300MaintenanceChecking and Maintaining TiresChecking TiresTo safely operate your vehicle, your tires must be of the proper type and size, ingood condition with adequate tread, and properly inflated.■Inflation guidelinesProperly inflated tires provide the best combination of handling, tread life, and comfort.Refer to the driver’s doorjamb label or specification’s page for the specified pressure.Underinflated tires wear unevenly, adversely affect handling and fuel economy, andare more likely to fail from overheating.Overinflated tires make your vehicle ride harshly, are more prone to road hazards,and wear unevenly.Every day before you drive, look at each of the tires. If one looks lower than theothers, check the pressure with a tire gauge.At least once a month or before long trips, use a gauge to measure the pressure inall tires, including the spare. Even tires in good condition can lose 1 to 2 psi (10 to20 kPa, 0.1 to 0.2 kgf/cm2 ) per month.■Inspection guidelinesEvery time you check inflation, also examine the tires and valve stems.Look for:• Bumps or bulges on the side or in the tread. Replace the tire if you find any cuts,splits, or cracks in the side of the tire. Replace it if you see fabric or cord.• Remove any foreign objects and inspect for air leaks.• Uneven tread wear. Have a dealer check the wheel alignment.• Excessive tread wear.2 Wear Indicators P. 305• Cracks or other damage around valve stem.1Checking TiresMeasure the air pressure when tires are cold. This meansthe vehicle has been parked for at least three hours, ordriven less than 1 mile (1.6 km). If necessary, add orrelease air until the specified pressure is reached.If checked when hot, tire pressure can be as much as4–6 psi (30–40 kPa, 0.3–0.4 kgf/cm2) higher than ifchecked when cold.Have a dealer check the tires if you feel a consistentvibration while driving. New tires and any that havebeen removed and reinstalled should be properlybalanced.High speed drivingWe recommend that you do not drive faster than theposted speed limits and conditions allow. If you driveat sustained high speeds (over 99 mph or 160 km/h),adjust the cold tire pressures as shown below toavoid excessive heat build up and sudden tire failure.3WARNINGUsing tires that are excessively worn orimproperly inflated can cause a crash inwhich you can be seriously hurt or killed.Follow all instructions in this owner’smanual regarding tire inflation andmaintenance.Tire Size P255/50R19 103HPressure (front) 33 psi (227 kPa, 2.3 kgf/cm2 )
