Tires and wheels
182
Operation
Potential problems associated with un-
derinflated and overinflated tires
Proper tire inflation pressure is essential to
the safe and satisfactory operation of your
vehicle. The following three primary areas
are affected by improper tire inflation pres-
sure:
1. Safety
2. Economy
Improper inflation pressures can cause un-
even wear patterns to develop across the
tire tread. These abnormal wear patterns
will reduce tread life, resulting in a need for
earlier tire replacement. Underinflation
also increases tire rolling resistance and
results in higher fuel consumption.
3. Ride comfort and vehicle stability
Proper tire inflation contributes to a com-
fortable ride. Overinflation produces a jar-
ring and uncomfortable ride.
Besides the tire name (sales designation)
and manufacturer's name, a number of
markings can be found on a tire.
The following sections provide explana-
tions regarding the markings on your vehi-
cle's tires.
1 DOT, Tire Identification Number (TIN)
(
e page 189)
2 Maximum tire load (e page 186)
3 Maximum tire inflation pressure
(e page 188)
4 Manufacturer
5 Tire ply material (
e page 187)
6 Tire size designation, load and speed
rating (e page 183)
7 Tire name
i For illustrative purposes only. The actual
data on tires is specific to each vehicle and may
vary from the data shown in the following illustra-
tion.
G Warning
Follow recommended tire inflation pressures.
Do not underinflate tires. Underinflated tires
wear excessively and/or unevenly, adversely
affect handling and fuel economy, and are
more likely to fail from being overheated.
Do not overinflate tires. Overinflated tires can
adversely affect handling and ride comfort,
wear unevenly, increase stopping distance,
and result in sudden deflation (blowout) be-
cause they are more likely to become punc-
tured or damaged by road debris, potholes,
etc.
G Warning
Improperly inflated tires are dangerous and
can cause accidents.
Unequal tire inflation pressures can cause
steering problems. You could lose control of
your vehicle.
Unequal tire inflation pressures from one side
of the vehicle to the other can cause the ve-
hicle to drift to the right or left. Always drive
with each tire inflated to the recommended
cold tire inflation pressure.
Tire labeling
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