2003 Toyota Tacoma Owners Manual - Page 272

'03 Tacoma U (L/O 0209) Checking and replacing tires CAUTION Keep your tire pressure properly. Otherwise, the following conditions may occur and cause an accident resulting in death or serious injuries. Low tire pressure (underinflation)- 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 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. D Excessive wear D Uneven wear D Poor handling D Possibility of blowouts from overheated tire 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 D Poor sealing of the tire bead D Wheel deformation and/or tire separation High tire pressure (overinflation)- 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.). D Do not bleed or reduce tire pressure after driving. It is normal for the tire pressure to be higher after driving. D Never exceed the cargo weight rating. The luggage weight should be distributed evenly. D Poor handling D Excessive wear at the center of the tire tread 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. D A greater possibility of tire damage from road hazards 272 2003 MY TACOMA (OM35800U)