Consumer information and Reporting safety defects/For U.S.A.
For U.S.A.
The following information has been
compiled according to Code of
Federal Regulations“Title 49, Part
575”.
Tire information
&Tire labeling
Many markings (e.g. Tire size, Tire
Identification Number or TIN) are
placed on the sidewall of a tire by
tire manufacturers. These marking
can provide you with useful infor-
mation on the tire.
!Tire size
Your vehicle comes equipped with
P-Metric tire size. It is important to
understand the sizing system in
selecting the proper tire for your
vehicles. Here is a brief review of
the tire sizing system with a break-
down of its individual elements.
!P Metric
With the P-Metric system, Section
Width is measured in millimeters.
To convert millimeters into inches,
divide by 25.4. The Aspect Ratio
(Section Height divided by Section
Width) helps provide more dimen-
sional information about the tire
size.
Example:
(1) P = Certain tire type used on
light duty vehicles such as passen-
ger cars
(2) Section Width in millimeters
(3) Aspect Ratio (= section height
7section width).
(4) R = Radial Construction
(5) Rim diameter in inches
!Load and Speed Rating De-
scriptions
The load and speed rating descrip-
tions will appear following the size
designation.
They provide two important facts
about the tire. First, the number
designation is its load index. Sec-
ond, the letter designation indicates
the tire’s speed rating.
13-2
Example:
(6) Load Index: A numerical code
which specifies the maximum load
a tire can carry at the speed
indicated by its speed symbol, at
maximum inflation pressure.
For example,“91”means 1,356 lbs
(615 kg),“90”means 1,323 lbs (600
kg),“89”means 1,279 lbs (580 kg)
WARNING
Load indices apply only to the
tire, not to the vehicle. Putting
a load rated tire on any vehicle
does not mean the vehicle can
be loaded up to the tire’s rated
load.
(7) Speed Rating: An alphabetical
system describing a tire’s capability
to travel at established and prede-
termined speeds.
For example,“V”means 149 mph
(240 km/h)
WARNING
.Speed ratings apply only to
the tire, not to the vehicle.
Putting a speed rated tire on
any vehicle does not mean
the vehicle can be operated
at the tire’s rated speed.
.The speed rating is void if
the tires are worn out, da-
maged, repaired, retreaded,
or otherwise altered from
their original condition. If
tires are repaired, re-
treaded, or otherwise al-
tered, they may not be sui-
table for original equipment
tire designed loads and
speeds.
!Tire Identification Number (TIN)
Tire Identification Number (TIN) is
marked on the intended outboard
sidewall. The TIN is composed of
four groups. Here is a brief review
of the TIN with a breakdown of its
individual elements.
(1) Manufacturer’s Identification
Mark
(2) Tire Size
(3) Tire Type Code
(4) Date of Manufacture
The first two figures identify the
week, starting with“01”to represent
the first full week of the calendar
year; the second two figures repre-
sent the year. For example, 0101
means the 1st week of 2001.
!Other markings
The following makings are also
placed on the sidewall.
!Maximum permissible infla-
tion pressure
The maximum cold inflation pres-
sure to which this tire may be
inflated. For example,“350 kPa
(51 PSI) MAX. PRESS”
Consumer information and Reporting safety defects/Tire information
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The vehicle placard shows original
tire size, recommended cold tire
inflation pressure on each tire at
maximum loaded vehicle weight,
seating capacity and loading infor-
mation.
!Adverse safety consequences
of under-inflation
CAUTION
Driving at high speeds with
excessively low tire pressures
can cause the tires to flex
severely and to rapidly be-
come hot. A sharp increase
in temperature could cause
tread separation, and failure
of the tire(s). Possible result-
ing loss of vehicle control
could lead to an accident.
!Measuring and adjusting air
pressure to achieve proper in-
flation
Check and, if necessary, adjust the
pressure of each tire (including the
spare) at least once a month andbefore any long journey. Check the
tire pressures when the tires are
cold. Use a pressure gauge to
adjust the tire pressures to the
specific values. Driving even a
short distance warms up the tires
and increases the tire pressures.
Also, the tire pressures are affected
by the outside temperature. It is
best to check tire pressure out-
doors before driving the vehicle.
When a tire becomes warm, the air
inside it expands, causing the tire
pressure to increase. Be careful not
to mistakenly release air from a
warm tire to reduce its pressure.
&Glossary of tire terminology
.Accessory weight
The combined weight (in excess of
those standard items which may be
replaced) of automatic transmis-
sion, power steering, power brakes,
power windows, power seats, radio,
and heater, to the extent that these
items are available as factory-in-
stalled equipment (whether in-stalled or not).
.Bead
The part of the tire that is made of
steel wires, wrapped or reinforced
by ply cords and that is shaped to fit
the rim.
.Bead separation
A breakdown of the bond between
components in the bead.
.Bias ply tire
A pneumatic tire in which the ply
cords that extend to the beads are
laid at alternate angles substantially
less than 90 degrees to the center-
line of the tread.
