flat tire Acura TLX 2017 Owner's Guide

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Acura Total Luxury Care Roadside AssistanceYour Acura TLC Roadside Assistance representative is here to help you 24 hours a
day, 7 days a week. Under your 4-year/50,000-mile (80,000-km) warranty, the
following benefits are available:
•

T
owing services — full cost of towing to the closest Acura dealer
•

R
oadside assistance — jump starting, fuel delivery, lockout, and flat tire
•

T
rip planning — detailed trip routing, emergency services, and more Call (800) 594-8500 (U.S.) or (800) 565-7587 (Canada)
Acura Client RelationsYour authorized Acura dealer should be able to answer any questions you have
about your vehicle. However, if you are dissatisfied with the information you
receive, you can call Acura Client Relations (see page 134).
Call (800) 382-2238 (U.S.) or (888) 922-8729 (Canada)
INTRODUCTION
This Owner’s Guide is intended to help you quickly get acquainted with your
2017 Acura TLX. It provides basic information and instructions on technology and
convenience features, as well as emergency procedures and how to get assistance.
This guide is for vehicles sold in the United States and Canada. It covers all TLX
models, so you may find descriptions of features and equipment that are not in
your vehicle.
Images throughout this guide are from U.S. vehicles and represent features and
equipment that are available on some, but not all, models. Images shown in this
guide should be considered examples and used for demonstration purposes only.
This guide is not intended to be a substitute for the Owner’s Manual. The Owner
Information CD enclosed in your glove box kit includes the Owner’s Manual,
Navigation Manual, and vehicle and tire warranties in electronic format. This
information can be viewed on a computer (PC

or Mac platform) and sav
ed
or printed for your reference. You can also visit owners.acura.com to view the
complete and most current information.
If you are the first registered owner of your vehicle, you may request a
complimentary printed copy of the Owner’s Manual, Navigation Manual, or Vehicle
Warranty up to the first six months after vehicle purchase. To request a copy, visit
owners.acura.com and create or log in to your account. In Canada, please request a
copy from your Acura dealer.
American Honda Motor Company strives to be proactive in protecting our
environment and natural resources. By using electronic delivery for a considerable
portion of the information typically found in a vehicle owner’s manual, we are
further reducing our impact on the environment.
*if equipped
VISUAL INDEX

.......................................................
1
Steering Wheel and Nearby Controls

.................
1
Dashboard and Ceiling Controls

..........................
2
SAFETY INFORMATION

.......................................
3
Important Safety Information

.............................3
Seat Belts

.................................................................
5
Airbags

.....................................................................
8
Child Safety

...........................................................
14
Safety Label Locations........................................ 20
Reporting Safety Defects

....................................
21
INSTRUMENT PANEL..........................................22 Malfunction Indicators

.......................................
22
Condition Indicators

...........................................
24
On/Off Indicators

................................................
25
Multi-Information Display

.................................
26
VEHICLE CONTROLS

..........................................
27
Using the Remote Transmitter

...........................
27
Keyless Access System

.......................................
28
Door Operation from Inside the Vehicle

.........
29
Power Window Operation

.................................
30
Power Moonroof Operation


..............................
31
Interior and Exterior Lights

................................
32
One-Touch Turn Signal

.......................................
33
Wiper Operation

..................................................
33
Adjusting the Seats

.............................................
35
Driving Position Memory System

.....................
37
Adjusting the Steering Wheel

...........................
38
Adjusting the Mirrors

..........................................
39
Customized Features

..........................................
40
HomeLink® Universal Transceiver

.....................
41
Climate Control System

.....................................
42
Seat Heaters and Ventilation*

..........................
43AUDIO AND CONNECTIVITY

..........................
44
Basic Audio Operation

........................................
44
FM/AM Radio

.......................................................
47
SiriusXM® Radio

..................................................
48
Compact Disc (CD)

.............................................
49
iPod® or USB Flash Drive

...................................
50
Bluetooth® Audio

.................................................
51
Hard Disc Drive (HDD) Audio*

.........................
52
Pandora®*

.............................................................
53
AcuraLink featuring Aha™

.................................
54
BLUETOOTH® HANDSFREELINK®

....................
56
Basic

HFL Operation

...........................................
56
Pairing a Phone

....................................................
58
Making a Call

........................................................
59
SMS Text Messaging and E-Mail

.......................
62
ACURALINK
®* ......................................................63
A
curaLink Messages ............................................ 63
Subscription Features
......................................... 64
NAVIGATION*
..................................................... 65
Basic Navigation Operation
.............................. 65
Entering a Destination
........................................ 68
Routing

.................................................................. 70

| 1
V
ISUAL
I
NDEX
1 Lights/turn signals p. 32, p. 33
2 Wipers/washers p. 33
3 Cruise control/Adaptive Cruise
Control with Low Speed Follow*
buttons p. 85, p. 86
4 Horn
5 Voice recognition/Bluetooth® HandsF reeLink® buttons p. 56
6 Audio controls p. 45
7 Instrument panel p. 22
Multi-information

display p. 26
8 Right selector wheel
TRIP button

p. 26
9 Paddle shifters p. 78, p. 80
10 Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)

