WHEELS AND TIRES
Tires – tread wear indicator
The tires have wear indicator strips running
across or parallel to the tread.
The letters TWI are printed on the side of the tire.
When approximately 1/16" (1.6 mm) is left on
the tread, these strips become visible and indi-
cate that the tire should be replaced. Tires with
less than 1/16" (1.6 mm) tread offer very poor
traction.
When replacing worn tires, it is recommended
that the tire be identical in type (radial) and size
as the one being replaced. Using a tire of the
same make (manufacturer) will prevent alteration
of the driving characteristics of the vehicle.
Related information
•
Tire specifications (p. 302)
•
Changing a wheel – direction of rotation
(p. 295)
294
•
Tires – storage and age (p. 293)
Tires – tire economy
A smooth driving style and correct inflation pres-
sure can help prolong the tires' service life.
•
Maintain correct tire pressure. The tire infla-
tion table, see the tire inflation decal on the
driver's door opening.
•
Avoid fast starts, hard braking and tire
screeching.
•
Tire wear increases with speed.
•
Correct front wheel alignment is very impor-
tant.
•
Unbalanced wheels impair tire economy and
driving comfort.
•
Tires must maintain the same direction of
rotation throughout their lifetime.
•
When replacing tires, the tires with the most
tread should be mounted on the rear wheels
to reduce the chance of oversteer during
hard braking.
•
Hitting curbs or potholes can damage the
tires and/or wheels permanently.