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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 inflated.
Inflation Guidelines
•
Properly inflated
tires provide the best combination of handling, tread life, and
comfort. Refer to the driver’s doorjamb label or the specifications (see page
153) for the specified pressure.
•
Underinflated tires
wear unevenly, adversely affect handling and fuel economy,
and are more likely to fail from overheating.
•
Overinflated tir
es make your vehicle ride harshly, are more prone to road
hazards, and wear unevenly.
•
Every day befor
e 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 pr
essure 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 specified pressure is reached. 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 inflate 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 ex
cessive tread wear. Have a dealer check the wheel alignment.
•
Cracks or other damage around the
valve stems.
Wear IndicatorsThe 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
