
Life Of Tire
The service life of a tire is dependent upon varying
factors including, but not limited to:
•Driving style.
• Tire pressure – Improper cold tire inflation pressures
can cause uneven wear patterns to develop across the
tire tread. These abnormal wear patterns will reduce
tread life, resulting in the need for earlier tire replace-
ment.
• Distance driven.
• Performance tires, tires with a speed rating of V or
higher, and Summer tires typically have a reduced
tread life. Rotation of these tires per the vehicle
maintenance schedule is highly recommended.
WARNING!
Tires and the spare tire should be replaced after six
years, regardless of the remaining tread. Failure to
follow this warning can result in sudden tire fail-
ure. You could lose control and have a collision
resulting in serious injury or death. Keep dismounted tires in a cool, dry place with as little
exposure to light as possible. Protect tires from contact
with oil, grease, and gasoline.
Replacement Tires
The tires on your new vehicle provide a balance of
many characteristics. They should be inspected regu-
larly for wear and correct cold tire inflation pressures.
The manufacturer strongly recommends that you use
tires equivalent to the originals in size, quality and
performance when replacement is needed. Refer to the
paragraph on “Tread Wear Indicator” in this section.
Refer to the Tire and Loading Information placard or
the Vehicle Certification Label for the size designation
of your tire. The Load Index and Speed Symbol for your
tire will be found on the original equipment tire side-
wall.
See the Tire Sizing Chart example found in the “Tire
Safety Information” section of this manual for more
information relating to the Load Index and Speed
Symbol of a tire.
It is recommended to replace the two front tires or two
rear tires as a pair. Replacing just one tire can seriously
206 STARTING AND OPERATING

to stop on wet pavement, as measured under con-
trolled conditions on specified government test sur-
faces of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may
have poor traction performance.
WARNING!
The traction grade assigned to this tire is based
on straight-ahead braking traction tests, and does
not include acceleration, cornering, hydroplan-
ing, or peak traction characteristics.
Temperature Grades
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 indoor
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 vehicle
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.
WARNING!
The temperature grade for this tire is established
for a tire that is properly inflated and not over-
loaded. Excessive speed, under-inflation, or ex-
cessive loading, either separately or in combina-
tion, can cause heat buildup and possible tire
failure.
TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR SYSTEM
The Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) will warn the
driver of a low tire pressure based on the vehicle
recommended cold placard pressure.
The tire pressure will vary with temperature by about
1psi (7 kPa) for every 12°F (6.5°C). This means that
when the outside temperature decreases, the tire pres-
sure will decrease. Tire pressure should always be set
based on cold inflation tire pressure. This is defined as
the tire pressure after the vehicle has not been driven
for at least three hours, or driven less than 1 mile
(1.6 km) after a three hour period. The cold tire inflation
210 STARTING AND OPERATING

pressure must not exceed the maximum inflation pres-
sure molded into the tire sidewall. Refer to “Tires –
General Information” in “Starting And Operating” for
information on how to properly inflate the vehicle’s
tires. The tire pressure will also increase as the vehicle is
driven. This is normal and there should be no adjust-
ment for this increased pressure.
The TPMS will warn the driver of a low tire pressure if
the tire pressure falls below the low-pressure warning
limit for any reason, including low temperature effects
and natural pressure loss through the tire.
The TPMS will continue to warn the driver of low tire
pressure as long as the condition exists, and will not
turn off until the tire pressure is at or above the
recommended cold placard pressure. Once the low tire
pressure warning (Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale
Light) illuminates, you must increase the tire pressure
to the recommended cold placard pressure in order for
the “Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale Light” to turn off.
The system will automatically update and the “Tire
Pressure Monitoring Telltale Light” will turn off once
the system receives the updated tire pressures. Thevehicle may need to be driven for up to 20 minutes
above 15 mph (24 km/h) in order for the TPMS to
receive this information.
For example, your vehicle may have a recommended
cold (parked for more than three hours) placard pres-
sure of 33 psi (227 kPa). If the ambient temperature is
68°F (20°C) and the measured tire pressure is 28 psi
(193 kPa), a temperature drop to 20°F (-7°C) will
decrease the tire pressure to approximately 24 psi
(165 kPa). This tire pressure is low enough to turn ON
the “Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale Light.” Driving
the vehicle may cause the tire pressure to rise to
approximately 28 psi (193 kPa), but the “Tire Pressure
Monitoring Telltale Light” will still be on. In this
situation, the “Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale Light”
will turn off only after the tires are inflated to the
vehicle’s recommended cold placard pressure value.
CAUTION!
•
The TPMS has been optimized for the original
equipment tires and wheels. TPMS pressures and
warnings have been established for the tire size
equipped on your vehicle. Undesirable system
(Continued)
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STARTING AND OPERATING 211

