’01 4Runner_U (L/O 0008)
Checking and replacing tires
The following instructions for checking
tire pressure should be observed:
Check the tires regularly for damage
such as cuts, splits and cracks. If any
damage is found, consult with a techni-
cian and have the tire repaired or re-
placed.
Tread wear indicator
D The pressure should be checked only
when the tires are cold. If your ve-
hicle has been packed for at least 3
hours and has not been driven for
more than 1.5 km or 1 mile since, you
will get an accurate cold tire pressure
reading.
Even if the damage does not appear seri-
ous, a qualified technician should examine
the damage. Objects which have pene-
trated the tire may have caused internal
damage.
D Always use
a
tire pressure gauge.
The appearance of a tire can be mis-
leading. Besides, tire pressures that
are even just a few pounds off can
degrade ride and handling.
Any tires which are over 6 years old
must be checked by a qualified techni-
cian even if damage is not obvious.
Tires deteriorate with age even if they
have never or seldom been used.
CHECKING YOUR TIRES
D Do not bleed or reduce tire pressure
after driving. It is normal for the tire
pressure to be higher after driving.
Check the tire tread for the tread wear
indicators. If the indicators show, re-
place the tires.
This also applies to the spare tire and
tires stored for future use.
D Never exceed the vehicle capacity
weight. The passenger and luggage
weight should be located so that the
vehicle is balanced.
REPLACING YOUR TIRES
The tires on your Toyota have built−in
tread wear indicators to help you know
when the tires need replacement. When
the tread depth wears to 1.6 mm (0.06
in.) or less, the indicators will appear. If
you can see the indicators in two or more
adjacent grooves, the tire should be re-
placed. The lower the tread, the higher
the risk of skidding.
When replacing
a
tire, use only the
same size and construction as original-
ly installed and with the same or great-
er load capacity.
D Be sure to reinstall the tire inflation
valve caps. Without the valve caps,
dirt or moisture could get into the valve
core and cause air leakage. If the caps
have been lost, have new ones put on
as soon as possible.
Using any other size or type of tire may
seriously affect handling, ride, speedome-
ter/odometer calibration, ground clearance,
and clearance between the body and tires
or snow chains.
The effectiveness of snow tires is lost
if the tread wears down below 4 mm
(0.16 in.).
2001 4RUNNER (OM35768U)
7
English 