Fuel Economy
Underinflated tires will increase tire rolling resistance resulting in higher
fuel consumption.
Tread Wear
Improper cold tire inflation pressures can cause abnormal wear patterns
and reduced tread life, resulting in the need for earlier tire replacement.
Ride Comfort And Vehicle Stability
Proper tire inflation contributes to a comfortable ride. Overinflation
produces a jarring and uncomfortable ride.
Tire Inflation Pressures
The proper cold tire inflation pressure is listed on the driver’s side
B-Pillar or rear edge of the driver’s side door.
At least once a month:
• Check
and adjust tire pressure with a good quality pocket-type
pressure gauge. Do not make a visual judgement when determining
proper inflation. Tires may look properly inflated even when they are
underinflated.
• Inspect tires for signs
of tire wear or visible damage.
CAUTION!
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 valve stem.
Inflation pressures specified on the placard are always “cold tire inflation
pressure”. Cold tire inflation pressure 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 sitting for a minimum of three hours. The cold tire
inflation pressure must not exceed the maximum inflation pressure
molded into the tire sidewall.
Check tire pressures more often if subject to a wide range of outdoor
temperatures, as tire pressures vary with temperature changes.
Tire pressures change by approximately 1 psi (7 kPa) per 12°F (7°C) of air
temperature change. Keep this in mind when checking tire pressure
inside a garage, especially in the Winter.
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pressures when the tires are cold (when the vehicle has been driven less
than one mile). If you must check inflation when the tires are hot, add
4 psi (27 kPa) to the recommended cold inflation pressure. It is difficult
to tell just by looking at radial tires whether they are underinflated.*
Furthermore, when operating a vehicle equipped with radial tires, it is
difficult to notice when a tire has gone flat or nearly flat since the “feel”
of the vehicle does not change significantly.
*Evidence of air loss or repeated underinflation always requires expert
inspection to determine the source of leakage and tire removal to
determine repairability.To avoid injury, NEVER attempt to reinflate a
tire that has been run severely underinflated. Progressive air loss may
result from punctures, cuts, curbing, impacts or partial bead unseating.
Some fitment causes for air loss are (1) incomplete bead seating, (2) bead
tearing caused by a machine tool due to insufficient lubrication or
improper adjustment. Leaking valve core or rubber valve components
should be replaced when problems are detected and whenever tires are
replaced.
Always maintain inflation pressure at the level recommended by the
vehicle manufacturer as shown on the vehicle placard, vehicle certifi-
cation label or in the vehicle owner ’s manual:
Under inflation is the leading cause of tire failure and may result in
severe cracking, component separation or “blowout.” It reduces tire load
capacity, allows excessive sidewall flexing and increases rolling resis-
tance, resulting in heat and mechanical damage. Maintaining proper
inflation pressure is the single most important thing you can do to
promote tire durability and maximize tread life.
Over inflation increases stiffness, which may deteriorate ride and gener-
ate unwanted vibration. Over inflation also increases the chances of
impact damage.
DON’T OVERLOAD YOUR VEHICLE
Check your vehicle owner ’s manual to determine the load limits.
Overloading your vehicle places stress on your tires and other critical
vehicle components. Overloading a vehicle can cause poor handling or
increased fuel consumption and may cause tire failure. Overloading your
tires can result in severe cracking, component separation or “blowout.”
Never fit your vehicle with new tires that have less load capacity than
shown on the vehicle tire placard and remember that optimum rim width
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