Page 97 of 522
2-26Instruments and controls
SIC3281
INDICATORS FOR MAINTENANCEGUID-1E75CBB4-79E6-499A-AACC-03BBC065F39F
WARNING
The tire replacement indicator is not a
substitute for regular tire checks, including
tire pressure checks. See“Changing wheels
and tires”(P.8-39). Many factors including
tire inflation, alignment, driving habits and
Page 472 of 522

SDI1607
Example*2TIN (Tire Identification Number)
for a new tire (example: DOT XX
XX XXX XXXX)
1.DOT: Abbreviation for the“Depart-
ment of Transportation”. The sym-
bol can be placed above, below or
to the left or right of the Tire
Identification Number.
2.Two-digit code: Manufacturer’s
identification mark
3.Two-digit code: Tire size
4.Three-digit code: Tire type code
(Optional)
5.Three-digit code: Date of Manu-
facture
6.Four numbers represent the week
and year the tire was built. For
example, the numbers 3103
means the 31st week of 2003. If
these numbers are missing, then
look on the other sidewall of the
tire.
*3Tire ply composition and materi-
al
The number of layers or plies of
rubber-coated fabric in the tire.
Tire manufacturers also must
indicate the materials in the tire,
which include steel, nylon,
polyester, and others.
*4Maximum permissible inflation
pressure
This number is the greatest
amount of air pressure that
should be put in the tire. Do
not exceed the maximum per- missible inflation pressure.
*5Maximum load rating
This number indicates the max-
imum load in kilograms and
pounds that can be carried by
the tire. When replacing the tires
on the vehicle, always use a tire
that has the same load rating as
the factory installed tire.
*6Term of
“tubeless” or“tube
type”
Indicates whether the tire re-
quires an inner tube (“tube
type”) or not (“tubeless”).
*7The word “radial”
The word “radial”is shown, if
the tire has radial structure.
*8Manufacturer or brand name
Manufacturer or brand name is
shown.
Other tire-related terminology:
In addition to the many terms that
are defined throughout this section,
Intended Outboard Sidewall is (1) the
sidewall that contains a whitewall,
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-37
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8-42Maintenance and do-it-yourself
WARNING
.The T-type spare tire should be used for
emergency use. It should be replaced
with the standard tire at the first
opportunity to avoid possible tire or
differential damage.
. Drive carefully while the TEMPORARY
USE ONLY spare tire is installed. Avoid
sharp turns and abrupt braking while
driving.
. Periodically check spare tire inflation
pressure. Always keep the pressure of
the TEMPORARY USE ONLY spare tire at
60 psi (420 kPa, 4.2 bar). Always keep
the pressure of the full size spare tire (if
so equipped) at the recommended pres-
sure for standard tires, as indicated on
the Tire and Loading Information label.
For Tire and Loading Information label
location, see “Tire and Loading Informa-
tion label” in the index of this manual. .
With the TEMPORARY USE ONLY spare
tire installed do not drive your vehicle at
speeds faster than 50 MPH (80 km/h).
. When driving on roads covered with
snow or ice, the TEMPORARY USE ONLY
spare tire should be used on the front
wheels and original tire used on the rear
wheels (drive wheels). Use tire chains
only on the two rear original tires.
. Tire tread of the TEMPORARY USE ONLY
spare tire will wear at a faster rate than
the standard tire. Replace the spare tire
as soon as the tread wear indicators
appear.
. Do not use the spare tire on other
vehicles.
. Do not use more than one spare tire at
the same time.
. Do not tow a trailer when the TEMPOR-
ARY USE ONLY spare tire is installed.
CAUTION
.Do not use tire chains on a TEMPORARY
USE ONLY spare tire. Tire chains will not
fit properly and may cause damage to
the vehicle.