Page 285 of 345

uuChecking and Maintaining TiresuDOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S. Vehicles)
284
Maintenance
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA, A, B, and C.  Those grades repres ent 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 performance. 
The temperature grades are A (the highest), B, and C,  representing the tire's  resistance to the generation of heat and its 
ability to dissipate heat when tested  under controlled conditions 
on a specified indoor la boratory test wheel. Sustained high 
temperature 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.
■Traction
■Temperature
1Traction 
Warning: The traction grade  
assigned to this tire is based on 
straight-ahead braking traction tests, and does not incl ude acceleration, 
cornering, hydroplaning, or peak 
traction characteristics.
1Temperature 
Warning: The temperature grade for  
this tire is established for a tire that is 
properly inflated and not 
overloaded. Excessive speed, 
underinflation, or excessive loading,  
either separately or in  combination, 
can cause heat build up and possible 
tire failure. 
     
        
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285
uuChecking and Maintaining TiresuWear Indicators
Maintenance
Wear IndicatorsThe groove where the wear indicator is  
located is 1/16 inch (1.6 mm) shallower than  
elsewhere on the tire. If the tread has worn so  
that the indicator is exposed, replace the tire. 
Worn out tires have poor traction on wet  
roads.
Tire Service Life 
The life of your tires is dependent on man y factors, including driving habits, road 
conditions, vehicle loading, inflation pressure, maintenance history, speed, and  
environmental conditions (even when the tires are not in use). 
In addition to regular inspections and inflation pressure maintenance, it is  
recommended that you have annual inspections performed once the tires reach five  
years old. All tires, including the spare, should be removed from service after 10  
years from the date of manufacture, regardless of their condition or state of wear.
1Checking Tires 
High speed driving 
We recommend that you do not drive faster than the  
posted speed limits and conditions allow. If you drive  
at sustained high speeds (over 118 mph or 190  
km/h), adjust the cold tire pressures as shown below  
to avoid excessive heat build up and sudden tire  
failure. 
*1: Optional for U.S. models (summer tires)
Tire SizeP215/45R17 87V 
215/45ZR17 91W *1
Pressure 35 psi (240 kPa, 2.4 kgf/cm 2
)
2.4  engine modelsExample of a Wear  
Indicator mark 
     
        
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297
Handling the UnexpectedThis chapter explains how to h andle unexpected troubles.
Tools
Types of Tools .................................. 298
If a Tire Goes Flat Changing a Flat Tire ......................... 299
Engine Does Not Start Checking the Engine ........................ 306
Jump Starting .................................... 307
Shift Lever Does Not Move .............. 310
Overheating How to Handle Overheating ............. 311 Indicator, Coming On/Blinking
If the Low Oil Pressure Indicator Comes 
On ............................................. 313
If the Charging System Indicator Comes 
On ................................................. 313
If the Malfunction Indicator Lamp Comes  On or Blinks ................................... 314
If the Brake System Indicator Comes On ....... 315
If the EPS Indicator Comes On.......... 315 
If the Low Tire Pressure Indicator Comes 
On ................................................. 316
If the TPMS Indicator Comes On ...... 316 If the Low Tire Pressure/TPMS Indicator 
Comes On or Blinks ....................... 317
Fuses Fuse Locations ................................. 318 
Inspecting and Changing Fuses ........ 320
Emergency Towing ........................... 321  
     
        
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299
Continued
Handling the Unexpected
If a Tire Goes Flat
Changing a Flat Tire 
If a tire goes flat while driving, grasp the steering wheel firmly, and brake gradually  
to reduce speed. Then, stop in a safe place. Replace the flat tire with a compact  
spare tire. Go to a dealer as soon as possible to have the full size tire repaired or  
replaced. 1.
Park the vehicle on firm, level, and non-slippery ground.
2. Put the shift lever in 
(P .
2. Put the shift lever in 
(R .
3. Set the parking brake.
4. Turn on the hazard warning lights and  turn the ignition switch to LOCK 
(0.
1Changing a Flat Tire 
Periodically check the tire pressure of the compact  
spare. It should be set to the specified pressure.  
Specified Pressure: 60 psi (420 kPa, 4.2 kgf/cm 2
)
When driving with the compact spare tire, keep the  
vehicle speed under 50 mph (80 km/h). Replace with  
a full size tire as soon as possible. 
The compact spare tire and wheel in your vehicle are  
specifically for this model. 
Do not use them with another vehicle. 
Do not use another type of compact spare tire or  
wheel with your vehicle. 
Do not mount tire chains on a compact spare tire.  
If a chain-mounted front tire goes flat, remove one of 
the full-size rear tires and replace it with the compact  
spare tire. Remove the flat front tire and replace it  
with the full size tire that was removed from the rear. 
Mount the tire chains on the front tire. 
Do not use a puncture-repairing agent on a flat tire,  
as it can damage the tire pressure sensor.
U.S. models only
Automatic transmission models
Manual transmission models
All models 
     
