Patriot Gravity Tender V1.0 Operator's Manual page 22

underinflated tire. Since this is a temporary fix, don't forget to recheck and adjust the tire's pressure when you can
obtain a cold reading.
Tire Size
To maintain tire safety, purchase new tires that are the same size as the vehicle's original tires or another size
recommended by the manufacturer. Look at the tire information placard, the owner's manual, or the sidewall of the
tire you are replacing to find this information. If you have any doubt about the correct size to choose, consult with
the tire dealer.
Tire Tread
The tire tread provides the gripping action and traction that prevent your vehicle from slipping or sliding, especially
when the road is wet or icy. In general, tires are not safe and should be replaced when the tread is worn down to 1/16
of an inch. Tires have built-in tread wear indicators that let you know when it is time to replace your tires. These
indicators are raised sections spaced intermittently in the bottom of the tread grooves. When they appear "even" with
the outside of the tread, it is time to replace your tires. Another method for checking tread depth is to place a penny
in the tread with Lincoln's head upside down and facing you. If you can see the top of Lincoln's head, you are ready
for new tires.
Tire Balance and Wheel Alignment
To avoid vibration or shaking of the vehicle when a tire rotates, the tire must be properly balanced. This balance is
achieved by positioning weights on the wheel to counterbalance heavy spots on the wheel-and-tire assembly. A
wheel alignment adjusts the angles of the wheels so that they are positioned correctly relative to the vehicle's frame.
This adjustment maximizes the life of your tires. These adjustments require special equipment and should be
performed by a qualified technician.
Tire Repair
The proper repair of a punctured tire requires a plug for the hole and a patch for the area inside the tire that
surrounds the puncture hole. Punctures through the tread can be repaired if they are not too large, but punctures to
the sidewall should not be repaired. Tires must be removed from the rim to be properly inspected before being
plugged and patched.
Tire Fundamentals
Federal law requires tire manufacturers to place standardized information on the sidewall of all tires. This
information identifies and describes the fundamental characteristics of the tire and also provides a tire identification
number for safety standard certification and in case of a recall.
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