2007 Suzuki Reno Owner's Manual - Page 172

SERVICE AND APPEARANCE CARE Tires Your new vehicle comes with high-quality tires made by a leading tire manufacturer. If you ever have questions about your tire warranty and where to obtain service, see your SUZUKI Warranty booklet for details. For additional information refer to the tire manufacturer's booklet included with your vehicle's Owner's Manual. WARNING (Continued) • Worn, old tires can cause accidents. If your tread is badly worn, or if your tires have been damaged, replace them. B. Tire Sidewall Labeling Useful information about a tire is molded into its sidewall. The examples below show a typical passenger car tire and a spare tire sidewall. Passenger Car Tire Example C. WARNING Poorly maintained and improperly used tires are dangerous. • Overloading your tires can cause overheating as a result of too much friction. You could have an air-out and a serious accident. See "Loading Your Vehicle" in the Index. • Underinflated tires pose the same danger as overloaded tires. The resulting accident could cause serious injury. Check all tires frequently to maintain the recommended pressure. Tire pressure should be checked when your tires are cold. • Overinflated tires are more likely to be cut, punctured or broken by a sudden impact - such as when you hit a pothole. Keep tires at the recommended pressure. (Continued) D. E. F. A. Tire Size The tire size is a combination of letters and numbers used to define a particular tire's width, height, aspect ratio, construction type and service description. See the "Tire Size" illus- G. tration later in this section for more detail. Department of Transportation (DOT) Code The Department of Transportation (DOT) code indicates that the tire is in compliance with the U.S. Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. Tire Identification Number (TIN) The letters and numbers following the DOT code are the Tire Identification Number (TIN). The TIN shows the manufacturer and plant code, tire size and date the tire was manufactured. The TIN is molded on to both sides of the tire, although only one side may have the date of manufacture. Tire Ply Material The type of cord and number of plies in the sidewall and under the tread. Uniform Tire Quality Grading (UTQG) Tire manufacturers are required to grade tires based on three performance factors: treadwear, traction and temperature resistance. Maximum Cold Inflation Load Limit Maximum load that can be carried and the maximum pressure needed to support that load. Load Index and Speed Rating The two- or three-digit number is the tire's load index, the maximum load a tire can carry at the speed indicated by its speed symbol at the maximum inflation pressure. The higher the 5-28