09 Wheels and tires
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09
When weather temperature changes occur,
tire inflation pressures also change. A 10-
degree temperature drop causes a corres-
ponding drop of 1 psi (7 kPa) in inflation pres-
sure. Check your tire pressures frequently
and adjust them to the proper pressure,
which can be found on the vehicle's tire infor-
mation placard or certification label.
3. Replace the valve cap.
Tire inflation – checking pressure
Inflation pressure should be checked when
the tires are cold.
CAUTION
After inflating the tires, always reinstall
the valve cap to help avoid damage to
the valve from dirt, gravel, etc.
•
Cold tires
The tires are considered to be cold when
they have the same temperature as the
surrounding (ambient) air.
Use plastic valve caps only. Metal caps
could corrode and become difficult to
remove.
•
This temperature is normally reached after the
vehicle has been parked for at least 3 hours.
Related information
Tire specifications (p. 299)
•
After driving a distance of approximately
1 mile (1.6 km), the tires are considered to be
hot. If you have to drive farther than this dis-
tance to pump your tire(s), check and record
the tire pressure first and add the appropriate
air pressure when you get to the pump.
Tires – storage and age (p. 290)
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•
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4. Visually inspect the tires to make sure
there are no nails or other objects
embedded that could puncture the tire
and cause an air leak.
Tires – tread wear indicator (p. 291)
Tire inflation – pressure table (p. 301)
5. Check the sidewalls to make sure there
are no gouges, cuts, bulges or other
irregularities.
If checking tire pressure when the tire is hot,
never "bleed" or reduce air pressure. The
tires are hot from driving and it is normal for
pressures to increase above recommended
cold pressures. A hot tire at or below recom-
mended cold inflation pressure could be sig-
nificantly under-inflated.
6. Repeat this procedure for each tire,
including the spare.
NOTE
If you overfill the tire, release air by
•
pushing on the metal stem in the cen-
ter of the valve. Then recheck the
pressure with your tire gauge.
To check inflation pressure:
1. Remove the cap from the valve on one
tire, then firmly press the tire gauge onto
the valve.
Some spare tires require higher infla-
•
tion pressure than the other tires. Con-
sult the tire inflation pressure table,
see Tire inflation – pressure table
(p. 301) or see the inflation pressure
placard.
2. Add air to reach the recommended air
pressure.
298
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