SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 477
Fuel Economy
Underinflated tires will increase tire rolling resistance
resu
lting in higher fuel consumption.
Tread Wear
Improper cold tire inflation pressures can cause abnormal
wear
patterns and reduced tread life, resulting in the need
for earlier tire replacement.
Ride Comfort And Vehicle Stability
Proper tire inflation contributes to a comfortable ride.
Over
-inflation produces a jarring and uncomfortable ride.
Tire Inflation Pressures
The proper cold tire inflation pressure is listed on the driver's
side
B-Pillar or rear edge of the driver's side door.
At least once a month:
• C
heck and adjust tire pressure with a good quality
poc
ket-type pressure gauge. Do not make a visual judge-
ment when determining proper inflation. Tires may look
p
rop
erly inflated even when they are under-inflated.
• Inspect tires for signs of tire wear or visible damage.
Inf
lation pressures specified on the placard are always “cold
tire
inflation pressure”. Cold tire inflation pressure is
defined as the tire pressure after the vehicle has not been
driven for at least three hours, or driven less than 1 mile
(1.6
km) after sitting for a minimum of three hours. The cold
tire
inflation pressure must not exceed the maximum infla-
tion pressure molded into the tire sidewall.
Check tire pressures more often if subject to a wide range of
outd
oor temperatures, as tire pressures vary with tempera-
ture changes.
Tire pressures change by approximately 1 psi (7 kPa) per
12°F
(7°C) of air temperature change. Keep this in mind
when checking tire pressure inside a garage, especially in the
Winter.
Example: If garage temperature = 68°F (20°C), and the
outs
ide temperature = 32°F (0°C), then the cold tire inflation
pressure should be increased by 3 psi (21 kPa), which equals
1 psi (7 kPa) for every 12°F (7°C) for this outside temperature
condition.
CAUTION!
After inspecting or adjusting the tire pressure, always
r
ein
stall the valve stem cap. This will prevent moisture
and dirt from entering the valve stem, which could
damage the valve stem.
7
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