2012 MITSUBISHI iMiEV flat tire

For emergencies
6-15
6
13. Pull out the compressor hose (M) from the side of the tire
compressor, and then securely attach the hose to the tire
valve (H).14. Place the compressor (N) with its air pressure gauge (O)
on top.
Pull out the compressor’s power cord (P), insert the plug
on the cord into the 12 V power outlet (Q), and then turn
the electric motor switch to the “ACC” position.
Turn ON the compressor switch (R) and inflate the tire to
the specified pressure. (Refer to “Tire inflation pressures”
on page 7-21.)
If there is a gap between the tire and wheel, push the tread
area toward the center of the wheel to close the gap before
running the compressor.
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6-16 For emergencies
6
15. Check and adjust the tire pressure with reference to the air
pressure gauge on the compressor. If you overinflate the
tire, release air by loosening the hose’s end fitting. (Refer
to “Tire inflation pressures” on page 7-21.)
If there is a gap between the tire and wheel because the
tire has moved inward from the wheel rim, press the tire
tread towards the wheel to close the gap before running
the compressor. (With no gaps, the tire pressure will rise.)NOTE
If the tire pressure does not rise to the specified level
within 10 minutes, the tire may be so severely damaged
that the tire sealant cannot be used to effect the emergency
repair. Do not drive the vehicle. Please contact a certified
i-MiEV dealer.
WA R N I N G
!
Do not place your hand or fingers between the tire
and wheel while inflating the tire. Your hand or fin-
gers may become caught between the tire and wheel.
CAUTION
!
The supplied compressor is designed only for infla-
tion of your vehicle tires.
The compressor is designed to run on a vehicle’s
12 V power supply. Do not connect it to any other
power source.
The compressor is not waterproof. If you use it in
rain, make sure water does not get on it.
Any sand or dust sucked into the compressor could
make the compressor break down. Do not place the
compressor directly on any sandy or dusty surface
when using it.
Do not disassemble or modify the compressor. Also,
do not subject the air pressure gauge to shock. It
could malfunction.
CAUTION
!
The surface of the compressor will get hot while the
compressor is running. Do not keep the compressor
running continuously for more than 10 minutes.
After using the compressor, wait for the compressor
to cool before using it again.
If the compressor becomes sluggish or hot while
operating, it is overheating. Immediately place the
switch in the OFF position and let the compressor
cool down for at least 30 minutes.
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6-18 For emergencies
6
18. When you have inflated the tire to the specified pressure,
stow the compressor, bottle, and other items in the vehicle
and make sure that the seat cushion is properly secured.
(Refer to “Tire repair kit storage” on page 6-8.) Promptly
start driving the vehicle so that the tire sealant can spread
evenly in the tire. Drive with great care. Do not exceed a
speed of 50 mph (80 km/h). Observe local speed limits.19. After driving for 10 minutes or 3 miles (5 km), park the
vehicle in safe place. Remove the air compressor from the
stowed position. (Refer to “Tire repair kit storage” on
page 6-8.) Check the tire pressure using the air pressure
gauge on the compressor. (Refer to “Tire inflation pres-
sures” on page 7-21.)
If the tire pressure is not sufficient, inflate the tire to the
specified pressure again and drive the vehicle carefully
without exceeding a speed of 50 mph (80 km/h).
Before driving, stow the compressor and make sure that
the rear seat cushion is properly secured. (Refer to “Tire
repair kit storage” on page 6-8.)
CAUTION
!
If you sense any abnormality while driving, stop the
vehicle and contact a certified i-MiEV dealer. Other-
wise the tire pressure may drop before the emer-
gency repair procedure is completed, rendering the
vehicle unsafe to drive.
CAUTION
!
If the tire pressure is lower than the minimum per-
mitted pressure (18 psi {130 kPa}), the tire cannot
successfully be repaired with the tire sealant. Do not
drive the vehicle any further. Contact a certified i-
MiEV dealer.
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For emergencies
6-19
6
20. After driving for 10 minutes or 3 miles (5 km) again,
check the tire pressure using the air pressure gauge on the
compressor. (Refer to “Tire inflation pressures” on page
7-21.) If the tire pressure has apparently not dropped, the
emergency repair procedure is complete. Before driving,
make sure that the compressor is stowed and the seat
cushion is properly secured. You must still not exceed a
speed of 50 mph (80 km/h). Observe local speed limits.NOTE
If the tire pressure has dropped below the specified level
when you check it at the end of the repair procedure, do
not drive the vehicle any further. Contact a certified i-
MiEV dealer.

