2011 MITSUBISHI GALANT wheel

6-20 For emergencies
6
NOTE
The wheel cover is made of plastic. Be careful when pry-
ing it off. To i n s t a l l Line up the air valve (A) with the valve opening (B) on the
wheel cover.
Then use your hand to strike around the outer edge of the
wheel cover to secure it in place.
NOTE
The full wheel cover is marked with a symbol (C) on the
reverse side that shows the air valve location.
Before installing the wheel cover to the wheel, make sure
that the opening with the symbol mark (C) is correctly
aligned with the air valve.
CAUTION
!
Trying to remove the wheel cover with only your
bare hands can seriously injure your fingers.
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6-22 For emergencies
6
Towing the vehicle by a tow truck
Towing with rear wheels off the ground (Type B)Place the selector lever in the “N” (NEUTRAL) position.
Turn the ignition key to the “ACC” position and secure the
steering wheel in a straight-ahead position with a rope or tie-
down strap. Never place the ignition key in the “LOCK” posi-
tion when towing.Towing with front wheels off the ground (Type C)Release the parking brake.
Place the selector lever in the “N” (NEUTRAL) position.
CAUTION
!
This vehicle must not be towed by a tow truck using
sling lift type equipment (Type A) as illustrated.
Using a sling lift will damage the bumper and front
end.
If the engine or transaxle is malfunctioning or dam-
aged, transport the vehicle with the driving wheels
on a carriage (Type C, D or E) as illustrated.
If the vehicle is towed with the ignition key in the
“ON” position and only the front wheels or only the
rear wheels raised off the ground, the ASC may
operate, resulting in an accident. When towing the
vehicle with the front wheels raised, keep the igni-
tion key in the “LOCK” or “ACC” position. When
towing the vehicle with the rear wheels raised, keep
the ignition key in the “ACC” position.
If you tow the vehicles with an automatic transaxle
with the driving wheels on the ground (Type B) as
illustrated, make sure that the towing speed and dis-
tance given below are never exceeded, causing the
transaxle damage.
Towing speed: 31 mph (50 km/h)
Towing distance: 18 miles (30 km)
For the towing speed and the towing distance, follow
the local driving laws and regulations.
WA R N I N G
!
To prevent entry of exhaust gas from the towing
vehicle, set the selection switch to the recirculation
position.
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For emergencies
6-23
6 Operation under adverse driving conditions
N00837200688
If your vehicle becomes stuck in sand, mud or
snow If your vehicle becomes stuck in snow, sand, or mud, it can
often be moved by a rocking motion. Move the selector lever
rhythmically between “Sports mode” and “R” (REVERSE)
position, while pressing lightly on the accelerator pedal.
Do not rev the engine or spin the wheels. Constant efforts to
free a stuck vehicle can cause overheating and transaxle fail-
ure. Let the engine idle for a few minutes to cool the transaxle
before trying again.
If your vehicle is still stuck after several rocking attempts, call
for a commercial tow truck service.
On wet roads
WA R N I N G
!
When trying to rock your vehicle out of a stuck posi-
tion, make sure that there are no people nearby. The
rocking motion can make your vehicle suddenly
lurch forward or backward, and injure any
bystanders.
CAUTION
!
Avoid flooded roads. Water is often deeper than it
looks, and you could be seriously hurt by driving
into flood water.
When driving in rain, on water-covered roads, or
through a car wash, water could get into the brake
discs and make them fail temporarily. In such cases,
lightly press the brake pedal to see if they are work-
ing properly. If they are not, press the pedal lightly
several times while driving to dry the brake pads,
then check them again.
When driving in rain, a layer of water may form
between the tires and the road surface (aquaplan-
ing). This loosens your tires’ grip on the road, mak-
ing it difficult to steer or brake properly. When
driving on a wet road:
• Drive your vehicle at a safe speed.
• Do not drive on worn tires.
• Always keep the tires at the correct inflation pres-
sures.
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6-24 For emergencies
6
On snowy or icy roads
When driving on a road covered with snow or ice, use
snow tires. Tire chains cannot be used on your vehicle.
There may be state or local regulations about using snow
tires. Always check the regulations in your local area
before using them. Refer to the section entitled “Snow
tires” on page 7-27 and “Tire chains” on page 7-27.

Drive slowly. Do not make sudden starts or stops, sharp
turns, or slam on the brakes.

Allow extra distance between your vehicle and the vehicle
in front of you, and avoid sudden braking.

If a skid occurs when the accelerator pedal is depressed,
take your foot off the pedal. Steer gently in the direction
of the skid.

Your vehicle is equipped with an anti-lock braking system
(ABS). Hold the brake pedal down firmly and keep it
depressed. Do not pump the brake pedal which will result
in reduced braking performance.

