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439Maintenance
Checking and Maintaining TiresChecking TiresTo 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 best combination of handling, tread life, and comfort.
Refer to the driver’s doorjamb label or specification’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. 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:
• Bumps or bulges on the side or in the tread. Replace the tire if you find any cuts,
splits, or cracks in the side of the tire. Replace it if you see fabric or cord.
• Remove any foreign objects and inspect for air leaks.
• Uneven tread wear. Have a dealer check the wheel alignment.
• Excessive tread wear.2 Wear Indicators P. 444
•Cracks or other damage around valve stem.
1Checking Tires
Measure the air pressure when tires are cold. This
means the vehicle has been par ked for at least three
hours, or driven less than 1 mile (1.6 km). If
necessary, add or release 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. New tires and any that have
been removed and reinstalled should be properly
balanced.
Measure the spare tire pressure once a month or
before long trips.
3
WARNING
Using tires that are excessively worn or
improperly inflated can cause a crash in
which you can be seri ously hurt or killed.
Follow all instruc tions in this owner’s
manual regarding tire inflation and
maintenance.Vehicles with optional spare tire kit
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443
uuChecking and Maintaining Tires uDOT 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 controlle d 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 indo or 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
1 TractionWarning: 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.
Page 446 of 521
445
uuChecking and Maintaining Tires uTire and Wheel Replacement
Maintenance
Tire and Wheel ReplacementReplace your tires with radials of the same size, load range, speed rating, and
maximum cold tire pressure rating (as shown on the tire’s sidewall). Using tires of a
different size or construction can cause the ABS and vehicle stability assist (VSA ®)
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 match those of the original wheels.
If you replace a wheel, only use TPMS specified wheels approved for your vehicle.
1 Tire 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.
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447
uuChecking and Maintaining Tires uWinter Tires
Maintenance
Winter TiresIf driving on snowy or frozen roads, mount all season marked M+S tires, snow tires,
or tire chains; reduce speed; and maintain 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 tires when necessary or according to the law.
When mounting, refer to the following 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.
• Because your vehicle has limited tire clearance, we strongly recommend using the
chains listed below:
• Follow the chain manufacturer’s instruction when installing. Mount them as
tightly as you can.
• Check that the chains do not touch the brake lines or suspension.
• Drive slowly.Cable-type: SCC Radial Chain SC1040
1Winter TiresNOTICETraction devices that are the 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 instructions regarding vehicle
operational limits.
If your vehicle is equipped 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 instruc tions in this owner’s
manual regarding the selection and use of
tire chains.
Page 455 of 521

uuCleaning uExterior Care
454Maintenance
If you get gasoline, oil, engine coolant, or battery fluid on resin coated parts, they
may be stained or the coating may peel. Promptly wipe it away using a soft cloth and
clean water.
Wipe using a glass cleaner.
Aluminum is susceptible to deterioration caused by salt and other road
contaminants. Use a sponge and mild detergent to wipe away promptly.
Be careful not to use harsh chemicals (including some commercial wheel cleaners) or
a stiff brush. They can damage the clear coat of the aluminum alloy wheels that
helps keep the aluminum from corroding and tarnishing.
The inside lenses of exterior lights (headlights, brake lights, etc.) may fog temporarily
if you have driven in the rain, or after the vehicle has been run through a car wash.
Dew condensation also may build up inside the lenses when there is a significant
enough difference between the ambient and inside lens temperatures (similar to
vehicle windows fogging up in rainy conditions). These conditions are natural
processes, not structural design problems in the exterior lights.
Lens design characteristics may result in moisture developing on the light lens frame
surfaces. This also is not a malfunction.
However, if you see large amounts water accumulation, or large water drops
building up inside the lenses, have your vehicle inspected by a dealer.■
Maintaining the Bumpers and Other Resin Coated Parts
■
Cleaning the Window
■
Maintaining Aluminum Wheels
■
Fogged Exterior Light Lenses
1Maintaining the Bumpers and Other Resin Coated Parts
Ask a dealer about the correct coating material when
you want to repair the painted surface of the parts
made of resin.1Cleaning the Window
Wires are mounted to the inside of the rear window.
Wipe along the same direction as the wires with a
soft cloth so as not to damage them.
Page 457 of 521
456Handling the Unexpected
ToolsTypes of Tools
1Types of Tools
The tools are stored in the trunk.
Vehicles with optional spare tire kit
Jack
Jack Handle Bar Towing Hook
Wheel Nut Wrench/
Jack Handle Funnel
Flat-tip Screwdriver Grip Towing Hook Funnel
Flat-tip Screwdriver Grip
Tool Case
Vehicle with temporary tire repair
kit is shown.
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457
Continued
Handling the Unexpected
If a Tire Goes FlatTemporarily Repairing a Flat TireIf the tire has a large cut or is otherwise severely damaged, you will need to have the
vehicle towed. If the tire only has a small puncture, from a nail for instance, you can
use the temporary tire repair kit so that you can drive to the nearest service station
for a more permanent repair.
If a tire goes flat while driving, grasp the steering wheel firmly, and brake gradually
to reduce speed. Then stop in a safe place.
1.Park the vehicle on a firm, level, and non-slippery surface and apply the parking
brake.
2. Move the shift lever to
(P
.
3. Turn on the hazard warning lights and set the power mode to VEHICLE OFF
(LOCK).
■
Getting Ready to Temporarily Repair the Flat Tire
1Temporarily Repairing a Flat Tire
The kit should not be used in the following situations.
Instead, contact a dealer or a roadside assistant to
have the vehicle towed.•The tire sealant has expired.•More than one tire is punctured.•The puncture or cut is larger than 3/16 inch (4mm).•The tire side wall is damaged or the puncture is
outside the contact area.•Damage has been caused by driving with the tire
extremely under inflated.•The tire bead is no longer seated.•The rim is damaged.
Do not remove a nail or screw that punctured the
tire. If you remove it from the tire, you may not be
able to repair the puncture using the kit.NOTICEDo not use a puncture-repairing agent other than the
one provided in the ki t that came with your vehicle. If
a different agent is us ed, you may permanently
damage the tire pressure sensor.
When the puncture is:
Kit Use
Smaller than 3/16 inch (4 mm)
Yes
Larger than 3/16 inch (4 mm)
No
Contact
Area
Instruction
Manual
Air Only Hose (Black) Speed Restriction Label Repair Notification Label
Pressure Relief
Button Inflator Switch
Selector Switch
SEALANT/AIR side
Sealant/Air Hose (Clear)
AIR ONLY
side
Power Plug
Pressure Gauge
Tire Sealant
Expiration Date
U.S. CanadaU.S. Canada
Page 463 of 521
462
uuIf a Tire Goes Flat uTemporarily Repairing a Flat Tire
Handling the Unexpected
13. Apply the repair notification label to the
flat surface of the wheel.
u The wheel surface must be clean to
ensure the label adheres properly.
1. Apply the speed restriction label to the
location as shown.
2. Drive the vehicle for about 10 minutes.
u Do not exceed 50 mph (80 km/h).
3. Stop the vehicle in a safe place.
Repair Notification Label
U.S.
Canada■
Distributing the Sealant in the Tire
Speed Restriction Label U.S.
Canada