Description and operation

Tires

DESCRIPTION

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 shown in the section on 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 (Fig. 1).

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 100 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
• 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 & 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.

Fig. 1 Tire Identification

Radial-ply tires

DESCRIPTION

Radial-ply tires improve handling, tread life and ride quality, and decrease rolling resistance.

Radial-ply tires must always be used in sets of four. Under no circumstances should they be used on the front only. They may be mixed with temporary spare tires when necessary. A maximum speed of 50 MPH is recommended while a temporary spare is in use.

Radial-ply tires have the same load-carrying capacity as other types of tires of the same size. They also use the same recommended inflation pressures.

The use of oversized tires, either in the front or rear of the vehicle, can cause vehicle drive train failure.

This could also cause inaccurate wheel speed signals when the vehicle is equipped with Anti-Lock Brakes.

The use of tires from different manufactures on the same vehicle is NOT recommended. The proper tire pressure should be maintained on all four tires.

Spare tire-temporary

DESCRIPTION

The temporary spare tire is designed for emergency use only. The original tire should be repaired or replaced at the first opportunity, then reinstalled.

Do not exceed speeds of 50 M. P. H. when using the temporary spare tire. Refer to Owner's Manual for complete details.

Tire inflation pressures

DESCRIPTION

Under inflation will cause rapid shoulder wear, tire flexing, and possible tire failure (Fig. 2).

Fig. 2 Under Inflation Wear

1 - THIN TIRE THREAD AREAS

Over inflation will cause rapid center wear and loss of the tire's ability to cushion shocks (Fig. 3).

Fig. 3 Over Inflation Wear

1 - THIN TIRE THREAD AREA

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 Inflation Pressure Chart provided with the vehicles Owners Manual. A Certification Label on the drivers side door pillar provides the minimum tire and rim size for the vehicle. The label also list the cold inflation pressure for these tires at full load operation Tire pressures have been chosen to provide safe operation, vehicle stability, and a smooth ride. Tire pressure should be checked cold once a month. Tire pressure decreases as the ambient temperature drops. Check tire pressure frequently when ambient temperature varies widely.

Tire inflation pressures are cold inflation pressure.

The vehicle must sit for at least 3 hours to obtain the correct cold inflation pressure reading. Or be driven less than one mile after sitting for 3 hours. Tire inflation pressures may increase from 2 to 6 pounds per square inch (psi) during operation. Do not reduce this normal pressure build-up.

WARNING: OVER OR UNDER INFLATED TIRES CAN AFFECT VEHICLE HANDLING AND TREAD WEAR. THIS MAY CAUSE THE TIRE TO FAIL SUDDENLY, RESULTING IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL.

Tire pressure for high speed

DESCRIPTION

Where speed limits allow the vehicle to be driven at high speeds, correct tire inflation pressure is very important. For speeds up to and including 120 km/h (75 mph), tires must be inflated to the pressures shown on the tire placard. For continuous speeds in excess of 120 km/h (75 mph), tires must be inflated to the maximum pressure specified on the tire sidewall.

Vehicles loaded to the maximum capacity should not be driven at continuous speeds above 75 mph (120 km/h).

For emergency vehicles that are driven at speeds over 90 mph (144 km/h), special high speed tires must be used. Consult tire manufacturer for correct inflation pressure recommendations.

Replacement tires

DESCRIPTION

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.

WARNING: FAILURE TO EQUIP THE VEHICLE WITH TIRES HAVING ADEQUATE SPEED CAPABILITY CAN RESULT IN SUDDEN TIRE FAILURE.