire performance
Keep your tires properly inflated.
Otherwise, the following conditions may occur and result in an accident
causing death or serious injury.
lExcessive wear
lUneven wear
lPoor handling
lPossibility of blowouts resu lting from overheated tires
lPoor sealing of the tire bead
lWheel deformation and/or tire separation
lA greater possibility of tire damage from road hazards
NOTICE
nWhen inspecting and adjusting tire inflation pressure
Be sure to reinstall the tire valve caps.
Without the valve caps, dirt or mo isture could get into the valve and
cause air leakage, which could result in an accident. If the caps have
been lost, replace them as soon as possible.