
Consumer information and Reporting safety defects/Tire information
! Maximum load rating
The load rating at the maximum
permissible weight load for this tire.
For example, “ MAX. LOAD 580 kg
(1279 LBS) @ 300 kPa (44 PSI)
MAX. PRESS. ”
WARNING
Maximum load rating applies
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.
! Construction type
Applicable construction of this tire.
For example, “ TUBELESS STEEL
BELTED RADIAL ”
! Construction
The generic name of each cord
material used in the plies (both
sidewall and tread area) of this tire.
For example, “ PLIES: TREAD 2 STEEL + 2 POLYESTER SIDE-
WALL 2 POLYESTER ”! Uniform Tire Quality Grading
(UTQG)
For details, refer to “ Uniform tire
quality grading standards ” F 13-14 .
& Recommended tire inflation
pressure ! Recommended cold tire infla-
tion pressure
For recommended cold tire inflation
pressure for your vehicle ’ s tires,
refer to “ Tires ” F 12-8 .
! Vehicle placard The vehicle placard is affixed to the
driver ’ s side B-pillar.Example:
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
Driving at high speeds with exces-
sively low tire pressures can cause
the tires to flex severely and to
rapidly become hot. A sharp in-13-4

crease in temperature could cause
tread separation, and failure of the
tire(s). Possible resulting 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 and
before 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. .
Cord
The strands forming the plies in the
tire. .
Cord separation
The parting of cords from adjacent
rubber compounds. .
Cracking
Any parting within the tread, side-
wall, or inner liner of the tire
extending to cord material. .
Curb weight
The weight of a motor vehicle with
standard equipment including the
maximum capacity of fuel, oil and
coolant, and if so equipped, air
conditioning and additional weight
optional engine.Consumer information and Reporting safety defects/Tire information
– CONTINUED –13-5

Consumer information and Reporting safety defects/Tire information
.
Extra load tire
A tire designed to operate at higher
loads and higher inflation pressure
than the corresponding standard
tire. .
Groove
The space between two adjacent
tread ribs. .
Innerliner
The layer(s) forming the inside sur-
face of a tubeless tire that contains
the inflating medium within the tire. .
Innerliner separation
The parting of the innerliner from
cord material in the carcass. .
Intended outboard sidewall (1)
The sidewall that contains a
whitewall, bears white lettering
or bears manufacturer, brand,
and/or model name molding that
is higher or deeper than the
same molding on the other side-
wall of the tire, or (2)
The outward facing sidewall
of an asymmetrical tire that has
a particular side that must al-
ways face outward when mount- ing on a vehicle. .
Light truck (LT) tire
A tire designated by its manufac-
turer as primarily intended for use
on lightweight trucks or multipur-
pose passenger vehicles. .
Load rating
The maximum load that a tire is
rated to carry for a given inflation
pressure. .
Maximum inflation pressure
The maximum cold inflation pres-
sure to which a tire may be inflated. .
Maximum load rating
The load rating for a tire at the
maximum permissible inflation
pressure for that tire. .
Maximum loaded vehicle weight
The sum of: (a)
Curb weight (b)
Accessory weight (c)
Vehicle capacity weight (d)
Production options weight .
Maximum permissible inflation
pressure
The maximum cold inflation pres-
sure to which a tire may be inflated. .
Measuring rim
The rim on which a tire is fitted for
physical dimension requirements. .
Normal occupant weight
150 lbs (68 kg) times the number of
occupants specified in the second
column of Table 1 that is appended
to the end of this section. .
Occupant distribution
Distribution of occupants in a vehi-
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.13-6

.
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 compound
between 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
due to labeling, decoration, or
protective bands. .
Sidewall
That portion of a tire between the
tread and bead. .
Sidewall separation
The parting of the rubber com-
pound from the cord material in
the sidewall. .
Test rim
The rim on which a tire is fitted for
testing, and it may be any rim listed
as appropriate for use with that tire. .
Tread
That portion of a tire that comes
into contact with the road.Consumer information and Reporting safety defects/Tire information
– CONTINUED –13-7

