wheel Acura RDX 2014 Workshop Manual

301
Checking and Maintaining Tires
Checking Tires
To safely operate your vehicle, your tires must be of the proper type and size, in
good condition with adequate tread, and properly inflated.
■Inflation guidelines
Properly inflated tires provid e the best combination of hand ling, tread life, and comfort.
Refer to the driver’s doorjamb label or spec ification’s page for the specified pressure.
Underinflated tires wear unev enly, adversely affect handling and fuel economy, and
are more likely to fail from overheating.
Overinflated tires make your vehicle ride ha rshly, are more prone to road hazards,
and wear unevenly.
Every day before you drive, look at each of the tires. If one looks lower than the
others, check the pressure with a tire gauge.
At least once a month and before long trips, use a gauge to measure the pressure in
all tires, including the spare. Even tires in good condition can lose 1 to 2 psi (10 to
20 kPa, 0.1 to 0.2 kgf/cm
2) per month.
■Inspection guidelines
Every time you check inflation, also examine the tires and valve stems.
Look for:
• Bumps or bulges on the side or in the tread. Replace the tire if you find any cuts,
splits, or cracks in the side of the tire . Replace it if you see fabric or cord.
• Remove any foreign objects and inspect for air leaks.
• Uneven tread wear. Have a deal er check the wheel alignment.
• Excessive tread wear.
2 Wear Indicators P. 306
•Cracks or other damage around valve stem.
1Checking Tires
Measure the air pressure when tires are cold. This
means the vehicle has been parked for at least three
hours, or driven less than 1 mile (1.6 km). If
necessary, add or releas e air until the specified
pressure is reached.
If checked when hot, tire pressure can be as much as
4–6 psi (30–40 kPa, 0.3–0.4 kgf/cm
2) higher than if
checked when cold.
Have a dealer check the tires if you feel a consistent
vibration while driving. Ne w tires and any that have
been removed and reinst alled should be properly
balanced.
3WARNING
Using tires that are excessively worn or
improperly inflated can cause a crash in
which you can be seriously hurt or killed.
Follow all instruction s in this owner’s
manual regarding ti re inflation and
maintenance.
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305
uuChecking and Maintaining Tires uDOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S. Vehicles)
■Traction
■Temperature
1Traction
1Temperature
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The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA, A, B, and C. Those grades
represent the tire's ability to stop on wet pavement as measured under
controlled conditions on specified government test surfaces of asphat and concrete. A tire marked C may have poor traction performance.
The temperature grades are A (the highest), B, and C, representing the tire's
resistance to the generation of heat and its ability to dissipate heate when
te sted under controlled conditions on a specified indoor laboratory test
wheel. Sustained high temperature can cause the material of the tire to
degenerate and reduce tire life, and excessive temperature can lead to
sudden tire failure. The grade C corresponds to a level of performance which
all passenger car tires must meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety
Standard No. 109. Grades B and A represent higher levels of performance on
the laboratory test wheel than the minimum required by law.Warning: The traction grade assigned to this tire is
abased on straight-ahead braking traction tests,
and does not include acceleration, cornering,
hydroplaning, or peak traction characteristics.
Warning: The temperature grade for this tire is
established for a tire that is properly inflated an d
not overloaded. Excessive speed, underinflation
or excessive loading, either separately or in
combination, can cause heat buildup and possi
tire failure.

307
uuChecking and Maintaining Tires uTire and Wheel Replacement
Tire and Wheel Replacement
Replace your tires with radials of the same size, load range, speed rating, and
maximum cold tire pressure rating (as shown on the tire’s sidewall). Using tires of a
different size or construction can cause the ABS, VSA ® (vehicle stability assist), hill
start assist, and the AWD (All-Wheel Drive) with intelligent control system to
*
It is best to replace all four tires at the same time. If that isn’t possible, replace the
front or rear tires in pairs.
If you replace a wheel, only use TPMS spec ified wheels approved for your vehicle.
Make sure that the wheel’s specifications match those of the original wheels.
1 Tire and Wheel Replacement
3WARNING
Installing improper tires on your vehicle 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.
* Not available on all models
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work incorrectly.

