Maintenance
9-38
WARNING
The temperature grade for this tire is
established for a tire that is properly
inflated and not overloaded.
Excessive speed, under-inflation,
over-inflation, or excessive loading,
either separately or in combination,
can cause heat build-up and
possible sudden tire failure. This
may cause loss of vehicle control
resulting in an accident.
Tire Terminology and Definitions
Air pressure
The amount of air inside the tire
pressing outward on the tire. Air
pressure is expressed in pounds per
square inch (psi) or kilopascal (kPa).
Accessory weight
This means the combined weight
of optional accessories. Some
examples of optional accessories
are automatic transmission, power
seats, and air conditioning.
Aspect ratio
The relationship of a tire’s height to
its width.
Belt
A rubber coated layer of cords that
is located between the plies and the
tread. Cords may be made from steel
or other reinforcing materials.
Bead
The tire bead contains steel wires
wrapped by steel cords that hold the
tire onto the rim.Bias ply tire
A pneumatic tire in which the plies are
laid at alternate angles less than 90
degrees to the centerline of the tread.
Cold tire pressure
The amount of air pressure in a tire,
measured in pounds per square inch
(psi) or kilopascals (kPa) before a tire
has built up heat from driving.
Curb weight
This means the weight of a motor
vehicle with standard and optional
equipment including the maximum
capacity of fuel, oil and coolant, but
without passengers and cargo.
DOT markings
A code molded into the sidewall
of a tire signifying that the tire
is in compliance with the U.S.
Department of Transportation motor
vehicle safety standards. The DOT
code includes the Tire Identification
Number (TIN), an alphanumeric
designator which can also identify
the tire manufacturer, production
plant, brand and date of production.
GVWR
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
GAWR FRT
Gross Axle Weight Rating for the
Front Axle.
GAWR RR
Gross Axle Weight Rating for the
Rear axle.
Maintenance
9-64
NOTICE
• Do not use strong soap, chemical
detergents or hot water, and do not
wash the vehicle in direct sunlight
or when the body of the vehicle is
warm.
• Be careful when washing the side
windows of your vehicle.
• Especially, with high-pressure water,
water may leak through the windows
and wet the interior.
• To prevent damage to the plastic
parts, do not clean with chemical
solvents or strong detergents.
NOTICE
ORG3090046
• Water washing in the engine
compartment including high
pressure water washing may cause
the failure of electrical circuits
located in the engine compartment.
• Never allow water or other liquids
to come in contact with electrical/
electronic components inside the
vehicle as this may damage them.
NOTICE
Matte paint finish vehicle
Automatic car wash which uses rotating
brushes should not be used as this can
damage the surface of your vehicle. A
steam cleaner which washes the vehicle
surface at high temperature may cause
the oil to adhere and leave stains that is
difficult to remove.
Use a soft cloth (e.g. microfiber towel or
sponge) when washing your vehicle and
dry with a microfiber towel. When you
hand wash your vehicle, you should not
use a cleaner that finishes with wax.
Waxing
A good coat of wax is a barrier between
your paint and contamination. Keeping
a good coat of wax on your vehicle will
help protect it.
Wax the vehicle until water will no longer
bead on the paint.
Always wash and dry the vehicle before
waxing. Use a good quality liquid or
paste wax, and follow the manufacturer’s
instructions. Wax all metal trim to protect
it and to maintain its luster.
Removing oil, tar, and similar materials
with a spot remover will usually strip the
wax from the finish. Be sure to re-wax
these areas even if the rest of the vehicle
does not yet need waxing.
