Chevrolet 1973 Monte Carlo Owner's Manual page 64

on the placard. In addition, for
those owners who prefer the ut-
most in comfort, the reduced tire
pressures listed on the placard may
be used when loads of (5 occu-
pants or less) are carried.
The use of improper tire infla-
tion pressures can adversely affect
tire life and vehicle perforrilance:
• Too little air pressure can result
in excessive tire heat, abnormal
tire wear, adverse vehicle han-
dling and reduced fuel economy.
• Too much air pressure can re-
sult in abnormal tire wear, ad-
verse vehicle ride and handling,
and increased susceptibility to
damage by road impacts.
Tire pressures should be checked
when the tires are "cold" at least
once a month (and preferably
oftener) or before long trips or
when heavily loaded. The follow-
ing points should be observed
when checking and setting tire
pressures:
<
1. Cold tire pressure ratings are applic-
able when a vehicle has been Inopera-
tive for 3 hours or more, or driven less
than 1 mile.
2. Tire inflation pressure may increase as
much as 6 pounds per square inch (psi)
when hot (after vehicle has been driven
10 miles or at speeds of more than 60
miles per hour). Do not "bleed" or re-
duce pressures when tires are hot from
driving.
3. For continuous high speed operation
(over 75 mph), increase tire inflation
pressure 4 psi above the fecommended
pressures up to a maximum of 32 psi
cold pressure for load range B tires, or
40 psi for D load range tires. Sustained
speeds above 75 mph are not recom-
mended when the 4 psi adjustment
would require pressures greater than
the above maximum pressures.
4. Always use a tire pressure gauge when
checking pressures as the appearance
of a tire can be deceiving. For example,
radial ply tires, in comparison with bias
ply tires at the same pressure, may have
the appearance of being under-Inflated.
62
Vehicle Loading-Do not load
your vehicle beyond the vehicle
capacity (total pounds) shown on
the tire placard. This figure repre-
sents the design capacity of the
vehicle, not merely of the tires.
When towing trailers, the allow-
able passenger and cargo load
must be reduced by an amount
equal to the trailer tongue load on
the trailer hitch. (See "Trailer
Hauling" in Section 1 of this man-
ual.) Station wagon loads should
be distributed as far forward as
possible. Vehicles equipped with
luggage racks do not have a vehi-
cle load capacity greater than
specified on the tire placard.
Tire Wear and Rotation-Un-
even or abnormal tire wear is
usually the result of incorrect in-
flation pressure, improper wheel
alignment, wheels being out-of-
balance, or poor driving habits.