1996 Toyota Land Cruiser Owners Manual - Page 167

Checking tire pressure Keep your tire pressures at the proper level. The recommended cold tire pressures, tire size and the vehicle capacity are given in Part 8. You should check the tire pressures every two weeks, or at least once a month. And don't forget the spare! Incorrect tire pressure can reduce tire life and make your vehicle less safe to drive. Low tire pressure results in excessive wear, poor handling, reduced fuel economy, and the possibility of blowouts from overheated tires. Also, low tire pressure can cause poor sealing of the tread bead. If the tire pressure is excessively low, there is the possibility of wheel deformation and/or tire separation. High tire pressure produces a harsh ride, handling problems, excessive wear at the center of the tire tread, and a greater possibility of tire damage from road hazards. If a tire frequently needs refilling, have it checked by your Toyota dealer. The following instructions for checking tire pressure should be observed: S The pressure should be checked only when the tires are cold. If your vehicle has been parked for at least 3 hours and has not been driven for more than 1.5 km or 1 mile since, you will get an accurate cold tire pressure reading. Always use a tire pressure gauge. The appearance of a tire can be misleading. Besides, tire pressures that are even just a few pounds off can degrade handling and ride. Do not bleed or reduce tire pressure after driving. It is normal for the tire pressure to be higher after driving. Never exceed the vehicle capacity weight. The passenger and luggage weight should be located so that the vehicle is balanced. Be sure to reinstall the tire inflation valve caps. Without the valve caps, dirt or moisture could get into the valve core and cause air leakage. If the caps have been lost, have new ones put on as soon as possible. Checking and replacing tires S S S S CHECKING YOUR TIRES Check the tire tread for the tread wear indicators. If the indicators show, replace the tires. The tires on your Toyota have built-in tread wear indicators to help you know when the tires need replacement. When the tread depth wears to 1.6 mm (0.06 in.) or less, the indicators will appear. If you can see the indicators in two or more adjacent grooves, the tire should be replaced. The lower the tread, the higher the risk of skidding. The effectiveness of snow tires is lost if the tread wears down below 4 mm (0.16 in.). 161