7-27
INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
80J23-03E
NOTE:
The tire inflation pressure will change
due to changes in atmospheric pres-
sure, temperature or tire temperature
when driving. To reduce the chance that
the low tire pressure warning light will
come on due to normal changes in tem-
perature and atmospheric pressure, it is
important to check and adjust the tire
pressures when the tires are cold. Tires
that appear to be at the specified pres-
sure when checked after driving, when
the tires are warm, could have pressure
below the specification when the tires
cool down. Also, tires that are inflated to
the specified pressure in a warm
garage may have pressure below the
specification when the vehicle is driven
outside in very cold temperature. If you
adjust the tire pressure in a garage that
is warmer than the outside tempera-
ture, you should add 1 psi to the recom-
mended cold tire inflation pressure for
every 10°F difference between garage
temperature and outside temperature.
Measuring Air Pressure
Use the following steps to achieve
proper tire inflation:
1) Identify the recommended tire pres-
sure on the vehicle’s Tire and Load-
ing Information Label or in the
owner’s manual.
2) Remove the valve cap from the tire
valve stem.
3) Using a reliable pressure gauge,
measure the tire inflation pressure
by pressing the tire gauge firmly
onto the valve to get a pressure
measurement. Remember that
inflation pressures should be
checked when the tires are “cold”,
meaning before they have been
driven one mile or after sitting for
three hours or more allowing the tire
to cool to ambient air temperature.
4) If the air pressure is too high, slowly
release the air by pressing on the
tire valve stem with the edge of the
tire gauge until you reach the cor-
rect pressure.
5) If the air pressure is too low, fill the
tire with air at a service station until
it reaches the recommended pres-
sure.
6) Make sure all tires have the same
air pressure (unless the owner’s
manual indicates otherwise).
WARNING
• Air pressures should be
checked when the tires are cold
or you may get inaccurate read-
ings.
• Check the inflation pressure
from time to time while inflating
the tire gradually, until the spec-
ified pressure is obtained.
• Never underinflate or overin-
flate the tires.
Underinflation can cause
unusual handling characteristics
or can cause the rim to slip on
the tire bead, resulting in an acci-
dent or damage to the tire or rim.
Underinflation can also cause
tires to overheat, leading to tire
failure.
Overinflation can cause the tire
to burst, resulting in personal
injury.
Overinflation can also cause
unusual handling characteristics
which may result in an accident.