2013 TOYOTA 4RUNNER Owners Manual

545
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
4RUNNER_U
■Tire types
●Summer tires
Summer tires are high-speed performance tires best suited to highway
driving under dry conditions. Since 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.
●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.
●Snow 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 restrictions. Snow tires
should be installed on all wheels. ( P. 290)
■If the tread on snow tires wears down below 0.16 in. (4 mm)
The effectiveness of the tires as snow tires is lost.

546 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4RUNNER_U
■Tire pressure warning system certification
FCC ID: PAXPMV107J
FCC ID: HYQ13BCX
For vehicles sold in the 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.
For vehicles sold in Canada
NOTE:
Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may
not cause interference, and (2) this de vice must accept any interference,
including interference that may caus e undesired operation of the device.
CAUTION
■When 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 lead to an accident resulting in death or
serious injury.
●Do not mix tires of different makes, models or tread patterns. Also, do
not mix tires of remarkably different treadwear.
●Do not use tire sizes other than those recommended by Toyota.
●Do not mix differently constructed ti res (radial, bias-belted or bias-ply
tires.)
●Do not mix summer, all season and snow tires.

547
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
4RUNNER_U
NOTICE
■Repairing or replacing tires, wheels, tire pressure warning valves,
transmitters and tire valve caps
●When removing or fitting the wheels, tires or the tire pressure warning
valves and transmitters, contact your
Toyota dealer as the tire pres-
sure warning valves and transmitter may be damaged if not handled
correctly.
●When replacing tire valve caps, do not use tire valve caps other than
those specified. The cap may become stuck.
■ To avoid damage to the tire pressure warning valves and transmitters
When a tire is repaired with liquid sealants, the tire pressure warning valve
and transmitter may not operate properly. If a liquid sealant is used, contact
your Toyota dealer or other qualified service shop as soon as possible. Make
sure to replace the tire pressure warning valve and transmitter when replac-
ing the tire. ( P. 543)
■
Driving 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 th e tires. In addition, driving on rough
roads may cause damage to the tires themselves, as well as the vehi-
cle’s wheels and body.
■If tire inflation pressures of e ach tire becomes low while driving
Do not continue driving, or your tires and/or wheels may be ruined.

548
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4RUNNER_U
Tire inflation pressure
■Tire inflation pressure
The recommended cold tire inflation pressure and tire size are
displayed on the tire and loading information label. ( P. 652)
CTH43AS078

549
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
4RUNNER_U
■Tire inflation pressure check interval
You should check tire inflation pressure every two weeks, or at least
once a month.
Do not forget to check the spare.
■
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 gauge gradations.
If the tire inflation pressure is not at the recommended
level, adjust the pressure.
If you add too much air, pres s the center of the valve to
deflate.
After completing the tire inflation pressure measurement
and adjustment, apply soapy water to the valve and check
for leakage.
Put the tire valve cap back on.
STEP 1
STEP 2
STEP 3
STEP 4
STEP 5
STEP 6

550 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4RUNNER_U
■Effects of incorrect tire inflation pressure
Driving with incorrect tire inflation pressure ma y result in the following:
●Reduced fuel efficiency
●Reduced driving comfort and tire life
●Reduced safety
●Damage to the drive train
If a tire needs frequent inflating, have it checked by your Toyota dealer.
■Instructions for checking tire inflation pressure
When checking tire inflation pressure, observe the following:
●Check only when the tires are cold.
If your vehicle has been parked for at least 3 hours or has not been
driven for more than 1 mile or 1.5 km, you will get an accurate cold
tire inflation pressure reading.
●Always use a tire pressure gauge.
The appearance of the tire can be mi sleading. In addition, tire infla-
tion pressure that is even just a few pounds off can affect ride quality
and handling.
●Do not reduce tire inflation pressure after driving. It is normal for tire
inflation pressure to be higher after driving.
●Never exceed the vehicle capacity weight.
Passengers and luggage weight should be placed so that the vehicle
is balanced.

551
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
4RUNNER_U
CAUTION
■Proper 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:
●Excessive wear
●Uneven wear
●Poor handling
●Possibility of blowouts resu lting from overheated tires
●Poor sealing of the tire bead
●Wheel deformation and/or tire separation
●A greater possibility of tire damage from road hazards
NOTICE
■When inspecting and adjusting tire inflation pressure
Be sure to put the tire valve caps back on.
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 are lost,
replace them as soon as possible.

552
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4RUNNER_U
Wheels
If a wheel is bent, cracked or heavily corroded, it should be
replaced. Otherwise, the tire may separate from the wheel or
cause a loss of handling control.
■Wheel selection
When replacing wheels, care should be taken to ensure that
they are equivalent to those removed in load capacity, diameter,
rim width and inset*.
Replacement wheels are available at your Toyota dealer.
*:Conventionally referred to as “offset”.
Toyota does not recommend using the following:
● Wheels of different sizes or types
● Used wheels
● Bent wheels that have been straightened
■ Aluminum wheel precautions
●Use only Toyota wheel nuts and wrenches designed for use
with your aluminum wheels.
● When rotating, repairing or changing your tires, check that the
wheel nuts are still tight after driving 1000 miles (1600 km).
● Be careful not to damage the aluminum wheels when using
tire chains.
● When balancing your wheels, use only Toyota genuine bal-
ance weights or the equivalent. If clip-on balance weights are
being used, use a plastic or rubber hammer to install the
weight.