tires Acura Integra 2001 User Guide

Tire
s
To safely operate your car, your tires must be the proper type and size, in
good condition with adequate tread, and correctly inflated. The following
pages give more detailed information on how and when to check air
pressure, how to inspect your tires
for damage and wear, and what to do
when your tires need to be replaced.
Inflatio
n

Keeping the tires properly inflated
provides the best combination of
handling, tread life and riding comfort. Underinflated tires wear
unevenly, adversely affect handlingand fuel economy, and are more
likely to fail from being overheated. Overinflated tires can make your car
ride more harshly, are more prone to damage from road hazards, and wear

unevenly.

We recommend that you visually check your tires every day. If you
think a tire might be low, check it immediately with a tire gauge.
Use a gauge to measure the air
pressure at least once a month. Even
tires that are in good condition may
lose one to two psi (10 to 20 kPa, 0.1
to 0.2 kgf/cm2) per month. Remember to check the spare tire at
the same time you check all the other tires.
Check the pressure in the tires when
they are cold. This means the car

has been parked for at least three

hours. If you have to drive the car
before checking the tire pressure,
the tires can still be considered "cold" if you drive less than 1 mile
(1.6km).

If you check the pressure when the
tires are hot (the car has been driven
several miles), you will see readings

4 to
6 psi (30
to
40 kPa, 0.3
to
0.4
kgf/cm2) higher than the cold
reading. This is normal. Do not let air out to match the specified cold
pressure. The tire will be
underinflated.
You should get your own tire pressure gauge and use it whenever
you check your tire pressures. This
will make it easier for you to tell if a pressure loss is due to a tire problemand not due to a variation between

gauges.

Maintenanc e

Using tires that are excessively

worn or improperly inflated can
cause a crash in which you can
be seriously hurt or killed.

Follow all instructions in this

owner's manual regarding tire
inflation and maintenance.

Tire
s

Recommended Tire Pressures for Normal Driving

The following chart shows the recommended cold tire pressures for
most normal driving conditions and speeds. Tire pressures for high
speed driving are the same as for
normal driving.
The compact spare tire pressure is:60 psi (420 kPa , 4.20 kgf/cm2)
These pressures are also given on the tire information label on thedriver's doorjamb.
Tubeless tires have some ability to self-seal if they are punctured.
However, because leakage is often
very slow, you should look closely
for punctures if a tire starts losing
pressure.
Inspectio
n
Every time you check inflation, you should also examine the tires for
damage, foreign objects, and wear.
You should look for: Bumps or bulges in the tread or
side of the tire. Replace the tire if
you find either of these conditions. Cuts, splits, or cracks in the side
of the tire. Replace the tire if you
can see fabric or cord.
Excessive tread wear.

CONTINUED

Maintenanc e

Tire
s

INDICATOR
LOCATIO N

MARK S

Your car's tires have wear indicators molded into the tread. When the
tread wears down to that point, you
will see a 1/2 inch (12.7 mm) wide band running across the tread. This shows there is less than 1/16 inch (1.6 mm) of tread left on the tire. A
tire that is this worn gives very little
traction on wet roads. You should
replace the tire if you can see the
tread wear indicator in three or more
places around the tire. Maintenanc
e
In addition to proper inflation,
correct wheel alignment helps to decrease tire wear. If you find a tire
is worn unevenly, have your dealer
check the wheel alignment.
The tires were properly balanced by the factory. They may need to be
rebalanced at some time before they
are worn out. Have your dealer
check the tires if you feel a consis-
tent vibration while driving. A tireshould always be rebalanced if it is
removed from the wheel for repair.
Make sure the installer balances the
wheels when you have new tires installed. This increases ridingcomfort and tire life. Your car's
original tires were dynamic or "spin"
balanced at the factory. For best
results, have the installer perform a dynamic balance.
(Only on cars equipped with aluminum

wheels)

Improper wheel weights can damage
your car's aluminum wheels. Use only Genuine Acura wheel weights for
balancing.

