352
uu When Driving u VSA ® (Vehicle Stability Assist), aka ESC (Electronic Stability Control), System
Driving
VSA ® (Vehicle Stability Assist ), aka ESC (Electronic
Stability Control), System
VSA® helps to stabilize the vehicle during cornering if the vehicle turns more or less
than what was intended. It also assists in maintaining traction on slippery surfaces.
It does so by regulating engine output and select ively applying the brakes.
When VSA ® activate
s, you may notice that the
engine does not respond to the accelerator.
You may also notice some noise from the
hydraulic system. You will also see the
indicator blink.
■VSA ® Operation
1 VSA ® (Vehicle Stability Assist), aka ESC (Electronic Stability
Control), System
The VSA® may not function properl y if tire type and
size are mixed. Make sure to use the same size and
type of tire, and the air pressures as specified.
When the VSA ® indicator comes on and stays on
while driving, there may be a problem with the
system. While this may not interfere with normal
driving, have your vehi cle checked by a dealer
immediately.
VSA ® cannot enhance stability in all driving situations
and does not control the entire braking system. You
still need to drive and corner at speeds appropriate
for the conditions and always leave a sufficient
margin of safety.
The main function of the VSA ® system is generally
known as Electronic Stability Control (ESC). The
system also includes a traction control function.
VSA® System
Indicator
357
uu When Driving u Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) - Required Federal Explanation
Continued
Driving
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) - Required
Federal Explanation
Each tire, including the spare (if provided), should be checked
monthly when cold and inflated to the inflation pressure
recommended by the vehicle manufa cturer on the vehicle placard
or tire inflation pressure label.
(If your vehicle has tires of a diff ere
nt size than the size indicated
on the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label, you should
determine the proper tire inflat ion pressure for those tires.)
As an added safety feature, your ve
hicle has been equipped with
a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) that illuminates a low
tire pressure telltale
when one or more of your tires i
s significantly under-inflated.
Accordingly, when the low tire pr
essure telltale illuminates, you
should stop and check your tires as soon as possible, and inflate
them to the proper pressure.
Driving on a significantly under-inf lated tire causes
the tire to
overheat and can lead to tire fail ure. Under-inflation also reduces
fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect the vehicle's
handling and stopping ability.
362
uu Braking u ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)
Driving
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)
Helps prevent the wheels from locking up, a nd helps you retain steering control by
pumping the brakes rapidly, much faster than you.
The electronic brake distribution (EBD) system, which
is part of the ABS, also
balances the front-to-rear braking distri bution according to vehicle loading.
You should never pump the brake pedal. Let
the ABS work for you by always
keeping firm, steady pressure on the brake pe dal. This is sometimes referred to as
“stomp and steer.”
■ABS operation
The brake pedal may pulsate slightly when the ABS
is working. Keep holding the
pedal firmly down. On dry pavement, you will need to press on the brake pedal very
hard before the ABS activates. However, you may feel the ABS activate immediately
if you are trying to stop on snow or ice.
When the vehicle speed goes under 6 mph (10 km/h), the ABS stops.
■ABS1 ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)
NOTICE
The ABS may not function correctly if you use an
incorrect tire type and size.
When the ABS indicator comes on while driving,
there may be a problem with the system.
While normal braking is not affected, there is a
possibility of the ABS not operating. Have the vehicle
checked by a dealer immediately.
The ABS does not reduce the ti me or distance it takes
to stop the vehicle. It only helps with steering control
during hard braking.
In the following cases, yo ur vehicle may need more
stopping distance than a vehicle without the ABS:
•When driving on rough road surfaces, including
when driving on uneven surf aces, such as gravel or
snow.
•When tire chains are installed.
You may hear a motor sound coming from the
engine compartment while system checks are being
performed immediately after starting the engine or
while driving. This is normal.
414
Maintenance
Checking and Maintaining Tires
Checking Tires
To safely operate your vehicle, your tires must be of the proper type and size, in
good condition with adequate tread, and properly inflated.
■Inflation guidelines
Properly inflated tires provide the be
st combination of handling, tread life, and comfort.
Refer to the driver’s doorjamb label or spec ification’s page for the specified pressure.
Underinflated tires wear unevenly, adversely affect handling and fuel economy, and
are more
likely to fail from overheating.
Overinflated tires make your vehicle ride harshly, are
more prone to road hazards,
and wear unevenly.
Every day before you drive, look at each of the tires.
If one looks lower than the
others, check the pressure with a tire gauge.
At least once a month or before long trips, use a gauge to measure the pressure in
all tires,
including the spare. Even tires in good condition can lose 1 to 2 psi (10 to
20 kPa, 0.1 to 0.2 kgf/cm
2) per month.
■Inspection guidelines
Every time you check inflation, also
examine the tires and valve stems.
Look for:
• B
umps or bulges on the side or in the tread. Replace the tire if you find any cuts,
splits, or cracks in the si de of the tire. Replace it if you see fabric or cord.
• Re
move any foreign objects and inspect for air leaks.
• Une
ven tread wear. Have a deal er check the wheel alignment.
• Excessive tread
wear.
