440
uuChecking and Maintaining TiresuDOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S. Vehicles)
Maintenance
DOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S. Vehicles)The tires on your vehicle meet all U.S. Federal Safety
Requirements. All tires are also graded for treadwear, traction,
and temperature performance according to Department of
Transportation (DOT) standards. The following explains these
gradings.
Quality grades can be found where applicable on the tire sidewall
between tread shoulder and maximum section width.
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 performance
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.■
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
■
Treadwear
1Uniform Tire Quality GradingFor example:
Treadwear 200
Traction AA
Temperature A
All passenger car tires must conform
to Federal Safety Requirements in
addition to these grades.
441
uuChecking and Maintaining TiresuDOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S. Vehicles)
Maintenance
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA, A, B, and C.
Those grades represent 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 laboratory 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
1TractionWarning: The traction grade
assigned to this tire is based on
straight-ahead braking traction tests,
and does not include acceleration,
cornering, hydroplaning, or peak
traction characteristics.1TemperatureWarning: 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 buildup and possible
tire failure.
511Index
Belts (Seat).................................................. 30
Beverage Holders..................................... 166
Blind Spot Information (BSI) System....... 378
Bluetooth® Audio..................................... 252
Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink®.................... 287
Booster Seats (For Children)...................... 63
Brake System............................................ 384
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) .................. 389
Automatic Brake Hold ............................. 387
Brake Assist System................................. 390
Fluid ....................................................... 427
Foot Brake .............................................. 386
Parking Brake.......................................... 384
Brake System (Amber)
Indicator ................................................... 70
Brake System (Red)
Indicator ........................................... 68, 482
Brake System Indicator (Amber)............... 70
Brightness Control (Instrument Panel)... 144
BSI (Blind Spot Information) System....... 378
Bulb Replacement.................................... 428
Back-Up Lights ........................................ 432
Brake/Taillights and Rear Side Marker
Lights .................................................... 431
Door Outer Handle Ambient Lights ......... 433
Front Side Marker Lights ......................... 430
Front Turn Signal/Parking Lights .............. 429
Headlights .............................................. 428
High-Mount Brake Light.......................... 433
Rear License Plate Lights ......................... 433
Rear Turn Signal Lights............................ 431Side Turn Signal/Emergency Indicator
Lights .................................................... 430
Taillights .................................................. 432
Bulb Specifications................................... 496
CCarbon Monoxide Gas................................ 64
Cargo Hooks............................................. 169
Carrying Cargo.................................. 337, 339
CD Player................................................... 225
Center Pocket........................................... 165
Certification Label.................................... 498
Changing Bulbs......................................... 428
Charging System Indicator................. 71, 481
Child Safety................................................. 52
Childproof Door Locks ............................. 123
Child Seat.................................................... 52
Booster Seats ............................................. 63
Child Seat for Infants ................................. 54
Child Seat for Small Children ..................... 55
Installing a Child Seat with a Lap/Shoulder Seat
Belt.......................................................... 59
Larger Children .......................................... 62
Rear-facing Child Seat ............................... 54
Selecting a Child Seat ................................ 56
Using a Tether ........................................... 61
Childproof Door Locks............................. 123
Cleaning the Exterior............................... 451
Cleaning the Interior................................ 449
Client Service Information....................... 506Climate Control System............................ 177
Changing the Mode ................................ 180
Defrosting the Windshield and
Windows ............................................... 183
Dust and Pollen Filter............................... 448
Rear Temperature Control Dial ................ 184
Sensors ................................................... 185
Using Automatic Climate Control ............ 177
Clock.......................................................... 114
CMBS
TM (Collision Mitigation Braking
SystemTM)................................................. 391
Coat Hooks............................................... 168
Collision Mitigation Braking System
TM
(CMBS
TM)................................................. 391
Compact Spare Tire (Optional)........ 466, 497
Console Compartment............................. 164
Controls..................................................... 113
Coolant (Engine)...................................... 424
Adding to the Radiator ............................ 425
Adding to the Reserve Tank..................... 424
Overheating ............................................ 479
Creeping (Automatic Transmission)........ 346
Cruise Control........................................... 352
Indicator.................................................... 78
Cup Holders.............................................. 166
Customized Features........................ 102, 264
DDaytime Running Lights.......................... 140
Dead Battery............................................. 475
512Index
Defrosting the Windshield and
Windows.................................................. 183
Devices that Emit Radio Waves................ 499
Dimming
Headlights ............................................... 137
Rearview Mirror ....................................... 149
Dipstick (Engine Oil)................................. 420
Directional Signals (Turn Signal).............. 136
