WHEEL CARE

22/01/2015

22/01/2015

22/01/2015

PERFORMANCE TIRES
Performance tires are designed for enhanced handling under demanding circumstances and generally have high-speed ratings with a low aspect ratio for improved control. These tires are not built for winter conditions.

22/01/2015

RUN-FLAT TIRES
Run-flat tires can be driven on with no air pressure. There is no need to stop to change the tire. Continue driving, but not too far or too fast. Driving on the tire may not be possible if there is permanent damage. To prevent permanent damage, keep speeds below 50 mph.

22/01/2015

If you decide to use snow/winter tires:
• Use tires of the same brand and tread type on all four wheel positions
• Use only radial ply tires of the same size, load range, and speed rating as the original equipment tires
• Winter tires with the same speed rating as the Original Equipment tires may not be available for H, V, W, Y, X, Z, and R speed-rated tires. If winter tires with a lower speed rating are chosen, never exceed the tires’ maximum speed capability.

22/01/2015

SNOW/WINTER TIRES
Winter tires are designed for increased traction on snow- and ice-covered roads. Consider installing winter tires if frequent driving on ice-or snow-covered roads is expected. See your dealer for details regarding winter tire availability and proper tire selection. With winter tires, there may be decreased dry-road traction, increased road noise, and shorter tread life. After changing to winter tires, watch for changes in the vehicle’s handling and braking

22/01/2015

ALL-TERRAIN TIRES
All-Terrain tires provide good performance on most road surfaces, in most weather conditions, and for off-road driving. The tread pattern on these tires may wear more quickly than others. Consider rotating these tires more frequently than the recommended 7,500 miles if you notice irregular wear.

22/01/2015

WHAT IS CAMBER?
Camber is the tilting of the wheels from the vertical when viewed from the front of the vehicle. When the wheels tilt outward at the top, the camber is positive. When the wheel tilts inward at the top, the camber is negative. The amount of tilt is measured in degrees from the vertical. Camber settings influence the directional control and the tire wear.
How does camber affect wheel alignment?
• Too much positive camber will result in premature tire wear on the outside of the tire and cause excessive wear on the suspension parts.
• Too much negative camber will result in premature tire wear on the inside of the tire and cause excessive wear on the suspension parts.
• Unequal side-to-side camber of 1 degree or more will cause the vehicle to pull or lead to the side with the most positive camber.
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WHAT IS CASTER?
Caster is the tilting of the uppermost point of the steering axis either forward or backward, when viewed from the side of the vehicle. A backward tilt is positive and a forward tilt is negative. Caster influences directional control of the steering but does not affect the tire wear. Caster is affected by the vehicle height, therefore it is important to keep the body at its designed height. Overloading the vehicle or a weak or sagging rear spring will affect caster. When the rear of the vehicle is lower than its designated trim height, the front suspension moves to a more positive caster. If the rear of the vehicle is higher than its designated trim height, the front suspension moves to a less positive caster.
How does caster affect wheel alignment?
• With too little positive caster, steering may be touchy at high speeds and wheel returnability may be diminished when coming out of a turn.
• If one wheel has more positive caster than the other, that wheel will pull toward the center of the vehicle. This condition will cause the vehicle to pull or lead to the side with the least amount of positive caster.
Always visit a Certified Service expert technician if you experience any of these situations. Check your Owner’s Manual for more information about wheel alignment and tire balance on your specific vehicle.