Inflation

Always check tire inflation pressure using an accurate pressure gauge. Never inflate the tires to levels above or below the recommended pressure. Tire inflation pressures are carefully calculated to give the vehicle satisfactory ride and steering characteristics, without compromising tire tread life.

A Tire Size and Inflation Pressure Chart located on the glove compartment door gives the recommended cold tire inflation pressure. The cold tire inflation pressure can be measured after the vehicle has been parked for three hours or has been driven less than 1.6 km (1 mile) at speeds less than 64 km/h (40 mph).

Do not reduce the tire inflation pressure when the tires are hot, or after the vehicle has been driven over 1.6 km (1 mile) at speeds in excess of 64 km/h (40 mph). Under such conditions, pressures can increase as much as 41 kPa (6 psi) over cold inflation pressures.

After checking or adjusting the tire inflation pressures make certain to install the air valve caps. The air valve caps help prevent air leaks and keep dust and dirt out of the air valves.

Check the air valves. If any air valve is worn, cracked loose, or leaking air, replace it.

WARNING: OVER OR UNDERINFLATED TIRES CAN REDUCE TIRE LIFE, ADVERSELY AFFECT VEHICLE HANDLING, AND POSSIBLY LEAD TO A SUDDEN FAILURE THAT COULD RESULT IN THE LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL WITHOUT WARNING.

CAUTION: Radial-ply tires have highly flexible sidewalls which produce a noticeable sidewall bulge, making the tires appear underinflated. This is a normal condition for radial-ply tires. Do not attempt to eliminate this bulge by overinflating the tires.

A higher tire inflation pressure than the recommended pressure can cause a hard ride, tire bruising, carcass damage, and rapid wear at the center of the tire. Low tire pressure can produce tire squeal, hard steering, rim dents, high temperatures, and rapid wear on the outer edges of the tires. Unequal inflation pressures in tires using the same axle can cause uneven braking and reduce handling.