Maintenanc e

TREA
D WEA R
INDICATOR S
NOTIC
E

Tire
s
Tir e Rotatio n
To help increase tire life and distribute wear more evenly, you
should have the tires rotated every
7,500 miles (12,000 km). Move the
tires to the positions shown in the chart each time they are rotated. When shopping for replacement
tires, you may find that some tiresare "directional." This means they
are designed to rotate only in one
direction. If you use directional tires,
they should be rotated only front-to-
back.
Tir
e Wea r

Type-R model only
The tires on your Type-R were designed and constructed to provide
superior grip during acceleration,
braking, and cornering. They will
wear more rapidly than normal passenger vehicle tires. Tire life may
be less than 15,000 miles (24,000
km), depending on how you drive.
You should carefully inspect your vehicle's tires for wear, damage, andproper inflation every 2,000 miles (3,200 km), see page 199.
These tires are not suitable for winter driving. Refer to Winte r
Driving , page 203.
Maintenance

Fron
t Front

(Fo r Non-directiona l
tire s an d Wheels )(Fo
r Directiona l
Tire s an d Wheels )

Tire
s

Replacin g Tire s an d Wheel s
The tires that came with your car were selected to match the perform- ance capabilities of the car while
providing the best combination of
handling, ride comfort, and long life.
You should replace them with radial tires of the same size, load range,speed rating, and maximum cold tire
pressure rating (as shown on the
tire's sidewall). Mixing radial and
bias-ply tires on your car can reduce its braking ability, traction, andsteering accuracy. It is best to replace all four tires at
the same time. If that is not possible
or necessary, then replace the two
front tires or the two rear tires as a pair. Replacing just one tire canseriously affect your car's handling. The ABS works by comparing the
speed of the wheels. When replacing
tires, use the same size originally supplied with the car. Tire size and
construction can affect wheel speed
and may cause the system to work
inconsistently.
If you ever need to replace a wheel,
make sure the wheel's specifications
match those of the original wheel
that came on your car. Replacement
wheels are available at your Acura
dealer.

Maintenanc e
Installing improper tires on your
car can affect handling and stability. This can cause a crash in which you can be seriously

hurt or killed.

Always use the size and type of

tires recommended in this

owner's manual.

Tire
s

Wheel s an d Tire s

Wheels:
(SE)
14x51/2JJ

(LS,GS,GS-R,Type-R)

15x6JJ

Tires:
(SE)

P195/60R1485H

(LS,
GS
,
GS-R)

P195/55R1584V

(Type-R)

195/55R1584V

See pag
e 256 for information about
DOT Tire Quality Grading. Winte
r Drivin g

SE, LS, GS and GS-R models

Tires that are marked "M+S" or "All Season" on the sidewall have an
all-weather tread design. They
should be suitable for most winter
driving conditions. Tires without
these markings are designed for optimum traction in dry conditions.
They may not provide adequate performance in winter driving.For the best performance in snowy
or icy conditions, you should install
snow tires or tire chains. They may
be required by local laws under certain conditions.

Type-R model

You should mount winter tires on
your Type-R before winter starts
(before consistent sub-freezing

temperatures). Change back to
"summer" tires after winter weather

has stopped.

Maintenance

CONTINUED

Tire
s

Snow Tires

SE, LS, GS and GS-R models

If you mount snow tires on your
Acura, make sure they are radial tires of the same size and load range
as the original tires. Mount snow
tires on all four wheels to balance
your car's handling in all weather conditions. Keep in mind the traction
provided by snow tires on dry roads
may not be as high as your car's original equipment tires. You shoulddrive cautiously even when the roads
are clear. Check with the tire dealer
for maximum speed recommen-
dations.

Type-R model
Mount winter tires on all four wheels.
The performance capabilities of the winter tires may not be the same as
your vehicle's original-equipmenttires. Check with the tire dealer formaximum speed recommendations.
Tire Chains

Mount traction devices (link-type or
cable-type) only when required by
driving conditions or local laws.
Make sure they are the correct size
for your tires. Install them only on the front tires.

SE model

If link-type traction devices are used,
they must be SAE class "S". Cable-
type traction devices can also be
used.

LS, GS, GS-R, and Type-R models

Because your Acura has limited tire
clearance, mount only SAE class "S"
cable-type traction devices.
Link-type "chains" should not be
used. No matter how tight they seem
to be installed, they can come into contact with the body andsuspension, causing serious damage.
All Models

When installing traction devices,
follow the manufacturer's
instructions and mount them as
tightly as you can. Drive slowly with
them installed. If you hear them coming in contact with the body or
chassis, stop and investigate. Make
sure the traction devices are
installed tightly, and that they are
not contacting the brakes or
suspension.

Remove them as soon as you start driving on cleared roads.

Traction devices that are the wrong

size or improperly installed can

damage your car's brake lines,

suspension, body, and wheels. Stop

driving if they are hitting any part of
the car.