2Wear Indicators P. 419
• Cracks or other damage around valve stem.
1Checking Tires
Measure the air pressure when tires are cold. This
means the vehicle has been parked for at least three
hours, or driven less than 1 mile (1.6 km). If
necessary, add or releas e air until the specified
pressure is reached.
If checked when hot, tire pressure can be as much as
4–6 psi (30–40 kPa, 0.3–0.4 kgf/cm
2) higher than if
checked when cold.
Have a dealer check the tires if you feel a consistent
vibration while driving. Ne w tires and any that have
been removed and reinst alled should be properly
balanced.
3 WARNING
Using tires that are excessively worn or
improperly inflated can cause a crash in
which you can be seriously hurt or killed.
Follow all instruction s in this owner’s
manual regarding ti re inflation and
maintenance.
415
uu Checking and Maintaining Tires u Tire and Loading Information Label
Continued
Maintenance
Tire and Loading Information Label
The label attached to the driver’s doorj amb provides necessary tire and loading
information.
Tire Labeling
The tires that came on your vehicle have a
number of markings. Those you should be
aware of are described below.
Whenever tires are replaced, they should
be replaced with tires of the same size.
1Tire and Loading Information Label
The tire and loading informat ion label attached to the
driver’s doorjamb contains:
aThe number of people your vehicle can carry.
bThe total weight your vehicle can carry. Do not
exceed this weight.
cThe original tire sizes for front, rear, and spare.
dThe proper cold tire pressure for front, rear, and
spare.
Label
Example
2
34
Example Tire Size
Tire
Identification
Number (TIN)
Maximum
Tire Load
Maximum
Tire Pressure
Tire Size
■Tire Sizes
1 Tire Sizes
Following is an example of tire size with an
explanation of what each component means.
P235/60 R18 102T
P: Vehicle type (P indi cates passenger vehicle).
235: Tire width in millimeters.
60: Aspect ratio (the tire’s section height as a
percentage of its width).
R: Tire construction code (R indicates radial).
18: Rim diameter in inches.
102: Load index (a numerical code associated with
the maximum load the tire can carry).
T: Speed symbol (an alphabe tical code indicating the
maximum speed rating).
420
uu Checking and Maintaining Tires u Tire and Wheel Replacement
Maintenance
Tire and Wheel Replacement
Replace your tires with radials of the sa me size, load range, speed rating, and
maximum cold tire pressure ra ting (as shown on the tire’s sidewall). Using tires of a
different size or construction can cause the ABS, VSA ® (vehicle stability assist), hill
start assist, and the VTM-4 r
* system to work incorrectly.
It is best to replace all four tires at the same
time. If that isn’t possible, replace the
front or rear tires in pairs.
Make sure that the wheel’s specifications m
atch those of the original wheels.
If you replace a wheel, only use TPMS sp e
cified wheels approved for your vehicle.
1Tire and Wheel Replacement
3 WARNING
Installing improper tires on your vehicle can
affect handling and stability. This can cause
a crash in which you can be seriously hurt or
killed.
Always use the size and type of tires
recommended in this owner’s manual.
* Not available on all models
422
uu Checking and Maintaining Tires u Winter Tires
Maintenance
Winter Tires
If driving on snowy or frozen roads, mount all season marked “M+S” tires, snow
tires, or tire chains; reduce speed; and ma intain sufficient distance between vehicles
when driving.
Be particularly careful when operating the
steering wheel or brakes to prevent
skidding.
Use tire chains, snow tires, or all season ti re
s when necessary or according to the law.
When mounting, refer to the follo
wing points.
For winter tires:
• Select
the size and load ranges that are the same as the original tires.
• Mount
the tires to all four wheels.
For tire chains:
•Install them on the
front tires only.
• Be
cause your vehicle has limited tire cl earance, we strongly recommend using the
chains listed below:
• Foll
ow the chain manufacturer's instruction when installing. Mount them as
tightly as you can.
• Che
ck that the chains do not to uch the brake lines or suspension.
• Drive s
lowly.
Cable-type: QCC Premium Cobra 1046P
1Winter Tires
NOTICE
Traction devices that are th e wrong size or improperly
installed can damage your vehicle's brake lines,
suspension, body, and wheels. Stop driving if they are
hitting any part of the vehicle.
When tire chains are mounted, follow the chain
manufacturer's instructi ons regarding vehicle
operational limits.
If your vehicle is equipp ed with summer tires, be
aware that these tires are not designed for winter
driving conditions. For more information, contact a
dealer.
3 WARNING
Using the wrong chains, or not properly
installing chains, can damage the brake
lines and cause a crash in which you can be
seriously injured or killed.
Follow all instruction s in this owner's
manual regarding the selection and use of
tire chains.
435Continued
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 plac e. Replace the flat tire with a compact
spare tire. Go to a dealer as soon as possib le to have the full-size tire repaired or
replaced.
1. Park
the vehicle on firm, level, and non-slippery surface an d apply the parking
brake.
2. Move t
he shift lever to (P
.
3. Turn
on the hazard warning lights an d 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-repairi ng agent on a flat tire,
as it can damage the tire pressure sensor.