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WHEELS AND TIRES
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309
WARNING
•
Under-inflation is the most common
cause of tire failure and may result in
severe tire cracking, tread separation, or
"blow-out," with unexpected loss of vehi-
cle control and increased risk of injury.
•
Under-inflated tires reduce the load car-
rying capacity of your vehicle.
When weather temperature changes occur, tire
inflation pressures also change. A 10-degree
temperature drop causes a corresponding drop
of 1 psi (7 kPa) in inflation pressure. Check your
tire pressures frequently and adjust them to the
proper pressure, which can be found on the vehi-
cle's tire information placard or certification label.
Related information
•
Tire specifications (p. 310)
•
Tires – storage and age (p. 301)
•
Tires – tread wear indicator (p. 302)
Tire inflation – checking pressure
Inflation pressure should be checked when the
tires are cold.
Cold tires
The tires are considered to be cold when
they have the same temperature as the sur-
rounding (ambient) air.
This temperature is normally reached after the
vehicle has been parked for at least 3 hours.
After driving a distance of approximately 1 mile
(1.6 km), the tires are considered to be hot. If you
have to drive farther than this distance to pump
your tire(s), check and record the tire pressure
first and add the appropriate air pressure when
you get to the pump.
If checking tire pressure when the tire is hot,
never "bleed" or reduce air pressure. The tires
are hot from driving and it is normal for pressures
to increase above recommended cold pressures.
A hot tire at or below recommended cold inflation
pressure could be significantly under-inflated.
To check inflation pressure:
1. Remove the cap from the valve on one tire,
then firmly press the tire gauge onto the
valve.
2. Add air to reach the recommended air pres-
sure.
3. Replace the valve cap.
CAUTION
•
After inflating the tires, always reinstall the
valve cap to help avoid damage to the
valve from dirt, gravel, etc.
•
Use plastic valve caps only. Metal caps
could corrode and become difficult to
remove.
4. Visually inspect the tires to make sure there
are no nails or other objects embedded that
could puncture the tire and cause an air leak.
5. Check the sidewalls to make sure there are
no gouges, cuts, bulges or other irregulari-
ties.
6. Repeat this procedure for each tire, including
the spare
3
.
NOTE
•
If you overfill the tire, release air by push-
ing on the metal stem in the center of the
valve. Then recheck the pressure with
your tire gauge.
•
Some spare tires (available as an acces-
sory) require higher inflation pressure
than the other tires. Consult the tire infla-
3
Available as an accessory
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