2001 Toyota Tacoma Owners Manual - Page 257

'01 Tacoma U (L/O 0009) Checking and replacing tires The following instructions for checking tire pressure should be observed: Tread wear indicator D The pressure should be checked only when the tires are cold. If your vehicle has been packed 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. Check the tires regularly for damage such as cuts, splits and cracks. If any damage is found, consult with a technician and have the tire repaired or replaced. Even if the damage does not appear serious, a qualified technician should examine the damage. Objects which have penetrated the tire may have caused internal damage. Any tires which are over 6 years old must be checked by a qualified technician even if damage is not obvious. D 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 ride and handling 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.). 2001 TACOMA (OM35766U) D Do not bleed or reduce tire pressure after driving. It is normal for the tire pressure to be higher after driving. Tires deteriorate with age even if they have never or seldom been used. This also applies to the spare tire and tires stored for future use. REPLACING YOUR TIRES When replacing a tire, use only the same size and construction as originally installed and with the same or greater load capacity. Using any other size or type of tire may seriously affect handling, ride, speedometer/odometer calibration, ground clearance, and clearance between the body and tires or snow chains. D Never exceed the cargo weight rating. The luggage weight should be distributed evenly. D 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. 265