2006 Subaru Forester Owner's Manual - Page 337

13-6 Consumer information and Reporting safety defects Vehicle placard The vehicle placard shows original tire size, recommended cold tire inflation pressure on each tire at maximum loaded vehicle weight, seating capacity and loading information. Adverse safety consequences of under-inflation Driving at high speeds with excessively low tire pressures can cause the tires to flex severely and to rapidly become hot. A sharp increase in temperature could cause tread separation, and failure of the tire(s). Possible resulting loss of vehicle control could lead to an accident. Measuring and adjusting air pressure to achieve proper inflation Check and, if necessary, adjust the pressure of each tire (including the spare) at least once a month and before any long journey. Check the tire pressures when the tires are cold. Use a pressure gauge to adjust the tire pressures to the specific values. Driving even a short distance warms up the tires and increases the tire pressures. Also, the tire pressures are affected by the outside temperature. It is best to check tire pressure outdoors before driving the vehicle. When a tire becomes warm, the air inside it expands, causing the tire pressure to increase. Be careful not to mistakenly release air from a warm tire to reduce its pressure. Glossary of tire terminology Cold tire pressure The pressure in a tire that has been driven less than 1 mile or has been standing for three hours or more. Maximum inflation pressure The maximum cold inflation pressure to which a tire may be inflated. Recommended inflation pressure The cold inflation pressure recommended by a vehicle manufacturer. Intended outboard sidewall 1)The sidewall that contains a whitewall, bears white lettering or bears manufacturer, brand, and/or model name molding that is higher or deeper than the same molding on the other sidewall of the tire, or 2)The outward facing sidewall of an 800221 The vehicle placard is affixed to the driver's side door pillar. Example: D00115