Tires: Description and Operation

DESCRIPTION - 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 application of brakes
- High-speed driving
- Taking turns at excessive speeds
- Striking curbs and other obstacles
- Operating vehicle with over or under inflated tire pressures

Radial ply tires are more prone to irregular tread wear. It is important to follow the tire rotation interval. This will help to achieve a greater tread-life potential.

TIRE IDENTIFICATION

Fig. 1:

Tire type, size, load index and speed rating are encoded in the letters and numbers imprinted on the side wall of the tire. Refer to the Tire Identification chart to decipher the identification code. For example purposes, the tire size P225/60 R 16 97 T is used in the chart. An All Season type tire will also have either M + S, M & S or M - S (indicating mud and snow traction) imprinted on the side wall. An Extra or Light Load marking "XL" or "LL" may also be listed on the sidewall. The absence of an "XL" or "LL" marking infers a standard load tire.

* NOTE: Consult the tire manufacturer regarding any questions on tire specifications or capabilities.

TIRE CHAINS
Refer to the owners manual supplied with the vehicle to determine whether the use of tire chains is permitted on this vehicle.

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

Radial-ply tires must always be used in sets of four and under no circumstances should they be used on the front only. It is recommended that tires from different manufacturers NOT be mixed. They may be mixed with a temporary spare tire when necessary. A maximum speed of 80 km/h (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.

DESCRIPTION - REPLACEMENT TIRES

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

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 original equipment tires provide a proper combination of many characteristics such as:
- Ride
- Noise
- Handling
- Durability
- Tread life
- Traction
- Rolling resistance
- Speed capability

The use of tires smaller than the minimum tire size approved for the vehicle can result in tire overloading and failure.

Use tires that have the approved load rating for the vehicle and never overload them. Failure to equip the vehicle with tires having adequate speed capability can result in sudden tire failure and loss of vehicle control.

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.

DESCRIPTION - SPARE TIRE (TEMPORARY)
The temporary (convenience) spare tire is designed for emergency use only. The original tire should be repaired and reinstalled, or replaced with a new, at the first opportunity.

The temporary (convenience) spare tire should be inflated to the pressure listed on its sidewall. Do not exceed speeds of 80 km/h (50 mph) when the temporary spare tire is in use on the vehicle. Refer to the Owner's Manual for more details.