Checking Tire Pressure - Toyota 2003 Prius Owner's Manual

162.Checking tire pressure

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Keep your tire pressures at the proper
level.
The recommended cold tire pressures, tire
size and the vehicle capacity weight are
given on page 241 in Section 9. They are
also on the tire pressure label as shown.
You should check the tire pressures every
two weeks, or at least once a month. And
do not forget the spare!
Incorrect tire pressure may waste fuel,
reduce the comfort of driving, reduce
tire life and make your vehicle less safe
to drive.
If a tire frequently needs refilling, have it
checked by your Toyota dealer.
CAUTION
Keep your tire pressure properly.
Otherwise, the following conditions
may occur and cause an accident re-
sulting in death or serious injuries.
Low tire pressure (underinflation)—
D
Excessive wear
D
Uneven wear
D
Poor handling
D
Possibility of blowouts from over-
heated tire.
D
Poor sealing of the tire bead
D
Wheel deformation and/or tire sepa-
ration
High tire pressure (Overinflation)—
D
Poor handling
D
Excessive wear at the center of the
tire tread
D
A greater possibility of tire damage
from road hazards
The following instructions for checking
tire pressure should be observed:
D
The pressure should be
only when the tires are cold. If your
vehicle has been parked for at least 3
hours and has not been driven for
more than 1.5 km or 1 mile since, you
will get an accurate cold tire pressure
reading.
D
Always use a tire pressure gauge.
The appearance of a tire can be mis-
leading. Besides, tire pressures that
are even just a few pounds off can
degrade ride and handling.
D
Take special care when adding air to
the compact spare tire. The smaller
tire size can gain pressure very quick-
ly. Add compressed air in small quanti-
ties and check the pressure often until
it reaches the specified pressure.
D
Do not bleed or reduce tire pressure
after driving. It is normal for the tire
pressure to be higher after driving.
D
Never exceed the vehicle capacity
weight. The passenger and luggage
weight should be located so that the
vehicle is balanced.
checked
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