Consumer information and Reporting safety defects/Tire information
& Tire care – maintenance and
safety practices.
Check on a daily basis that the
tires are free from serious damage,
nails, and stones. At the same time,
check the tires for abnormal wear. .
Inspect the tire tread regularly
and replace the tires before their
tread wear indicators become visi-
ble. When a tire ’ streadwear
indicator becomes visible, the tire
is worn beyond the acceptable limit
and must be replaced immediately.
With a tire in this condition, driving
at even low speeds in wet weather
can cause the vehicle to hydro-
plane. Possible resulting loss of
vehiclecontrolcanleadtoan
accident. .
Replace any damaged or un-
evenly worn tires at the time of
rotation. For information about the
tire rotation order, refer to “ Tire
rotation ” F 11-36 .
After tire rotation,
adjust the tire pressures and make
sure the wheel nuts are correctly
tightened. For information about the tightening torque and tighten-
ing sequence for the wheel nuts,
refer to “ Flat tires ” F 9-4 .
& Vehicle load limit – how to
determine
The load capacity of your vehicle is
determined by weight, not by avail-
able cargo space. The load limit of
your vehicle is shown on the
vehicle placard attached to the
driver ’ s side B-pillar. Locate the
statement “ The combined weight
of occupants and cargo should
never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs ”
on your vehicle ’ s placard.
Thevehicleplacardalsoshows
seating capacity of your vehicle.
The total load capacity includes the
total weight of driver and all pas-
sengers and their belongings, any
cargo, any optional equipment such
as a roof rack or bike carrier, etc.
Therefore cargo capacity can be
calculated by the following method.
Cargo capacity = Load limit − (total weight of occupants + total weight
of optional equipment)
For information about vehicle load-
ing, refer to “ Loading your vehicle ”
F 8-10 .
13-10

form to Federal Safety Require-
ments in addition to these grades.
& Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a compara-
tive rating based on the wear rate of
the tire when tested under con-
trolled 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 govern-
ment 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.
& Traction AA, A, B, C
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 spe- cified government test surfaces of
asphalt and concrete. A tire marked
C may have poor traction perfor-
mance. WARNING
The traction grade assigned to
this tire is based on straight-
ahead braking traction tests,
and does not include accel-
eration, cornering, hydroplan-
ing, or peak traction charac-
teristics.
& Temperature A, B, C
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 con-
ditions on a specified indoor labora-
tory 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 Stan-
dards No. 109. Grades B and A
represent higher levels of perfor-
mance on the laboratory test wheel
than the minimum required by law.
WARNING
The temperature grade for this
tire is established for a tire
that is properly inflated and
not overloaded. Excessive
speed, underinflation, or ex-
cessive loading, either sepa-
rately or in combination, can
cause heat buildup and possi-
ble tire failure.Consumer information and Reporting safety defects/Uniform tire quality grading standards
13-15

