261
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
Winter driving tips
Carry out the necessary preparations and inspections before driving
the vehicle in winter. Always drive the vehicle in a manner app ropri-
ate to the prevailing weather conditions.
■ Pre-winter preparations
●Use fluids that are appropriate t o the prevailing outside tem-
peratures.
• Engine oil
• Washer fluid
● Have a service technician inspec t the condition of the battery.
● Have the vehicle fitted with four snow tires.
Make sure to install 4 tires that are of the specified size, an d that
all 4 tires are the same size, same maker, same brand and tread
pattern.
■ Before driving the vehicle
Perform the following accordi ng to the driving conditions.
● Do not try to forcibly open a window or move a wiper that is
frozen. Pour warm water over the frozen area to melt the ice.
Wipe away the water immediately to prevent it from freezing.
● To ensure proper operation of the climate control system fan,
remove any snow that has accumulated on the air inlet vents
in front of th e windshield.
● Check for and remove any excess ice or snow that may have
accumulated on the exterior lig hts, vehicle's roof, chassis,
around the tires or on the brakes.
● Remove any snow or mud from the bottom of your shoes
before getting in the vehicle.
479
6-1. Specifications
6
Vehicle specifications
■
Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the wear
rate of the tire when tested under controlled conditions on a speci-
fied government test course.
For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one and a half (1 - 1 /2)
times as well on the governmen t course as a tire graded 100.
The relative performance of tires depends upon the actual condi tions
of their use. Performance may differ significantly from the nor m due
to variations in driving habits, service practices and differen ces in
road characterist ics and climate.
■Traction AA, A, B, C
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA, A, B and C ,
and they represent the tire’s ability to stop on wet pavement a s
measured under controlled cond itions on specified government
test surfaces of asphalt and concrete.
A tire marked C may have p oor traction performance.
Warning: The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on b raking
(straight ahead) traction tests and does not include cornering (turn-
ing) traction.
■ Temperature A, B, C
The temperature grades are A (the highest), B, and C, represent -
ing the tire’s resistance to the generation of heat and its abi lity to
dissipate heat when tested under controlled conditions on a speci-
fied indoor laboratory test wheel.
Sustained high temperature can c ause the material of the tire to
degenerate and reduce tire life, and excessive temperature can lead
to sudden tire failure.
Grade C corresponds to a level of performance which all passeng er
car tires must meet under the Fe deral Motor Vehicle Safety Standard
No. 109.
Grades B and A represent higher levels of performance on the la bo-
ratory test wheel than the minimum required by law.