.Carcass
The tire structure, except tread and
sidewall rubber which, when in-
flated, bears the load.
.Chunking
The breaking away of pieces of the
tread or sidewall.
.Cold tire pressure
The pressure in a tire that has been
driven less than 1 mile or has been
standing for three hours or more.
Consumer information and Reporting safety defects/Tire information
–CONTINUED–13-5
cle as specified in the third column
of Table 1 that is appended to the
end of this section.
.Open splice
Any parting at any junction of tread,
sidewall, or innerliner that extends
to cord material.
.Outer diameter
The overall diameter of an inflated
new tire.
.Overall width
The linear distance between the
exteriors of the sidewalls of an
inflated tire, including elevations
due to labeling, decorations, or
protective bands or ribs.
.Passenger car tire
A tire intended for use on passen-
ger cars, multipurpose passenger
vehicles, and trucks, that have a
gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR)
of 10,000 lbs (4,535 kg) or less.
.Ply
A layer of rubber-coated parallel
cords.
.Ply separation
A parting of rubber compoundbetween adjacent plies.
.Pneumatic tire
A mechanical device made of rub-
ber, chemicals, fabric and steel or
other materials, that, when
mounted on an automotive wheel,
provides the traction and contains
the gas or fluid that sustains the
load.
.Production options weight
The combined weight of those
installed regular production options
weighing over 5.1 lbs (2.3 kg) in
excess of those standard items
which they replace, not previously
considered in curb weight or acces-
sory weight, including heavy duty
brakes, ride levelers, roof rack,
heavy duty battery, and special
trim.
.Radial ply tire
A pneumatic tire in which the ply
cords that extend to the beads are
laid at substantially 90 degrees to
the centerline of the tread.
.Recommended inflation pres-
sure
The cold inflation pressure recom-
mended by a vehicle manufacturer.
.Reinforced tire
A tire designed to operate at higher
loads and at higher inflation pres-
sures than the corresponding stan-
dard tire.
.Rim
A metal support for a tire or a tire
and tube assembly upon which the
tire beads are seated.
.Rim diameter
Nominal diameter of the bead seat.
.Rim size designation
Rim diameter and width.
.Rim type designation
The industry of manufacturer’s des-
ignation for a rim by style or code.
.Rim width
Nominal distance between rim
flanges.
.Section width
The linear distance between the
exteriors of the sidewalls of an
inflated tire, excluding elevations
Consumer information and Reporting safety defects/Tire information
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14-10Index
Security
Alarm system........................................................ 2-28
Immobilizer.............................................................. 2-4
Indicator light......................................................... 3-29
Shock sensors....................................................... 2-32
Select lever
Position indicator................................................... 3-30
Shift lock function................................................... 7-27
Shock sensors........................................................... 2-32
Shopping bag hook.................................................... 6-14
Snow tires........................................................ 8-11, 11-25
Snowy and icy roads.................................................. 8-10
Spark plugs...................................................... 11-18, 12-9
Specifications............................................................ 12-2
Speedometer............................................................... 3-8
SRS airbag (Supplemental Restraint System airbag) ... 4, 1-41
SRS airbag system
Monitors................................................................ 1-68
Servicing............................................................... 1-69
Warning light......................................................... 3-14
Starting & stopping engine.................................... 7-9, 7-12
State emission testing (U.S. only).................................. 7-7
Steering responsive fog lights system........................... 3-49
OFF indicator........................................................ 3-31
Steering switches for audio......................................... 5-63
Steering wheel
Lock............................................................. 7-11, 7-15
Power................................................................... 7-31
Tilt/telescopic......................................................... 3-63
Stop light................................................................ 12-15
Storage compartment................................................... 6-6Sun shade................................................................. 2-50
Sun visors.................................................................. 6-4
Supplemental Restraint System airbag (SRS)................ 1-41
Synthetic leather upholstery......................................... 10-5
T
Tachometer................................................................. 3-9
Temperature gauge..................................................... 3-11
Temperature warning light
AT OIL TEMP......................................................... 3-16
Temporary spare tire.................................................... 9-2
Tether (child restraint system).............................. 1-35, 1-38
Tie-down hooks.......................................................... 9-14
Tire................................................................. 11-24, 12-9
Chains.................................................................. 8-12
Inspection............................................................ 11-26
Pressures and wear.............................................. 11-27
Replacement........................................................ 11-30
Rotation.............................................................. 11-29
Size and pressure.................................................. 12-9
Types.................................................................. 11-24
Tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS)..... 7-40, 9-10, 11-25
Warning light.......................................................... 3-16
Tires and wheels...................................................... 11-24
Tools
.......................................................................... 9-3
Top tether anchorages........................................ 1-35, 1-38
Towing...................................................................... 9-13
All wheels on the ground......................................... 9-17
Flat-bed truck......................................................... 9-16
Hooks................................................................... 9-14
Weight .................................................................. 8-21