Get Driving and Operation -> Wheels, tyres Guide for Vauxhall Meriva SUV First Generation (2003-2010)

158

Drivin g and Operation

Fit ting new tyres

Certain brands of tyre have a beaded edge

to protect alloy wheels from damage. If

wheel trims are used on steel wheels with

beaded-edge tyres, the following

Wheels, tyres

Fit tyres in pairs or in sets, which is even

better. Ensure that tyres on one axle are:

z the same size,

z the same design,

z the same make,

z and have the same tread pattern.

See page 216 for suitable tyres and

restrictions.

Tyres fitted in the factory are adapted to

the chassis and provide optimum driving

comfort and safety.

procedure must be followed:

z Use wheel trims and tyres that are

approved by Vauxhall for the vehicle in

question a nd therefore meet all the

requirements pertaining to the

Changing tyre / wheel type

Before changing to other tyres or wheels,

note the necessary changes.

Fit directionaltyres such thatthey rollin the

direction of travel. The rolling direction is

indicated by a symbol (e.g. an arrow) on

the sidewall.

respective wheel / tyre combination.

If tyres of a different size than those fitted

at the factory are used, the electronic

speedometer may require reprogramming

to ensure that the correct speed is

displayed.

z If the wheel trims and tyres used are not

Vauxhall-approved, the tyres must not

have a beaded edge.

Tyres fitted opposing the rolling direction

(such as when changing a tyre) should be

refitted as soon as possible. This is the only

way to benefit fully from the design

prop erties of the tyre.

9 Warning

Use of unsuitable tyres or wheel trims

could lead to sudden loss of air and

thereby accidents.

When disposing of tyres, follow the legal

re quireme nts.

Use of unsuitable tyres or wheels may

lead to accidents and render the vehicle

unroadworthy.

Driving and Operation 159

Tyre pressure

Check tyre pressure, including the spare

wheel, at least every 14 days and prior to

any long journey; the tyres should be

checked when cold. Don’t forget to check

the spare 3.

Picture no: 14194s.tif

Picture no: 9358t.tif

Use the valve cap key to m ake unscrewing

Incorrect inflation pressures will impair

the valve caps easier. The key is located on

the inside of the tank flap.

safety, vehicle handling, comfort and fuel

economy and will increase tyre wear.

Tyre pressure, see page 216.

If the pressure is too low, this can result in

considerable tyre heating and internal

damage, leading to tread separation and

even tyre blow-out at high speeds.

Do not reduce tyre pressure when the tyres

are wa rm. Otherwise the pressure may

drop below the permissible minimum when

the tyres cool down.

Hidden tyre damage is not eliminated by

adjusting the inflation pressure.

After having checked the tyre pressures,

tighten the valve caps using the valve cap

key.

9 Warning

Incorrecttyre pressure couldleadto aflat

tyre.

160

Drivin g and Operation

Check tyres regularly for damage

(penetrated foreign bodies, punctures,

cuts, cracks, bulges in side walls). Check

wheels for damage. If damage or unusual

wear is found, contact a workshop.

9 Warning

Damage may lead to tyre blow-out.

Picture no: 15941s.tif

Picture no: 6456u.tif

Tyre condition, wheel condition

Tread depth

Drive over edges slowly and at a right

angle if p ossible. Driving over sha rp edges

can lead to hidden tyre damage and wheel

damage which is only noticed later on.

Check tread depth regularly.

If wear is greater in the front than in the

rear, switch the front and rear tyres.

Correct the tyre pressures.

When parking, ensure thatthe tyres are not

pressed against the edge of the kerb.

For reasons of safety, tyres should be

replaced when their tread depth has worn

down to 2 to 3 mm (winter tyres: 4 mm).

Driving and Operation 161

General information

Tyre designations

Meanings:

z The risk of aquaplaning is greater if the

tyres are worn.

e.g. 175/70 R 14 88 T

z Tyres age,even if theyare used only very

little or not at all. A spare wheel which

has notbeen used for six years should be

used with care.

175 = Tyre width in mm

70

=

Cross-section ratio (tyre depth to

width in %)

R

14

88

=

Belt type R adial

Wheel diam eter in inc h

Load index

z Never fit used tyres the previous history

and use of which you do not know.

e.g. 88 corresponds to 567 kg

Speed code letter

z So as not to impair brake cooling, use

only wheel trims approved for use on

your vehicle.

T

=

Speed code letters:

Q

S

T

H

V

W

up to 100 mph (160 km/h)

Picture no: 6457u.tif

up to 112 mph (180 km/h)

up to 118 mph (190 km/h)

up to 130 mph (210 km/h)

up to 150 mph (240 km/h)

up to 168 mph (270 km/h)

The legally permissible minimum tread

depth (1.6 mm) has been reached when

the tread has worn down as far as one of

the tread wear indicators (TWI¹⁾). A

number of tread wear indicators are

spaced at equal intervals around the tyre

within the tread. Their position is indicated

by markings on the tyre sidewall.

1)

TW I = Tread Wear Indicator.

162

Drivin g and Operation

Winter tyres 3

For notes on fitting new tyres – see

page 158.

Wheel trims on steel wheels could come

into contactwith parts of the chain and be

damaged. Remove the wheel trim –

see page 178.

See page 216 for restrictions.

Tyre cha ins may only be used at sp eeds up

to 30 mph (50 km/h) and, when travelling

on roads that are free of snow,theymay be

used for brief periods only since they are

subject to rapid wear on a hard road and

may snap.

Winter tyres (M + S tyres) improve safety at

tem peratures below 7 °C and should

therefore be fitted on all the wheels.

The d esign of summ er tyres mea ns they

have limited qualities for winter driving.

If the maximum permissible speed for the

winter tyres is less than that of the vehicle,

a notice indicating the maximum

Temporary spare wheel 3:

Tyre chains must not be used on the

temporary spare wheel. If you need to use

tyre chains after suffering a flat front tyre,

fit the temporary spare on the rear axle

and transfer one of the rear wheels to the

front axle.

permissible speed for the tyres must be

affixed within the driver’s field of vision¹⁾.

Picture no: 6459u.tif

Ty re chains 3

If you use the spare wheel when it is fitted

with a summer tyre, the vehicle’s

driveability may be affected, especially on

slippery road surfaces. Obtain a

replacement for the faulty tyre as soon as

possible, and have the wheel balanced

and fitted to the vehicle.

Limitations and further information –

see page 216.

For notes on the temporary spare wheel –

see pages 178, 216.

Tyre chains are only permitted on the drive

wheels (front axle). They must be fitted to

the tyres symmetrically in order to achieve

a concentric fit.

Changing wheels – see page 178.

Wheel covers 3

Always use fine mesh chains that add no

more than 10 mm to the tyre tread and the

inboard sides (including chain lock).

If the wheel trims and tyres used are not

Vauxhall-approved, make sure that the

tyres d o not have a bea ded edge – see

page 158.

1)

Varies from country to country on account of

national regulations.

Driving and Operation -> Wheels, tyres for Your Vauxhall Meriva SUV First Generation (2003-2010)

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