309
uuChecking and Maintaining Tires uWinter Tires
Winter Tires
If driving on snowy or frozen roads, mount all season marked “M+S” tires, snow
tires, or tire chains; reduce speed; and main tain sufficient distance between vehicles
when driving.
Be particularly careful when operating the steering wheel or brakes to
prevent skidding.
Use tire chains, snow tires, or all season tires when necessary or according to the law.
When mounting, refer to the following points.
For winter tires:
• Select the size and load ranges that are the same as the original tires.
• Mount the tires to all four wheels.
For tire chains:
• Install them on the front tires only.
• Because your vehicle has limited tire clea rance, we strongly recommend using the
chains listed below:
• Follow the chain manufactur er's instruction when installing. Mount them as
tightly as you can.
• Check that the chains do not touc h the brake lines or suspension.
• Drive slowly.
Cable-type: SCC Ra dial Chain TC2212MM
1Winter Tires
NOTICE
Traction devices that are th e wrong size or improperly
installed can damage your vehicle's brake lines,
suspension, body, and wheels. Stop driving if they are
hitting any part of the vehicle.
When tire chains are mounted, follow the chain
manufacturer's instructi ons regarding vehicle
operational limits.
If your vehicle is equipped with summer tires, be
aware that these tires are not designed for winter
driving conditions. For more information, contact a
dealer.
3WARNING
Using the wrong chains, or not properly
installing chains, can damage the brake
lines and cause a crash in which you can be
seriously injured or killed.
Follow all instruction s in this owner's
manual regarding the selection and use of
tire chains.
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uuCleaning uExterior Care
316
Maintenance
A good coat of automotive body wax helps protect your vehicle’s paint from the
elements. Wax will wear off over time and expose your vehicle’s paint to the
elements, so reapply as necessary.
If you get gasoline, oil, engine coolant, or battery fluid on resin coated parts, they
may be stained or the coating may peel. Prom ptly wipe it away using a soft cloth and
clean water.
Wipe using a glass cleaner.
Aluminum is susceptible to deterioration caused by salt and other road
contaminants. Use a sponge and mild detergent to wipe away promptly.
Be careful not to use harsh chemicals (inc luding some commercial wheel cleaners) or
a stiff brush. They can damage the clear coat of the aluminum alloy wheels that
helps keep the aluminum from corroding and tarnishing.
■Applying Wax
■Maintaining the Bumpers and Other Resin Coated Parts
■Cleaning the Window
■Maintaining Aluminum Wheels
1 Applying Wax
NOTICE
Chemical solvents and st rong cleaners can damage
the paint, metal, and plasti c on your vehicle. Wipe up
spills immediately.
1 Maintaining the Bumpers an d Other Resin Coated Parts
Ask a dealer about the correct coating material when
you want to repair the painted surface of the parts
made of resin.
1 Cleaning the Window
Wires are mounted to the in side of the rear window.
Wipe along the same direct ion as the wires with a
soft cloth so as not to damage them.
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318
Handling the Unexpected
Tools
Types of Tools
1Types of Tools
2 How to Set Up the Jack P. 322
Wheel Nut Wrench/
Jack Handle Jack
Jack Handle Bar
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319Continued
If a Tire Goes Flat
Changing a Flat Tire
If a tire goes flat while driving, grasp the steering wheel firmly, and brake
gradually to reduce speed. Then, stop in a safe place. Replace the flat tire with a
compact spare tire. Go to a dealer as soon as possible to have the full-size tire
repaired or replaced.
1.Park the vehicle on firm, level, non-slip pery surface and apply the parking brake.
2. Move the shift lever to
(P.
3. Set the parking brake.
4. Turn on the hazard warning lights and set the power mode to VEHICLE
1Changing a Flat Tire
Periodically check the tire pressure of the compact
spare. It should be set to the specified pressure.
Specified Pressure: 60 psi (420 kPa, 4.2 kgf/cm
2)
When driving with the compact spare tire, keep the
vehicle speed under 50 mph (80 km/h). Replace with
a full-size tire as soon as possible.
The compact spare tire and wheel in your vehicle are
specifically for this model.
Do not use them with another vehicle.
Do not use another type of compact spare tire or
wheel with your vehicle.
Do not mount tire chains on a compact spare tire.
If a chain-mounted front tire goes flat, remove one of
the full-size rear tires and replace it with the compact
spare tire. Remove the flat front tire and replace it
with the full-size tire that was removed from the rear.
Mount the tire chains on the front tire.
Do not use a puncture-repairi ng agent on a flat tire,
as it can damage the tire pressure sensor.
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OFF (LOCK).

320
uuIf a Tire Goes Flat uChanging a Flat Tire
Handling the Unexpected
1. Open the cargo area floor lid.
2. Take the wheel nut wrench and jack handle
bar out of the cargo area.
3. Unscrew the wing bolt, and remove the
spacer cone. Then, remove the spare tire.
4. Take the jack out of the spare tire area.
■Getting Ready to Replace the Flat Tire
Spare Tire
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321
uuIf a Tire Goes Flat uChanging a Flat Tire
Continued
5. Place a wheel block or rock in front and rear
of the wheel diagonal to the flat tire.
6. Place the compact spare tire (wheel side up)
under the vehicle body, near the tire that
needs to be replaced.
7. Loosen each wheel nut about one turn
using the wheel nut wrench.
Wheel
Blocks
The tire to be replaced.
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uuIf a Tire Goes Flat uChanging a Flat Tire
322
Handling the Unexpected
1. Place the jack under the jacking point
closest to the tire to be changed.
2. Turn the end bracket (as shown in the
image) clockwise until the top of the jack
contacts the jacking point.
u Make sure that the jacking point tab is
resting in the jack notch.
3. Raise the vehicle, using the jack handle bar
and the jack handle, until the tire is off the
ground.
■How to Set Up the Jack1How to Set Up the Jack
Do not use the jack with people or luggage in the
vehicle.
Use the jack provided in your vehicle.
Other jacks may not support the weight (“load”) or
their shape may not match.
The following instructions must be followed to use
the jack safely.
•Do not use while the engine is running.
•Use only where the ground is firm and level.
•Use only at the jacking points.•Do not get in the vehicle while using the jack.
•Do not put anything on top of or underneath the
jack.
3WARNING
The vehicle can easily roll off the jack,
seriously injuring anyone underneath.
Follow the directions for changing a tire
exactly, and never get under the vehicle
when it is supported only by the jack.
Jack
Handle
Bar
Wheel Nut Wrench as Jack Handle
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