Wheels and Tires: Service Precautions

WHEELS AND TIRES

Warning:
- Do not mix different types of tires on the same vehicle such as radial, bias, or bias-belted tires except in emergencies (temporary spare usage), because vehicle handling may be seriously affected and may result in loss of control. Failure to follow these instructions may result in personal injury.

Factory-installed tires and wheels are designed to operate satisfactorily with loads up to and including full-rated load capacity when inflated to recommended inflation pressures. Correct tire pressure and driving techniques have an important influence on tire life. Heavy cornering, excessively rapid acceleration and unnecessary sharp braking increase tire wear. The spare tire is mounted in the luggage compartment under the mat. The valve stem should be on the bottom side of the tire to reduce the possibility of accidental valve stem air leakage. To equalize tire wear, the tires should be rotated at recommended intervals.

Safety Precautions

Warning:
- Never run the engine with one wheel off the ground, for example, when changing a tire. The wheel(s) resting on the ground could cause the vehicle to move. Failure to follow these instructions may result in personal injury.

Warning:
- The tire and wheel must always be correctly matched. It is very important to determine the size of each component before any assembly operations commence. Failure to adhere to these instructions can result in an explosive separation and cause serious bodily injury or death.

Warning:
- Aftermarket aerosol tire sealants are extremely flammable. Always question the customer to make sure these products have not been used. Failure to follow these instructions may result in personal injury.

Warning:
- Aftermarket wheel assemblies may not be compatible with the vehicle. Use of incompatible wheel assemblies can result in equipment failure and possible injury. Use only approved wheel assemblies. Failure to follow these instructions may result in personal injury.

Warning:
- Use only wheels and wheel nuts that have been designed for current model trucks. Aftermarket wheels or wheel nuts may not fit or function correctly. Failure to follow these instructions may result in personal injury.

Warning:
- Always wear safety goggles or a face shield when performing any work with the tire and wheel assemblies. Failure to follow these instructions may result in personal injury.

Caution:
- Reduce the air pressure as much as possible by pushing the valve core plunger in prior to removing the valve core. Avoid working in a position in which the face or body is directly over a tire in which there is pressure.

When carrying out any inspection or repair procedures on wheels and tires, follow the preceding safety precautions.