        
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uuIf a Tire Goes FlatuChanging a Flat Tire
300
Handling the Unexpected
1. Open the trunk floor lid.
2. Take the tool case out of the trunk. Take  
the jack and wheel nut wrench out of the  tool case.
3. Unscrew the wing bolt, and remove the  
spacer cone. Then, remove the spare tire.
4. Place a wheel block or rock in front and rear 
of the wheel diagonal to the flat tire.
■Getting Ready to Re place the Flat Tire1Getting Ready to Replace the Flat Tire
NOTICE
Do not mount the compact spare on the front. If  
mounted on the front, the compact spare, smaller in 
size than the normal tire, may damage the  
differential. 
If either front tire goes flat, remove the rear tire on  
the same side, and mount the compact spare on the  
rear and the rear tire on the front.
2.4  engine models
Tool Case
Spare Tire
Wheel  
Blocks
The tire to be replaced.    
     
        
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301
uuIf a Tire Goes FlatuChanging a Flat Tire
Continued
Handling the Unexpected
5.Place the compact spare tire (wheel side up)  
under the vehicle body, near the tire that  
needs to be replaced.
6. Remove the center cap from the wheel with 
the jack handle bar.
7. Loosen each wheel nut about one turn  
using the wheel nut wrench.
Models with 15 x 6J aluminum wheels
All models     
     
        
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uuIf a Tire Goes FlatuChanging a Flat Tire
302
Handling the Unexpected
1. Place the jack under the jacking point  
closest to the tire to be changed.
2. Turn the end bracket (as shown in the  
image) clockwise until the top of the jack  
contacts the jacking point.
uMake sure that the jacking point tab is  
resting in the jack notch.
3. Raise the vehicle, using the jack handle bar  
and the jack handle, until the tire is off the 
ground.
■How to Set Up the Jack1How to Set Up the Jack 
Do not use the jack with people or luggage in the  
vehicle. 
Use the jack provided in your vehicle. 
Other jacks may not support the weight ("load") or  
their shape may not match. 
The following instructions must be followed to use  
the jack safely. •Do not use while the engine is running.
• Use only where the ground is firm and level.
• Use only at the jacking points.
• Do not get in the vehicle while using the jack.
• Do not put anything on top of or underneath the  jack.
3WARNING
The vehicle can easily roll off the jack,  
seriously injuring anyone underneath. 
Follow the directions for changing a tire  
exactly, and never get under the vehicle 
when it is supported only by the jack.
Jack  
Handle 
Bar Wheel Nut
 Wrench as Jack Handle            
     
        
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Continued303
uuIf a Tire Goes FlatuChanging a Flat Tire
Handling the Unexpected
1.Remove the wheel nuts and flat tire.
1. Remove the wheel nuts, wheel cover, and  
flat tire.
2. Wipe the mounting surfaces of the wheel 
with a clean cloth.
3. Mount the compact spare tire.
4. Screw the wheel nuts until they touch the 
lips around the mounting holes, and stop rotating.
■Replacing the Flat Tire1Replacing the Flat Tire 
Do not over tighten the wheel nuts by applying extra  
torque using your foot or a pipe. 
Do not attempt to forcibly pry the wheel cover off  
with a screwdriver or other tool. 
The wheel cover cannot be removed without first 
removing the wheel nuts.
Models with wheel cover
Models with aluminum wheels
Wheel  
CoverModels with wheel cover
All models