Door Mirrors............................................. 150
Doors......................................................... 115
Auto Door Locking .................................. 124
Auto Door Unlocking ............................... 124
Door Open Indicator ............................ 29, 75
Keys ........................................................ 115
Locking/Unlocking the Doors from
the Inside ......................................... 10, 121
Locking/Unlocking the Doors from
the Outside ............................................ 117
Lockout Prevention System ...................... 120
DOT Tire Quality Grading........................ 440
Driver’s Knee Airbag.................................. 44
Driving....................................................... 335
Automatic Transmission ........................... 346
Braking .................................................... 384
Cruise Control ......................................... 352
Shifting Gear ........................................... 347
Starting the Engine .................................. 342
Driving Position Memory System............. 146
Dust and Pollen Filter............................... 448
EElapsed Time............................................. 100
Electric Parking Brake
Indicator.................................................... 69
Electric Parking Brake System
Indicator............................................ 69, 483
Electric Power Steering (EPS) System
Indicator............................................ 74, 483
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)............. 375
Emergency................................................ 490
Emissions Testing (Readiness Codes)....... 501
Engine....................................................... 498
Coolant ................................................... 424
Jump Starting .......................................... 475
Oil ........................................................... 419
Starting ................................................... 342
Switch Buzzer.......................................... 133
Engine Compartment Cover.................... 418
Engine Coolant......................................... 424
Adding to the Radiator ............................ 425
Adding to the Reserve Tank..................... 424
Overheating ............................................ 479
Temperature Gauge .................................. 94
Engine Oil................................................. 419
Adding .................................................... 421
Checking................................................. 420
Displaying Oil Life .................................... 412
Low Oil Pressure Indicator ................. 68, 481
Recommended Engine Oil ....................... 419
ENGINE START/STOP Button.................... 133
e-pretensioners........................................... 32EPS (Electric Power Steering) System........ 74
Exhaust Gas Hazard (Carbon Monoxide).. 64
Expanded Rear Door Sunshades............. 176
Expanded View Driver’s Mirror............... 151
Exterior Care (Cleaning).......................... 451
Exterior Mirrors........................................ 150
FFeatures.................................................... 187
Filters
Dust and Pollen....................................... 448
Oil .......................................................... 422
Flat Tire..................................................... 455
Floor Mats................................................ 450
Fluids
Automatic Transmission .......................... 426
Brake ...................................................... 427
Engine Coolant ....................................... 424
Windshield Washer ................................. 427
Foot Brake................................................ 386
Forward Collision Warning (FCW).......... 364
Front Airbags (SRS).................................... 40
Front Seat Heaters and Seat
Ventilation.............................................. 173
Front Seats................................................ 152
Adjusting ................................................ 152
Fuel..................................................... 16, 403
Economy................................................. 405
Gauge ...................................................... 94
Instant Fuel Economy .............................. 100
514Index
Door and Trunk Open .......................... 29, 75
Electric Parking Brake................................. 69
Electric Parking Brake System ............. 69, 483
Electric Power Steering (EPS) System .. 74, 483
Forward Collision Warning (FCW) .............. 79
High-Beam ................................................ 77
Immobilizer System .................................... 77
Keyless Access System ............................... 78
Lane Departure Warning (LDW) ................. 80
Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) .... 82, 371
Lights On ................................................... 77
Low Fuel .................................................... 73
Low Oil Pressure ................................ 68, 481
Low Tire Pressure/TPMS ............. 76, 380, 382
Malfunction Indicator Lamp ............... 71, 482
Precision All Wheel Steer System................ 81
Seat Belt Reminder .............................. 31, 73
Security System Alarm ............................... 77
Shift Lever Position .................................... 72
SPORT Mode ..................................... 81, 351
Supplemental Restraint System ............ 49, 74
System Message ........................................ 76
Transmission .............................................. 72
Turn Signal ................................................ 77
Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA®)
System ............................................. 75, 375
VSA® OFF .......................................... 75, 376
Information............................................... 495
Instant Fuel Economy............................... 100
Instrument Panel........................................ 67
Brightness Control ................................... 144Interface Dial............................................ 193
Interior Lights........................................... 159
Interior Rearview Mirror.......................... 149
JJack (Wheel Nut Wrench)........................ 469
Jump Starting........................................... 475KKey Number Tag....................................... 116
Keyless Access System.............................. 118
Keyless Lockout Prevention..................... 120
Keys........................................................... 115
Lockout Prevention.................................. 120
Number Tag ............................................ 116
Rear Door Won’t Open............................ 123