Booster ........................................................ 7-35, 11-27
Disc ..................................................................... 12-9
Fluid ............................................................ 11-25, 12-7
Pad and lining ...................................................... 11-30
Parking ........................................................ 7-44, 11-30
Pedal .................................................................. 11-27
System ................................................................. 7-35
Brake pedal
Free play ............................................................. 11-27
Reserve distance .................................................. 11-28
Brake system ............................................................ 7-35
Warning light ......................................................... 3-21
Braking ..................................................................... 7-35
Tips...................................................................... 7-35
Breaking-in of new brake pads and linings ................... 11-30
BSD/RCTA ................................................................ 7-56
BSD/RCTA approach indicator light/warning buzzer .... 7-59
BSD/RCTA OFF switch ........................................... 7-61
BSD/RCTA warning indicator ................................... 7-60
Bulb
Chart .................................................................. 12-16
Replacing ............................................................. 11-44
C
Catalytic converter ....................................................... 8-3
Center
Console .................................................................. 6-5
Changing
Coolant ................................................................ 11-19
Flat tire ................................................................... 9-4
Oil and oil filter ..................................................... 11-15 Charge warning light ................................................... 3-17
CHECK ENGINE warning light/Malfunction indicator
light ....................................................................... 3-16
Checking
Brake pedal free play ............................................ 11-27
Brake pedal reserve distance ................................. 11-28
Clutch function ..................................................... 11-28
Clutch pedal free play ........................................... 11-28
Coolant level ........................................................ 11-18
Fluid level (brake fluid) .......................................... 11-25
Fluid level (clutch fluid) .......................................... 11-26
Fluid level (power steering fluid) ............................. 11-24
Fluid level (washer fluid) ........................................ 11-38
Oil level (engine oil) .............................................. 11-13
Child restraint systems ................................................ 1-21
Installation of a booster seat .................................... 1-28
Installation with ALR/ELR seatbelt ............................ 1-24
Lower and tether anchorages ................................... 1-29
Top tether anchorages ............................................ 1-32
Child safety ................................................................... 4
Locks .................................................................... 2-32
Chime
Key........................................................................ 3-5
Light ..................................................................... 3-94
Seatbelt. ................................................................ 3-14
Cigarette lighter ........................................................... 6-9
Cleaning
Aluminum
wheels ................................................... 10-3
Interior .................................................................. 10-5
Ventilation grille ....................................................... 4-9
Climate control system ................................................. 4-3 Index
14-3

Warning ........................................................ 3-22, 7-48
Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) ............................. 1-13
Engine
Compartment overview .......................................... 11-11
Coolant ........................................................ 11-18, 12-7
Exhaust gas (carbon monoxide) ............................. 5, 8-2
Hood .................................................................... 11-9
Low oil level warning light ....................................... 3-17
Oil............................................................... 11-13, 12-4
Overheating .......................................................... 9-11
Starting & stopping ........................................... 7-9, 7-12
Event data recorder ......................................................... 8
Exterior care .............................................................. 10-2
F
Flat tires ..................................................................... 9-4
Floor mat .................................................................. 6-10
Fluid level
Brake .................................................................. 11-25
Clutch .................................................................. 11-26
Continuously variable transmission .......................... 11-23
Power steering ..................................................... 11-24
Fog light ................................................................... 3-99
Bulb .......................................................... 11-47, 12-16
Indicator light ......................................................... 3-35
Switch .................................................................. 3-99
Front
Differential gear oil ........................................ 11-23, 12-6
Fog light ...................................................... 3-99, 11-47
Fog light indicator light ............................................ 3-35
Seatbelt pretensioners ............................................ 1-17 Front fog light ............................................................. 3-99
Switch ................................................................... 3-99
Front seats ................................................................. 1-2
Forward and backward adjustment ............................ 1-4
Head restraint adjustment ......................................... 1-5
Power seat ............................................................. 1-5
Reclining ................................................................ 1-4
Seat height adjustment (driver ’ s seat) ........................ 1-4
Fuel ........................................................................... 7-3
Consumption indicator ..................................... 3-52, 3-54
Economy hints ........................................................ 8-2
Filler lid and cap ...................................................... 7-5
Gauge ................................................................... 3-10
Requirements ................................................. 7-3, 12-3
Fuses ..................................................................... 11-42
Fuses and circuits .................................................... 12-10
G
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating) .. ............................. 8-12
Glove box ................................................................... 6-5
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) ........................... 8-12
H
Hazard warning flasher .......................................... 3-8, 9-2
Head restraint adjustment
Front seat ............................................................... 1-5
Rear
seat ............................................................... 1-8
Headlight
Beam leveler. ......................................................... 3-99
Bulb replacement ................................................. 11-44
Bulb replacing ...................................................... 11-44 Index
14-5