In cold conditions (when the ambient temperature is 32 °F
{0 °C} or lower), the time and driving distance necessary
until completion of the repair can become longer than in
warmer conditions, and the tire pressure may drop below
the specified level even after you have inflated the tire the
second time and subsequently driven the vehicle. If this
happens, inflate the tire to the specified pressure once
more, drive for about 10 minutes or 3 miles (5 km), then
check the tire pressure again. If the tire pressure has again
dropped below the specified level, stop driving the vehicle
and contact a certified i-MiEV dealer.

Please give the empty sealant bottle to a certified i-MiEV
dealer or dispose of the sealant bottle according to regula-
tions for the disposal of chemical waste.
To w i n g
N00837000859
If your vehicle needs to be towedIf you need to tow your vehicle, contact a certified i-MiEV
dealer or a commercial tow truck service.
Transport the vehicle on a flatbed truck or tow the vehicle
either with all wheels or the rear wheels (drive wheels) off the
ground.Flat bed type
Dolly type
Towing with rear wheels off the ground
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6-22 For emergencies
6Operation under adverse driving conditions
N00837200747
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. Rock your vehicle back
and forth to free it.
Do not spin the wheels. Constant efforts to free a stuck vehicle
can cause transmission failure.
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
!
Do not drive on a flooded road. If you drive on a
flooded road, not only the electric motor unit stops
but also a failure like electric leakage or short circuit
may occur.
If you inevitably had to run on a flooded road and
the vehicle was exposed to water, be sure to have
your vehicle inspected by a certified i-MiEV dealer.
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 or
linings, 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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For emergencies
6-23
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 7-24 and “Tire chains” on page 7-24.

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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7-18 Vehicle care and maintenance
7Tires
N00939200540
It is important to familiarize yourself with the following terms:

Cold tire pressure:
• The measured pressure after the vehicle has been parked
for at least three hours,
or
• The measured pressure when the vehicle is driven less
than 1 mile (1.6 km) after having been parked for three
hours.

Maximum inflation pressure: the maximum permissible
cold tire inflation pressure for this tire.

Recommended inflation pressure: the inflation pressure
for optimum tire performance.
Intended outboard sidewall:
• The sidewall that contains a whitewall, bears white let-
tering 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
• The outward facing sidewall of an asymmetrical tire that
has a particular side that must always face outward
when mounted on a vehicle.

Passenger car tire: a tire intended for use on passenger
cars, multipurpose passenger vehicles, and trucks, that
have a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 10,000
pounds or less.

Light truck (LT) tire: a tire designated by its manufacturer
as primarily intended for use on lightweight trucks or mul-
tipurpose passenger vehicles.

Tread: portion of a tire that comes into contact with the
road.

Tread rib: a tread section running circumferentially
around a tire.

Tread separation: pulling away of the tread from the tire
carcass.

Carcass: the tire structure, except tread and sidewall rub-
ber which, when inflated, bears the load.

Sidewall: portion of a tire between the tread and bead.

Section width: the linear distance between the exteriors of
the sidewalls of an inflated tire, excluding elevations due
to labeling, decoration, or protective bands.

Bead: the part of the tire that is made of steel wires,
wrapped or reinforced by ply cords and that is shaped to
fit the rim.

Ply: a layer of rubber-coated parallel cords.
WA R N I N G
!
Driving with tires that are worn, damaged or
improperly inflated is dangerous.
These type tire conditions will adversely affect vehi-
cle performance.
These type tire conditions can also cause a tread sep-
aration or blowout which may result in an accident
causing serious injury or death.
Tires degrade over time with age even when they are
not being used. It is recommended that tires over 6
years generally be replaced even if damage is not
obvious.
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7-20 Vehicle care and maintenance
7
Service DescriptionEXAMPLE: 95H
Maximum Load
Maximum load indicates the maximum load this tire is
designed to carry.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

95Load index
A numerical code associated with the maxi-
mum load a tire can carry.
HSpeed symbol
A symbol indicating the range of speeds at
which a tire can carry a load corresponding to
its load index under certain operating condi-
tions.
The maximum speed corresponding to the
speed symbol should only be achieved under
specified operating conditions. (i.e. tire pres-
sure, vehicle loading, road conditions and
posted speed limits)
WA R N I N G
!
Overloading of your tire is dangerous. Over-
loading can cause tire failure, affect vehicle
handling, and increase your stopping distance.
Use tires of the recommended load capacity for
your vehicle. Never overload them.
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)
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