1996 Toyota RAV4 Owners Manual - Page 154

Replacing wheels CHAIN INSTALLATION Four-wheel drive models: Install the chains on the rear tires as tightly as possible. Do not use tire chains on the front tires. Retighten chains after driving 0.51.0 km (1/41/2 mile). Two-wheel drive models: Install the chains on the front tires as tightly as possible. Do not use tire chains on the rear tires. Retighten chains after driving 0.51.0 km (1/41/2 mile). When installing chains on your tires, carefully follow the instructions of the chain manufacturer. If wheel covers are used, they will be scratched by the chain band, so remove the covers before putting on the chains. WHEN TO REPLACE YOUR WHEELS If you have wheel damage such as bending, cracks or heavy corrosion, the wheel should be replaced. If you fail to replace damaged wheels, the tire may slip off the wheel or they may cause loss of handling control. WHEEL SELECTION When replacing wheels, care should be taken to ensure that the wheels are replaced by ones with the same load capacity, diameter, rim width, and offset. Correct replacement wheels are available at your Toyota dealer. A wheel of a different size or type may adversely affect handling, wheel and bearing life, brake cooling, speedometer/ odometer calibration, stopping ability, headlight aim, bumper height, vehicle ground clearance, and tire or snow chain clearance to the body and chassis. Replacement with used wheels is not recommended as they may have been subjected to rough treatment or high mileage and could fail without warning. Also, bent wheels which have been straightened may have structural damage and therefore should not be used. Never use an inner tube in a leaking wheel which is designed for a tubeless tire. NOTICE Do not use wheels of different brands, sizes and types. This may damage the drive system. ! CAUTION S Do not exceed 50 km/h (30 mph) or the chain manufacturer's recommended speed limit, whichever is lower. S Drive carefully avoiding bumps, holes, and sharp turns, which may cause the vehicle to bounce. S Avoid sharp turns or locked-wheel braking, as use of chains may adversely affect vehicle handling. 148