Tires

CLEANING Remove the protective coating on the tires before delivery of a vehicle. This coating may cause deterioration of the tires. To remove the protective coating, apply warm water and let it soak for a few minutes. Afterwards, scrub the coating away with a soft bristle brush. Steam cleaning may also be used to remove the coating.

STANDARD PROCEDURE - TIRE REPAIR AREA For proper repairing, a radial tire must be removed from the wheel. Repairs should only be made if the defect, or puncture, is in the tread area (1). The tire should be replaced if the puncture is located in the sidewall. Deflate tire completely before removing the tire from the wheel. Use lubrication such as a mild soap solution when dismounting or mounting tire. Use tools free of burrs or sharp edges which could damage the tire or wheel rim. Before mounting tire on wheel, make sure all rust is removed from the rim bead and repaint if necessary. Install wheel on vehicle, and tighten to proper torque specification.

TREAD WEAR INDICATORS Tread wear indicators (3) are molded into the bottom of the tread grooves. When tread depth is 1.6 mm (1/16 in.), the tread wear indicators (3) will appear as a 13 mm (1/2 in.) band. Tire replacement is necessary when indicators appear in two or more grooves or if localized balding occurs.

TIRE/VEHICLE LEAD Use the following Vehicle Lead Diagnosis And Correction Chart to diagnose and correct a vehicle lead or drift problem.

TIRE WEAR PATTERNS Under inflation will cause wear on the shoulders of tire. Over inflation will cause wear at the center of tire. Excessive camber causes the tire to run at an angle to the road. One side of tread is then worn more than the other. Excessive toe-in or toe-out causes wear on the tread edges and a feathered effect across the tread.

TIRES Tires are designed and engineered for each specific vehicle. They provide the best overall performance for normal operation. The ride and handling characteristics match the vehicle's requirements. With proper care they will give excellent reliability, traction, skid resistance, and tread life. Driving habits have more effect on tire life than any other factor. Careful drivers will obtain in most cases, much greater mileage than severe use or careless drivers. A few of the driving habits which will shorten the life of any tire are: -Rapid acceleration -Severe brake applications -High speed driving -Excessive speeds on turns -Striking curbs and other obstacles Radial-ply tires are more prone to irregular tread wear. It is important to follow the tire rotation interval Tire Rotation. This will help to achieve a greater tread life. TIRE IDENTIFICATION Tire type, size, aspect ratio and speed rating are encoded in the letters and numbers imprinted on the side wall of the tire. Refer to the chart to decipher the tire identification code. Performance tires have a speed rating letter after the aspect ratio number. The speed rating is not always printed on the tire sidewall. These ratings are: - Q up to 99 mph - S up to 112 mph - T up to 118 mph - U up to 124 mph - H up to 130 mph - V up to 149 mph - W (consult the tire manufacturer for the specific speed rating) - Z more than 149 mph (consult the tire manufacturer for the specific speed rating) An All Season type tire will have either M + S, M AND S or M-S (indicating mud and snow traction) imprinted on the side wall. TIRE CHAINS Tire snow chains may be used on certain models. Refer to the Owner's Manual for more information.

REPLACEMENT TIRES The original equipment tires provide a proper balance of many characteristics such as: -Ride -Noise -Handling -Durability -Tread life -Traction -Rolling resistance -Speed capability It is recommended that tires equivalent to the original equipment tires be used when replacement is needed. Failure to use equivalent replacement tires may adversely affect the safety and handling of the vehicle. The use of oversize tires may cause interference with vehicle components. Under extremes of suspension and steering travel, interference with vehicle components may cause tire damage.

TIRE INFLATION PRESSURES Under inflation will cause rapid shoulder wear (1), tire flexing, and possible tire failure. Over inflation will cause rapid center wear (1) reduction in the tire's ability to cushion shocks. Improper inflation can cause: -Uneven wear patterns -Reduced tread life -Reduced fuel economy -Unsatisfactory ride -Vehicle drift For proper tire pressure specification refer to the tire label placard usually located on the drivers door latch pillar.