Maintenanc e
NOTIC
E

Storin
g You r Ca r
If you need to park your car for an
extended period (more than one
month), there are several things you should do to prepare it for storage.
Proper preparation helps prevent
deterioration and makes it easier to
get your car back on the road. If
possible, store your car indoors. Fill the fuel tank.
Change the engine oil and filter
(see page 175). Wash and dry the exterior

completely.
Clean the interior. Make sure the
carpeting, floor mats, etc. are
completely dry.
Leave the parking brake off. Put
the transmission in Reverse
(5-speed manual) or Park
(automatic).
Block the rear wheels.
If the car is to be stored for a
longer period, it should be
supported on jackstands so the
tires are off the ground. Leave one window open slightly (if
the car is being stored indoors). Disconnect the battery.
Support the front and rear wiper
blade arms with a folded towel or
rag so they do not touch the

windshield.
To minimize sticking, apply a
silicone spray lubricant to all door
and hatch seals. Also, apply a body
wax to the painted surfaces that mate with the door and hatch seals. Cover the car with a "breathable"
cover, one made from a porous
material such as cotton. Nonporous materials, such as
plastic sheeting, trap moisture,
which can damage the paint. If possible, run the engine for a
while periodically (preferably once a month).
If you store your car for 12 months or longer, have your Acura dealer
perform the inspections called for in
the 24 months/30,000 miles (48,000
km) maintenance schedule (Normal Conditions) as soon as you take it
out of storage (see page 164). The
replacements called for in the
maintenance schedule are not
needed unless the car has actually
reached that time or mileage.
Maintenanc e

Compac
t Spar e Tir e

Your car has a compact spare tire that takes up less space. Use this spare tire as a temporary replace-
ment only. Get your regular tire
repaired or replaced and put it back on your car as soon as you can.
Check the inflation pressure of the
compact spare tire every time you
check the other tires. It should be

inflated to:
60 psi (420 kPa , 4.20 kgf/cm2)
Follow these precautions whenever
you are using the compact spare tire: Do not exceed 50 mph (80 km/h)
under any circumstances.
This tire gives a harsher ride and
less traction on some road sur-
faces than the regular tire. Usegreater caution while driving on
this tire.
Do not mount snow chains on the

compact spare.

The wheel of the compact spare
tire is designed especially to fit

your car. Do not use your spare
tire on another vehicle unless it is

the same make and model.
Type-R model only

Do not drive with the compact spare tire mounted on the front
wheels for a long period; it will
damage the Limited Slip

Differential.
INDICATO
R LOCATIO N MAR K

The compact spare tire has a shorter
tread life than a regular tire. Replace
it when you can see the tread wear

indicator bars. The replacement

should be the same size and design

tire, mounted on the same wheel.

The compact spare tire is not designed to be mounted on a regular

wheel, and the compact wheel is not
designed for mounting a regular tire.

Takin g Car e o f th e Unexpecte d
TREA
D WEA R INDICATO R BA R

Emergenc
y Towin g

If your car needs to be towed, call a
professional towing service or, if you
belong to one, an organization that
provides roadside assistance. Never
tow your car behind another vehicle
with just a rope or chain. It is very
dangerous.

There are three popular types of professional towing equipment.

Flat-bed Equipment — The operator

loads your car on the back of a truck.

Thi s is th e bes t wa y to transpor t

you r Acura .

Wheel-lift Equipment — The tow

truck uses two pivoting arms that go under the tires (front or rear) and lift
them off the ground. The other two
tires remain on the ground. Thi s is

a n acceptabl e wa y to to w you r

Acura .
Sling-type Equipment — The tow

truck uses metal cables with hooks on the ends. These hooks go around
parts of the frame or suspension and
the cables lift that end of the car off
the ground. Your car's suspension and body can be seriously damaged.
Thi s metho d o f towin g is
unacceptable .
If your Acura cannot be transported
by flat-bed, it should be towed by
wheel-lift equipment with the front
wheels off the ground. If, due to damage, your car must be towed
with the front wheels on the ground, do the following.

5-speed Manual Transmission
Release the parking brake.
Shift the transmission to Neutral.
Automatic Transmission
Release the parking brake.
Start the engine.
Shift to D4, then to N.
Turn off the engine.

Improper towing preparation will damage the transmission. Follow the
above procedure exactly. If you cannot
shift the transmission or start the engine (automatic transmission), your
car must be transported with the front
wheels off the ground.

With the front wheels on the ground, it is best to tow the vehicle no farther
than 50 miles (80 km), and keep thespeed below 35 mph (55 km/h).

Takin g Car e o f th e Unexpecte d
NOTIC
E