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MAINTENANCE
MAINTENANCE
Checking the Battery
Check the battery terminals for corrosion monthly. For jump starting, see page 114.
The battery gives off explosive hydrogen gas during normal operation. A spark or ame can cause the battery to explode with enough force to kill or seriously hurt you. When conducting any battery maintenance, wear protective clothing and a face shield, or have a skilled technician do it. Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories contain lead and lead
compounds. Wash your hands after handling.
WARNING
Changing Wiper Blades
If the wiper blades leave streaks across the windshield, try cleaning them rst with a paper towel or soft cloth and wiper uid. If the wiper blade rubber has deteriorated, you should change the wiper blades.
1. Turn the vehicle off.
2. Hold the wiper switch in the MIST position, then turn the vehicle on. Both wiper arms lift up. Turn the vehicle off.
3. Lift both wiper arms.
4. Press and hold the tab, then slide the blade holder toward the base of the wiper arm.
5. Slide the wiper blade out from its holder by pulling the tabbed end out.
6. Slide the new wiper blade into the holder. The tab on the holder should t in the indent of the wiper blade.
7. Slide the wiper blade holder onto the wiper arm securely.
8. Lower the passenger side wiper arm rst, then the driver side.
Tab
Blade
Tab
Blade
TabBlade
Avoid dropping the wiper arm, as it may damage the windshield.
NOTICE
After replacing or reconnecting the battery, keep in mind:
• Some systems are temporarily deactivated. Drive a short distance at 12 mph (20
km/h) or more, and the indicator(s) should go off.
• The immobilizer system needs to be reset (see page 26).*
*Canadian models only
Holder
Holder
Cap
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MAINTENANCE
MAINTENANCE
Tire Information
To safely operate your vehicle, your tires must be of the proper type and size, in good condition with adequate tread, and properly in ated.
Inflation Guidelines
• Properly in ated tires provide the best combination of handling, tread life, and
comfort. Refer to the driver’s doorjamb label or the speci cations (see page 147) for the speci ed pressure.
• Underin ated tires wear unevenly, adversely affect handling and fuel economy,
and are more likely to fail from overheating.
• Overin ated 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.
• Measure the air pressure when tires are cold. This means the vehicle has been
parked for at least 3 hours, or driven less than 1 mile (1.6 km). If necessary, add or release air until the speci ed pressure is reached, and then calibrate the system
(see page 118). If checked when hot, tire pressure can be as much as 4–6 psi (30–40 kPa, 0.3–0.5 kgf/cm 2
) higher than checked when cold.
• 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 1–2 psi (10–20 kPa, 0.1–0.2 kgf/cm 2
) per month.
Inspection Guidelines
Every time you in ate the tires, check for the following: • Any damage to tires, including bumps, bulges, cuts, splits, or cracks in the side or
tread. Remove any foreign objects and inspect for air leaks. Replace tires if you see fabric or cord.
• Uneven or excessive tread wear. Have a dealer check the wheel alignment.
• Cracks or other damage around the valve stems.
Wear Indicators
The groove where the wear indicator is located is 1/16 inch (1.6 mm) shallower than elsewhere on the tire. If the tread has worn so low that the indicator is exposed, replace the tire. Worn out tires have poor
traction on wet roads.
Example of a wear indicator mark
Tire and Loading Information Label
The label attached to the driver’s doorjamb provides necessary tire and loading information.
Tire and Wheel Replacement
Replace 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 certain vehicle systems 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.
If you change or replace a wheel, make sure that the wheel’s speci cations match those of the original wheels. Using tires that are excessively worn or improperly in ated can cause a crash in which you can be seriously hurt or killed.
Follow all instructions in this owner’s manual regarding tire in ation and maintenance
.
WARNING
Original tire sizesNumber of people your vehicle can carryProper cold tire pressureTotal weight your
vehicle can carry (do not exceed)
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 the Owner’s Manual.
WARNING