Get Engine and Chassis -> Checking and replacing tires Guide for Toyota Rav4 SUV Third Generation (2006-2012)

’07 Rav4_U (L/O 0701)

Checking and replacing tires

CAUTION

High tire pressure (overinfla-

tion)—

Tread wear indicator

Keep your tires properly inflated.

Otherwise, the following condi-

tions may occur and cause an ac-

cident resulting in death or seri-

ous injuries.

D Poor handling

D Excessive wear

D Uneven wear

D A greater possibility of tire

damage from road hazards

Low tire pressure (underinfla-

tion)—

D Excessive wear

D Uneven wear

D Poor handling

CHECKING YOUR TIRES

D Possibility of blowouts from an

Check the tire’s tread for tread

wear indicators. If the indicators

show, replace the tires. The loca-

tion of tread wear indicators is

shown by the “TWI” or “Δ” marks,

etc., molded on the sidewall of

each tire.

overheated tire

D Poor sealing of the tire bead

D Wheel deformation and/or tire

separation

D A greater possibility of tire

damage from road hazards

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2007 RAV4 from Dec. ’06 Prod. (OM42662U)

’07 Rav4_U (L/O 0701)

The tires on your Toyota have built−in

tread wear indicators to help you

know when the tires need replace-

ment. When the tread depth wears to

1.6 mm (0.06 in.) or less, the indica-

tors will appear. If you can see the

indicators in two or more adjacent

grooves, the tire should be replaced.

The lower the tread, the higher the

risk of skidding.

If air loss occurs while driving, do not

REPLACING YOUR TIRES

continue driving. Driving even a short

distance can damage a tire beyond

repair.

When replacing a tire, use a tire of

the same size and construction,

and the same or greater maximum

load as the originally installed

tires. Also, on four−wheel drive

models, all the tires must be the

same brand and have the same

tread patterns.

Any tires which are over 6 years

old must be checked by a qualified

technician even if damage is not

obvious.

Tires deteriorate with age even if they

have never or seldom been used.

This applies also to the spare tire and

tires stored for future use.

Using any other size or type of tire

may seriously affect handling, ride,

speedometer/odometer calibration,

ground clearance, and clearance be-

tween the body and tires or snow

chains.

Check that the maximum load of the

replaced tire is greater than 1/2 of the

Gross Axle Weight Ratings (GAWR)

of either the front axle or the rear

axle, whichever is greater. As for the

maximum load of the tire, see the load

limit at maximum cold tire inflation

pressure mentioned on the sidewall

of the tire, and as for the Gross Axle

Weight Ratings (GAWR), see the Cer-

tification Label.

The effectiveness of snow tires is

lost if the tread wears down below

4 mm (0.16 in.).

If you have tire damage such as

cuts, splits, cracks deep enough to

expose the fabric, or bulges indi-

cating internal damage, the tire

should be replaced.

If a tire often goes flat or cannot be

properly repaired due to the size or

location of a cut or other damage, it

should be replaced. If you are not

sure, consult with your Toyota dealer.

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2007 RAV4 from Dec. ’06 Prod. (OM42662U)

’07 Rav4_U (L/O 0701)

Rotating tires

For details about the side wall of the

tire and the Certification Label, see

pages 319 and 322.

D Four−wheel drive models:

Do not use tires of different

brands, sizes, construction or

tread patterns, as this may

cause dangerous handling

characteristics resulting in

loss of control.

CAUTION

Observe the following instruc-

tions. Otherwise, an accident

may occur resulting in death or

serious injuries.

Toyota recommends all four tires,

or at least both of the front or rear

tires be replaced at a time as a set.

D Do not mix radial, bias belted,

or bias−ply tires on your ve-

hicle, as this may cause dan-

gerous handling characteris-

tics resulting in loss of control.

See “If you have a flat tire” on page

355 in Section 4 for tire change proce-

dure.

With a spare tire of the same

wheel type as the installed tires

D Do not use tires other than the

manufacturer’s recommended

size, as this may cause danger-

ous handling characteristics

resulting in loss of control.

When a tire is replaced, the wheel

should always be balanced.

An unbalanced wheel may affect ve-

hicle handling and tire life. Wheels

can get out of balance with regular

use and should therefore be balanced

occasionally.

When replacing a tubeless tire, the

air valve should also be replaced

with a new one.

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2007 RAV4 from Dec. ’06 Prod. (OM42662U)

Engine and Chassis -> Checking and replacing tires for Your Toyota Rav4 SUV Third Generation (2006-2012)

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