Remote Transmitter ................................. 117
Types and Functions ................................ 115
Kickdown (Automatic Transmission)....... 346LLane Departure Warning (LDW)............. 367
Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS)......... 370
Language (HFL)........................................ 288
LATCH (Child Seats).................................... 57
Lights................................................. 137, 428
Automatic ............................................... 138
Bulb Replacement ................................... 428
Daytime Running Lights........................... 140High-Beam Indicator ................................. 77
Interior.................................................... 159
Light Switches......................................... 137
Lights On Indicator.................................... 77
Turn Signals ............................................ 136
Load Limits............................................... 339
Locking/Unlocking................................... 115
Auto Door Locking/Unlocking ................. 124
Childproof Door Locks ............................ 123
From Inside ............................................. 121
From Outside .......................................... 117
Keys........................................................ 115
Using a Key............................................. 120
Lockout Prevention System..................... 120
Low Battery Charge................................. 481
Low Fuel Indicator..................................... 73
Low Keyless Access Remote Signal
Strength.................................................. 116
Low Oil Pressure Indicator................. 68, 481
Lower Anchors........................................... 57
Luggage (Maximum Load Limit)............. 339
Lumbar Support....................................... 153
MMaintenance............................................ 407
Battery .................................................... 446
Brake Fluid .............................................. 427
Cleaning ................................................. 449
Climate Control System .......................... 448
Coolant .................................................. 424
515Index
Maintenance Minder
TM............................ 411
Oil .......................................................... 420
Precautions ............................................. 408
Radiator .................................................. 425
Remote Transmitter ................................ 447
Replacing Light Bulbs .............................. 428
Safety ..................................................... 409
Service Items ........................................... 414
Tires........................................................ 437
Transmission Fluid ................................... 426
Under the Hood ...................................... 416
Malfunction Indicator Lamp............. 71, 482
Map Lights................................................ 160
Maximum Load Limit............................... 339
Meters, Gauges.......................................... 94
Mirrors...................................................... 149
Adjusting ................................................ 149
Door ....................................................... 150
Exterior ................................................... 150
Interior Rearview ..................................... 149
Modifications (and Accessories).............. 406
Moonroof................................................. 132
MP3................................................... 225, 249
Multi-Information Display......................... 95
Multi-View Rear Camera......................... 402
NNumbers (Identification)......................... 498
OOdometer.................................................... 99
Oil (Engine)....................................... 419, 497
Adding .................................................... 421
Checking ................................................. 420
Displaying Oil Life .................................... 412
Low Oil Pressure Indicator .................. 68, 481
Recommended Engine Oil ................ 419, 497
Viscosity .......................................... 419, 497
On Demand Multi-Use Display
TM............. 194
Opening
Trunk ...................................................... 492
Opening/Closing
Hood ....................................................... 417
Moonroof................................................ 132
Power Windows ...................................... 130
Trunk ...................................................... 125
Operating the Switches Around the Steering
Wheel...................................................... 133
Outside Temperature Display.................... 99
Overheating.............................................. 479
PPaddle Shifters (Sequential Shift
Mode)...................................................... 350
Pandora®................................................... 247
Panic Mode............................................... 129
Parking...................................................... 397
Parking Brake........................................... 384
Parking Sensor System............................. 398Passenger Airbag Off Indicator................. 50
Passing Indicators..................................... 137
Power Rear Sunshade.............................. 175
Power Windows....................................... 130
Precautions While Driving....................... 345
Rain ........................................................ 345
Precision All Wheel Steer System............ 377
Indicator.................................................... 81
Pregnant Women....................................... 35
Puncture (Tire).......................................... 455
RRadiator.................................................... 425
Radio (AM/FM)......................................... 217
Radio (XM®).............................................. 222
Radio Data System (RDS)......................... 219
Range........................................................ 100
RDS (Radio Data System)......................... 219
Readiness Codes (Emissions Testing)....... 501
Rear Defogger/Heated Door Mirror
Button..................................................... 145
Rear Seat Heaters..................................... 174
Rear Temperature Control Dial............... 184
Rearview Mirror....................................... 149
Refueling.................................................. 403
Fuel Guage................................................ 94
Gasoline .......................................... 403, 496
Low Fuel Indicator ..................................... 73
Regulations............................... 382, 440, 499
Remote Transmitter................................. 117