TIRES
11
Fuel Economy
Underinflated tires will increase tire rolling resistance resulting in
hi
gher fuel consumption.
Tread Wear
Improper cold tire inflation pressures can cause abnormal wear
pa
tterns 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
pr
oduces a jarring and uncomfortable ride.
Tire Inflation Pressures
The proper cold tire inflation pressure is listed on the driver side
B-
pillar or rear edge of the driver side door.
At least once a month:
• Check and adjust tire pressure with a good quality pocket-type
p
ressure gauge. Do not make a visual judgement when determining
proper inflation. Tires may look properly inflated even when they
are under-inflated.
• Inspect tires for signs of tire wear or visible damage.
I
nflation pressures specified on the placard are always “cold tire
in
flation 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
ho
urs. 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
te
mperatures, as tire pressures vary with temperature changes.
Tire pressures change by approximately 1 psi (7 kPa) per 12°F (7°C) of
ai
r temperature change. Keep this in mind when checking tire
pressure inside a garage, especially in the Winter. CAUTION!
After inspecting or adjusting the tire pressure, always reinstall the
va
lve stem cap. This will prevent moisture and dirt from entering
the valve stem, which could damage the valve stem.
GOODYEAR® DUNLOP® TIRES
126
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
ex
pert 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
t h
e vehicle manufacturer as shown on the vehicle placard, vehicle
certification label or in the vehicle Owner’s Manual:
Under inflation is the leading cause of tire failure and may result in
se
vere cracking, component separation or “blowout.” It reduces tire
load capacity, allows excessive sidewall flexing and increases rolling
resistance, 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
ge
nerate 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.
Ov
erloading 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
sh
own on the vehicle tire placard and remember that optimum rim
width is important for proper tire load distribution and function. The
maximum load capacity stamped on the sidewalls of P-Metric &
European Metric tires is reduced by 10% when used on a light truck,
utility vehicle or trailer. Never fit P-Metric or European Metric tires to
light trucks that specify LT-type replacement tires.
