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New Tires
Remember that tires are
perishable goods. As of
2000, the manufacturing
week and year (Depart-
ment of Transportation
(DOT) stamp) will be indi-
cated with 4 digits (e.g. 1502 means that the
tire illustrated was manufactured during
week 15 of 2002).
Tire age
Tires degrade over time, even when they are
not being used. It is recommended that tires
generally be replaced after 6 years of normal
service. Heat caused by hot climates, fre-
quent high loading conditions or Ultra Violet
(U.V) exposure can accelerate the aging pro-
cess.
You should replace the spare tire when you
replace the other road tires due to the aging
of the spare.
A tire's age can be determined by the DOT
stamp on the sidewall (see the illustration
above).
A tire with e.g., visible cracks or discoloration
should be replaced immediately.
Improving tire economy
• Maintain correct tire pressure. See the tire
pressure tables on pages 156 and 157 .
• Drive smoothly: avoid fast starts, hard
braking and tire screeching.
• Tire wear increases with speed.
• Correct front wheel alignment is very
important.
• 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.
07 Wheels and tires
General information
07
153
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