’03 Rav4_U (L/O 0208)
Checking tire pressure
The following instructions for checking
tire pressure should be observed:
CAUTION
D The pressure should be checked only
when the tires are cold. If your ve-
hicle has been parked 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.
Keep your tire pressure properly.
Otherwise, the following conditions
may occur and cause an accident re-
sulting in death or serious injuries.
Low tire pressure (underinflation)—
D Excessive wear
D Always use
a
tire pressure gauge.
D Uneven wear
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.
D Poor handling
D Possibility of blowouts from over-
heated tire
Keep your tire pressures at the proper
level.
D Poor sealing of the tire bead
D Do not bleed or reduce tire pressure
after driving. It is normal for the tire
pressure to be higher after driving.
D Wheel deformation and/or tire sepa-
ration
The recommended cold tire pressures, tire
size and the vehicle capacity weight are
given on page 254 in Section 8. They are
also on the tire pressure label as shown.
D Never exceed the vehicle capacity
weight. The passenger and luggage
weight should be located so that the
vehicle is balanced.
High tire pressure (overinflation)—
D Poor handling
You should check the tire pressures every
two weeks, or at least once a month. And
do not forget the spare!
D Excessive wear at the center of the
tire tread
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.
D A greater possibility of tire damage
from road hazards
Incorrect tire pressure may waste fuel,
reduce the comfort of driving, reduce tire
life and make your vehicle less safe to
drive.
If a tire frequently needs refilling, have it
checked by your Toyota dealer.
2003 RAV4 from Aug. ’02 Prod. (OM42517U)
233
English 