After parking on snowy or icy road, it may be difficult to
move your vehicle due to freeze-up of the brake. Depress
the accelerator pedal little by little to move the vehicle
after confirming safety of the vehicle.
On a bumpy or rutted road
Drive as slow as possible when driving on bumpy or rut-
ted roads or over potholes etc.
CAUTION
!
Do not depress the accelerator pedal rapidly. The
vehicle could start moving when it breaks free from
the ice, possibly resulting in an accident.
CAUTION
!
Driving on bumpy, rutted roads or over potholes can
damage the tires and wheels.
Wheels with low-profiles tires or under-inflated tires
are especially at risk for damage.
The vehicle’s body, bumper, muffler and other parts
may be damaged if the vehicle is
• driven over a step (for example, at the entrance or
exit of a parking lot);
• parked too closely against a curb or parking block,
or by the side of a road with curbstones;
• driven on a steep slope;
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7-22 Vehicle care and maintenance
7
Maximum Pressure
Maximum Pressure indicates the maximum permissible
cold tire inflation pressure for this tire.
Tire Identification Number (TIN)
The TIN may be found on one or both sides of the tire but
the date code may only be on one side. Look for the TIN
on the outboard side of tires as mounted on the vehicle. If
the TIN is not found on the outboard side then you will
find it on the inboard side of the tire.
EXAMPLE: DOT MA L9 ABCD 1504

Treadwear, Traction and Temperature GradesTreadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating 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 perfor-
mance 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 characteristics and climate.
Tr a c t i o n
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA, A, B and
C. Those grades represent the tire’s ability to stop on wet pave-
ment as measured under controlled conditions on specified
government test surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire
marked C may have poor traction performance.
Temperature
The temperature grades are A (the highest), B and C, represent-
ing the tire’s resistance 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 tempera-
ture can cause the material of the tire to degenerate and reduce
tire life, and excessive temperature can lead to sudden tire fail-
ure. The grade C corresponds to a level of performance which
all passenger car tires must meet under the Federal Motor Vehi-
cle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A represent higher
levels of performance on the laboratory test wheel than the
minimum required by law.
DOTDepartment of Transportation
This symbol certifies that the tire is in compli-
ance with the U.S. Department of Transporta-
tion tire safety standards, and is approved for
highway use.
MACode representing the tire manufacturing
location. (2 digits)
L9
ABCDCode representing the tire size. (2 digits)
Code used by tire manufacturer. (1 to 4 digits)
15Number representing the week in which the
tire was manufactured. (2 digits)
04Number representing the year in which the
tire was manufactured. (2 digits)BK0121200US.book 22 ページ ２０１０年４月１４日　水曜日　午前１１時２４分

7-24 Vehicle care and maintenance
7

Drive at safe speeds.

After filling your tires to the correct pressure, check them
for damage and air leaks. Be sure to reinstall the caps on
the valve stems.
Replacing tires and wheels
N00939600313
Tire maintenance
N00939700037
The following maintenance steps are recommended:

Check tire pressures regularly.

Have regular maintenance done on the wheel balance and
front and rear suspension alignment.

Rotate your tires regularly as described in the “Tire rota-
tion” section on page 7-25.
CAUTION
!
Avoid using different size tires from the one listed
and the combined use of different types of tires, as
this can affect driving safety.
Refer to “Tires and wheels” on page 9-7.
Even if a wheel has the same rim size and offset as
the specified type of wheel, its shape may prevent it
from being fitted correctly. Consult an authorized
Mitsubishi Motors dealer or a repair facility of your
choice before using wheels that you have.
Only Mitsubishi Motors genuine wheels should be
used, because your vehicle is equipped with a tire
pressure monitoring system.
Use of another type of wheel risks air leaks and
sensor damage, as it will not be possible to install the
tire pressure sensor properly.
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Vehicle care and maintenance
7-25
7
Tread wear indicators
N00939800171
Tread wear indicators are built into the original equipment tires
on your vehicle to help you know when your tires should be
replaced. Many states have laws requiring that you replace
your tires at this point.
These indicators are molded into the bottom of the tread
grooves and will appear when the tire tread is worn down to
1/16 inch (1.6 mm).
When the bands appear next to one another in two or more
places, replace your tires. NOTE
Tire wear indicators can have different marks and loca-
tions depending on the tire manufacturer.
Tire rotation
N00939900420
To even out the wear on your tires and make them last longer,
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation recommends that you rotate
your tires at the mileage listed in the “WARRANTY AND
MAINTENANCE MANUAL”.
However, the timing for tire rotation may vary according to
your vehicle condition, road surface conditions, and your own
personal driving habits. Any time you notice unusual wear,
rotate your tires as soon as possible.
When rotating tires, check for uneven wear, damage, and wheel
alignment. Abnormal wear is usually caused by a wrong tire
pressure, wheels that are not aligned properly, wheels that are
out-of-balance, or severe braking.
Check with an authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealer or a repair
facility of your choice to find out the reason for uneven tread
wear.
The first tire rotation is the most important one. It will allow all
your tires to wear evenly.
1- Location of the tread wear indicator
2- Tread wear indicator
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7-26 Vehicle care and maintenance
7
CAUTION
!
A compact spare tire can be fitted temporarily in
place of a tire that has been removed during the tire
rotation. However, it must not be included in the
regular tire rotation sequence.Tires that do not have arrows showing rotation direction
Tires that have arrows showing rotation directionFront
Front
CAUTION
!
If the tires have arrows (A) indicating the correct
direction of rotation, swap the front and rear tires
on the left-hand side of the vehicle and the front and
rear tires on the right-hand side of the vehicle sepa-
rately. Keep each tire on its original side of the vehi-
cle. When installing the tires, make sure the arrows
point in the direction in which the wheels will turn
when the vehicle moves forward. Any tire whose
arrow points in the wrong direction will not perform
to its full potential.
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