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{ CAUTION
Rust or dirt on a wheel, or on
the parts to which it is
fastened, can make wheel
nuts become loose after time.
The wheel could come off and
cause an accident. When you
change a wheel, remove any
rust or dirt from places where
the wheel attaches to the
vehicle. In an emergency, you
can use a cloth or a paper
towel to do this; but be sure to
use a scraper or wire brush
later, if needed, to get all the
rust or dirt off. See Changing
a Flat Tire on page 5-66.
Make sure the spare tire, if the
vehicle has one, is stored
securely. Push, pull, and then try
to rotate or turn the tire. If it
moves, tighten the cable. See
Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and
Tools on page 5-76.
When It Is Time for
New Tires
Various factors, such as
maintenance, temperatures,
driving speeds, vehicle loading,
and road conditions influence when
you need new tires.
One way to tell when it is time for
new tires is to check the treadwear
indicators, which will appear
when the tires have only 1/16 inch
(1.6 mm) or less of tread remaining.
You need new tires if any of the
following statements are true:
• You can see the indicators at
three or more places around
the tire.
• You can see cord or fabric
showing through the tire’s rubber.
• The tread or sidewall is cracked,
cut, or snagged deep enough to
show cord or fabric.
• The tire has a bump, bulge,
or split.
• The tire has a puncture, cut, or
other damage that cannot be
repaired well because of the size
or location of the damage.
The rubber in tires degrades over
time, even if they are not being
used. This is also true for the
spare tire, if the vehicle has one.
Multiple conditions affect how fast
this aging takes place, including
temperatures, loading conditions,
and inflation pressure maintenance.
Service and Appearance Care 5-51