Tires: Testing and Inspection

WHEEL AND TIRE INSPECTION / ADJUSTMENT

Tire Visual Inspection

A wheel or tire should be replaced if any cracks, damage, deformation or other problem(s) are found.






Tire Wear Inspection

1. Check the remaining tread.
Remaining treadStandard tires: 1.6 mm {0.063 in} min.
Snow tires: 50% of tread

2. A tire should be replaced if the wear indicators are exposed.






Abnormal Tire Wear

Abnormal tire wear patterns shown in the illustration can occur. See the chart for the possible causes and actions.










Air Pressure Inspection

Check the air pressure of all tires, including the spare tire, with an air pressure gauge. If necessary, adjust the air pressure.






Air Leakage Inspection

Verify that there is no air leakage from the air valve.






Tire Rotation

To prolong tire life and assure uniform tire wear, rotate the tires every 8,000-12,000 km {5,000-7,500 miles}.

CAUTION:
- Use the best tires on the front axle.

- After rotating the tires, adjust each tire to the specified air pressure. See certification label located on driver's door jamb.






Wheel and Tire Runout Inspection

Excessive radial and lateral runout of a wheel and tire assembly can cause roughness, vibration, wheel tramp, tire wear, and steering wheel tremor.
Before checking runout, and to avoid false readings caused by temporary flat spots in the tires, check runout only after the vehicle has been driven far enough to warm the tires.
The extent of the runout is measured with the radial runout gauge. All measurements are made on the vehicle with the tires inflated to recommended inflation pressures and with the front wheel bearings adjusted to specifications.

Wheel Runout

Measure radial and lateral wheel runout at the positions shown in the illustration. Runout should not exceed specifications.









Tire Runout

Measure radial and lateral tire runout at the positions shown in the illustration. Runout should not exceed specifications.









Wheel Leaks Inspection

1. Forged aluminum wheels do not get pinhole leaks and should not be repaired using an aluminum wheel repair compound.

2. Pinhole leaks in cast aluminum wheels compromise wheel integrity. Replace the wheel.

Wheel Balance Adjustment





If a wheel becomes unbalanced or if a tire is replaced or repaired, the wheel must be rebalanced to within specification.
Maximum unbalance (at rim edge)14-inch wheel: 10 g {0.35 oz}
15-inch wheel: 9 g {0.32 oz}






CAUTION:
- Do not use more than two balance weights on the inner or outer side of the wheel.

- One balance weight; max. 60 g {2.1 oz}.

- If the total weight exceeds 85 g {3.0 oz} on one side, rebalance after moving the tire around on the rim.

- Attach the balance weights tightly to the wheel.

- Select suitable balance weights for steel or aluminum alloy wheels.

- Do not use an on-car balancer on automatic transmission models; it may cause transmission damage.