CAUTION!(Continued)
operation or sensor damage may result when
using replacement equipment that is not of the
same size, type, and/or style. The TPM sensor is
not designed for use on aftermarket wheels and
may contribute to a poor overall system perfor-
mance or sensor damage. Customers are encour-
aged to use OEM wheels to assure proper TPM
feature operation.
• Using aftermarket tire sealants may cause the Tire
Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) sensor to
become inoperable. After using an aftermarket
tire sealant it is recommended that you take your
vehicle to an authorized dealership to have your
sensor function checked.
• After inspecting or adjusting the tire pressure,
always reinstall the valve stem cap. This will
prevent moisture and dirt from entering the valve
stem, which could damage the Tire Pressure
Monitoring Sensor. NOTE:
•
The TPMS is not intended to replace normal tire care
and maintenance, or to provide warning of a tire
failure or condition.
• The TPMS should not be used as a tire pressure
gauge while adjusting your tire pressure.
• Driving on a significantly under-inflated tire causes
the tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure.
• Under-inflation also reduces the high voltage battery
range and tire tread life, and may affect the vehicle’s
handling and stopping ability.
• It is particularly important for you to check the tire
pressure in all of the tires on your vehicle monthly
and to maintain the proper pressure.
• The TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire mainte-
nance, and it is the driver ’s responsibility to maintain
correct tire pressure using an accurate tire pressure
gauge, even if under-inflation has not reached the
level to trigger illumination of the “Tire Pressure
Monitoring Telltale Light”.
• Seasonal temperature changes will affect tire pres-
sure, and the TPMS will monitor the actual tire
pressure in the tire.
212 STARTING AND OPERATING

TPM System
The Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) uses wireless
technology with wheel rim mounted electronic sensors
to monitor tire pressure levels. Sensors, mounted to
each wheel as part of the valve stem, transmit tire
pressure readings to the receiver module.
The TPMS consists of the following components:
•Receiver module
• Four Tire Pressure Monitoring Sensors
• Various Tire Pressure Monitoring System messages,
which display in the instrument cluster
• Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale Light
Tire Pressure Monitoring Low Pressure
Warnings
The “Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale Light” will
illuminate in the instrument cluster and a chime will
sound when tire pressure is low in one or more of the
four active road tires. In addition, the instrument
cluster will display a low pressure graphic showing
the low tire pressure tire highlighted in a different
color.
Should this occur, you should stop as soon as possible
and inflate the tires with low pressure to the vehicle’s
recommended cold placard pressure value. Once the
system receives the updated tire pressures, the system
will automatically update and the “Tire Pressure Moni-
toring Telltale Light” will turn off. The vehicle may
need to be driven for up to 20 minutes above 15 mph
(24 km/h) in order for the TPMS to receive this infor-
mation.
Low Tire Indicator
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STARTING AND OPERATING 213

allow 500e to use external power to establish a comfort-
able cabin temperature before the drive and allow the
battery to maintain the temperature at significantly
lower energy levels.
Additional tips:
•Keep tires properly inflated
• When practical, choose surface streets over the high-
way, and work to maintain a steady speed
• Avoid carrying nonessential cargo
• Be mindful of adding external accessories that may
increase aerodynamic drag
• Perform all scheduled maintenance at recommended
intervals
Driver Behavior Gauge
To help the driver extend the driving range of the high
voltage battery your vehicle is equipped with a Driver
Behavior Gauge. The Driver Behavior Gauge is located
on the right side of the instrument cluster and contains
three driving ranges:
• Power
The needle will move into the Power range when under
acceleration. •
ECO
The needle will move into the ECO range when you are
maximizing the driving range of the high voltage
battery.
• Charge
The needle will move into the Charge range when
battery regeneration is active (either coasting or brak-
ing).
Driver Behavior Gauge
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STARTING AND OPERATING 217

TIRE SERVICE KIT — IF EQUIPPED
Small punctures up to 1/4 inch (6 mm) in the tire tread
can be sealed with Tire Service Kit. Foreign objects (e.g.,
screws or nails) should not be removed from the tire.
Tire Service Kit can be used in outside temperatures
down to approximately -4°F (-20°C).
This kit will provide a temporary tire seal, allowing you
to drive your vehicle up to 100 miles (160 km) with a
maximum speed of 55 mph (90 km/h).
Tire Service Kit Storage
The Tire Service Kit is located in the rear cargo area.
Tire Service Kit Components And Operation
Tire Service Kit Location
Tire Service Kit Components
1 — Sealant Bottle 5 — Mode Select Knob
2—
Deflation Button6 — Sealant Hose (Clear)
3 — Pressure Gauge 7 — Air Pump Hose (Black)
4 — Power Button 8 — Power Plug (located on the bottom side of the Tire
Service Kit)
222 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

Using The Mode Select Knob And Hoses
Your Tire Service Kit is equipped with the following
symbols to indicate the air or sealant mode.
Selecting Air ModePush in the Mode Select Knob (5) and turn to
this position for air pump operation only. Use
the Black Air Pump Hose (7) when selecting this mode.
Selecting Sealant Mode
Push in the Mode Select Knob (5) and turn to
this position to inject the Tire Service Kit Sealant
and to inflate the tire. Use the Sealant Hose (clear hose)
(6) when selecting this mode.
Using The Power Button
Push and release the Power Button (4) once to
turn on the Tire Service Kit. Push and release the Power
Button (4) again to turn Off the Tire Service Kit.
Using The Deflation Button
Push the Deflation Button (2) to reduce the air
pressure in the tire if it becomes over-inflated.
Tire Service Kit Usage Precautions
•Replace the Tire Service Kit Sealant Bottle (1) and
Sealant Hose (6) prior to the expiration date (printed
at the lower right hand corner on the bottle label) to
assure optimum operation of the system. Refer to
“Sealing a Tire with Tire Service Kit” section (F)
“Sealant Bottle and Hose Replacement”.
• The Sealant Bottle (1) and Sealant Hose (6) are a one
tire application use and need to be replaced after
each use. Always replace these components immedi-
ately at your original equipment vehicle dealer.
Tire Service Kit Expiration Date Location
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 223