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Understanding Tire Pressure and Load Limits
Tire inflation pressure is the level of air in the tire that provides it with load-
carrying capacity and affects the overall performance of the vehicle. The
tire inflation pressure is a number that indicates the amount of air
pressure as measured in pounds per square inch (psi) - a tire requires to
be properly inflated. (You will also find this number on the vehicle
information placard expressed in kilopascals (kPa), which is the metric
measure used internationally.)
The listed amount of air pressure is for maximum load capacity. When
traveling with less then full weight, you may wish to reduce air pressure
slightly for smoother ride.
While driving your tires will get warmer, causing air pressure to raise. To
get an accurate pressure reading, you must allow tries to cool for at least
3 hours.
For convenience, purchase a good quality pressure gauge to keep In
your tow vehicle. Gauges can be purchased at auto parts store.
Because tires are designed to be used on more than one type of vehicle,
tire manufacturers list the “maximum permissible inflation pressure” on the
tire sidewall. This number is the greatest amount of air pressure that
should ever be put in the tire under normal driving conditions.
Tire Size
To maintain tire safety, purchase replacement tires that are the same
size as the vehicle’s original tires or another size recommended by the
manufacturer. Look at the tire information placards, or the sidewall of the
tire you are replacing to find this information. If you have any doubt about
the correct size to choose, consult with the tire dealer.
It is recommended that the tire pressure be checked at the beginning of
each journey, and at least once per week during useage to obtain the
maximum life of the tires.
CAUTION
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