Tire Maintenance

Improper or inadequate vehicle maintenance can cause abnormal tire wear.

The following are important maintenance points:

Tire Inflation Pressure

Check the inflation pressure of all tires (including the spare tire) monthly, when the tires are cold. Maintain the recommended pressures to achieve optimal handling and ride quality and minimum tire wear. Use the pressures specified on the vehicle tire and loading information placard or the tire label for best results.

Tire Rotation

To equalize tire wear, it is recommended to rotate the tires every 12,000 km (7,500 miles), or more often if uneven wear appears. When rotating, check that the balance is correct.

Check the tires for damage and uneven wear. Abnormal tire wear is usually caused by one or more of the following:

• Incorrect tire inflation pressure
• Improper wheel alignment
• Incorrect wheel balance
• Hard braking

After rotating, be sure to set the front and rear tire inflation pressures to the specifications (page 9-7) and check the wheel nut tightening torque.

WARNING

Rotate unidirectional tires and radial-ply tires with asymmetrical or studded tread patterns front-to-rear only, not side-to-side. Tire performance will be reduced if they are rotated side-to-side.

Tire Replacement

WARNING

Use only tires in good condition:

Driving with worn tires is dangerous. Reduced braking, steering and traction performance can cause an accident.

If a tire is worn evenly, a wear indicator appears across the tread.

In this case, replace the tire.

The tire must be replaced before the wear indicator appears across the tread.

NOTE

Tires deteriorate over time, even if they are not used on the road. It is generally recommended to replace tires that are 6 years old or older. Heat from use in hot climates or under heavy loads can accelerate the aging process. The spare tire should be replaced when the other tires are replaced, as it also ages. The tire manufacturing date (week and year) is indicated by a 4-digit number.

Refer to Tire Labeling on page 8-25.

Safe Driving Practices

Your driving style greatly affects tire mileage and safety.

Develop good driving habits for your own benefit.

• Observe posted speed limits.
• Avoid sudden starts, stops and turns.
• Avoid potholes and objects on the road
• Do not drive onto the curb or touch the curb with the tire when parking.

WARNING

If you feel sudden vibrations or abnormalities while driving, or suspect tire or vehicle damage, slow down immediately.

Drive carefully until you can safely leave the road.

Stop and check the tires for damage. If a tire is under-inflated or damaged, deflate it, remove the tire and wheel, and replace it with the spare. If you cannot find the cause, have the vehicle towed to the nearest dealer or tire retailer for inspection.