Tire Information (U.S.A.)

Tire Labeling

Tire Labeling

Federal law requires tire manufacturers to place standardized information on the sidewall of all tires. This information identifies and describes the fundamental characteristics of the tire and also provides a tire identification number for safety standard certification and in case of a recall.

Tire Maintenance

Tire Inflation Pressure

Inspect all tire pressure monthly (including the spare) when the tires are cold. Maintain recommended pressures for the best ride, top handling, and minimum tire wear. Use the pressures specified on the vehicle tire information placard or tire label for optimum service.

Replacing a Tire

 

Always use tires that are in good condition:

Driving with worn tires is dangerous. Reduced braking, steering, and traction could result in an accident.

Close Warning
View Warning

If a tire wears evenly, a wear indicator will appear as a solid band across the tread.

Replace the tire when this happens.

  1. New tread

  2. Worn tread

  3. Tread wear indicator

 

You should replace the tire before the band crosses the entire tread.

 

Tires degrade over time, even when they are not being used on the road. It is recommended that tires generally be replaced when they are 6 years or older. Heat caused by hot climates or frequent high loading conditions can accelerate the aging process. You should replace the spare tire when you replace the other road tires due to the aging of the spare tire. The period in which the tire was manufactured (both week and year) is indicated by a 4-digit number.

Refer to Tire Labeling (Search).

Close Note
View Note

Safety Practices

The way you drive has a great deal to do with your tire mileage and safety. So cultivate good driving habits for your own benefit.

  • Observe posted speed limits and drive at speeds that are safe for the existing weather conditions

  • Avoid fast starts, stops and turns

  • Avoid potholes and objects on the road

  • Do not run over curbs or hit the tire against the curb when parking

 

If you feel a sudden vibration or ride disturbance while driving or you suspect your tire or vehicle has been damaged, immediately reduce your speed. Drive with caution until you can safely pull off the road. Stop and inspect the tire for damage. If the tire is under-inflated or damaged, deflate it, remove the tire and rim and replace it with your spare tire. If you cannot detect a cause, have the vehicle towed to the nearest vehicle or tire dealer to have the vehicle inspected.

Close Caution
View Caution
Steps for Determining the Correct Load Limit

Steps for Determining the Correct Load Limit

Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit-

  1. Locate the statement “The combined weight of occupants and cargo should never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs.” on your vehicle's placard.

  2. Determine the combined weight of the driver and passengers that will be riding in your vehicle.

  3. Subtract the combined weight of the driver and passengers from XXX kg or XXX lbs.

  4. The resulting figure equals the available amount of cargo and luggage load capacity. For example, if the “XXX” amount equals 1400 lbs. and there will be five 150 lb passengers in your vehicle, the amount of available cargo and luggage load capacity is 650 lbs. (1400 － 750 (5 × 150) = 650 lbs.)

  5. Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo being loaded on the vehicle. That weight may not safely exceed the available cargo and luggage load capacity calculated in Step 4.

  6. If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your trailer will be transferred to your vehicle. Consult this manual to determine how this reduces the available cargo and luggage load capacity of your vehicle.

Page top