Interval button*
p. 86
Quickly locate items in the vehicle’s interior.
Steering Wheel and Nearby Controls
Lane Keeping Assist System
(LKAS) button*

p. 90

T

runk opener p. 28
Fuel fill door button p. 97
Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA®) OFF
button

p. 84
Lane Departure Warning (LDW)*/


R

oad Departure Mitigation (RDM)

button*

p. 89, p. 92
Parking sensor button* p. 94
Collision Mitigation Braking System™


(CMBS™)

OFF button* p. 91
Headlight washer button* p. 34
Heated windshield button* p. 34
13 ENGINE START/STOP button p. 76
14 Heated steering wheel button*
p. 38
VISUAL INDEX
*if equipped
1
1011
27
4
8
13
12
1256
93
*if equipped
11
14
DRIVING ............................................................... 72
Befor e Driving ....................................................... 72
Maximum Load Limit
..........................................73
Remote Engine Start*
..........................................75
Starting to Drive
................................................... 76
Shifting
................................................................... 77
Braking
.................................................................... 81
Auto Idle Stop*
.................................................... 83
Integrated Dynamics System (IDS)
..................84
Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA®)
.........................84
Cruise Control*
.................................................... 85
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low Speed Follow (LSF)*
........................86
Forward Collision Warning (FCW) with Pedestrian Detection*
.............................88
Lane Departure Warning (LDW)*
.....................89
Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS)*
...............90
Collision Mitigation Braking System™*
...........91
Road Departure Mitigation (RDM)*
.................92
Blind Spot Information (BSI)*
...........................93
Parking Sensor System*
.....................................94
Super Handling-All Wheel Drive (
SH-AWD)* . 94
Multi-
View Rear Camera

.................................... 95
Cross Traffic Monitor*

........................................ 96
Refueling

................................................................ 97
HANDLING THE UNEXPECTED .........................99
Keyless Access Remote Battery Strength

....... 99
Shift Lever Does Not Move*

............................. 99
Jump Starting

..................................................... 100
Overheating........................................................ 102
Emergency Engine Stop

.................................... 103
Emergency Towing

............................................ 103
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

..... 104
Handling a Flat Tire

........................................... 106
Tire Repair Kit*

................................................... 106
Using the Compact Spare Tire*

....................... 107
Fuse Locations

..................................................... 110MAINTENANCE
.................................................
114
Safety Precautions .............................................
114
Maintenance Minder™ ......................................
115
Under the Hood ..................................................
117
Engine Oil .............................................................
119
Engine Coolant ....................................................
121
Window Washer Fluid ....................................... 122
Brake Fluid ..........................................................
122
Checking the Battery ........................................
122
Changing Wiper Blades ....................................
123
Tire Information .................................................
124
Tire Labeling ........................................................
127
DOT Tire Quality Grading ................................
128
Testing of Readiness Codes .............................. 130
SPECIFICATIONS ...............................................
131
CLIENT INFORMATION ....................................
133
Frequently Asked Questions/ Troubleshooting ..............................................
133
Contact Us ..........................................................
134
Acura Total Luxury Care Roadside Assistance 135
Warranty Coverages .........................................
135
VOICE COMMAND INDEX ...............................136
INDEX..................................................................138

24 || 25
I NSTRUMENT P
ANELI
NSTRUMENT P
ANEL
BSI* off
ACC* on
LKAS* on
SPORT mode on ECON mode on
Automatic brake hold on
Automatic brake activated
Auto idle stop* activated
Auto idle stop* off
Ca nada
U.S.
Condition Indicators
These indicators may require you to perform an action.
Electric parking brake
Release the parking brake before driving. You will hear a beep if you drive
with it not fully released.
Seat belt reminder
Make sure seat belts are fastened for you and all passengers. The indicator
blinks and beeps sound continuously if you or your front passenger has not
fastened your seat belts when you begin driving. If the indicator remains on
after seat belts are fastened, see your dealer.
Low fuel
Refuel as soon as possible. If the indicator blinks, there is a problem with
the fuel gauge. See your dealer.
Low tire pressure
Stop in a safe place, check tire pressures, and inflate tire(s) if necessary.
System message
When a condition or malfunction indicator comes on, a message also
appears on the multi-information display. Check the display for more
information.
Immobilizer
Your remote transmitter cannot be recognized by the vehicle. If the
indicator blinks, you may not be able to start the engine. Turn the vehicle
off, and then on again. If it continues to blink, there may be a problem with
the system. See your dealer.
Canada
U.S.
On/Off Indicators
These indicators remind you when an item is on or off.
*if equipped
*if equipped
Electric parking brake
If the indicator blinks, there is a problem with the electric parking brake.
Auto idle stop*
If the indicator blinks, there is a problem with the system.
Super Handling-All Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD®)*
There is a problem with the system. The engine drives only the front wheels.
If the indicator blinks, the differential temperature is too high. Stop in a safe
place, shift to Park (P), and idle until the indicator goes off.
VSA offVSA engaged (blinks)
CRUISE

MAIN on
CRUISE

CONTROL
on
Turn

signals/hazards on
Exterior lights on
Fog lights* on
High beams on
FCW*/CMBS
TM* off
U.S.
Canada

102 || 103
HANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
HANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
Emergency Engine Stop
The ENGINE START/STOP button may be used to stop the engine due to an
emergency situation even while driving. If you must stop the engine, choose one of
the following operations:
•

Pr
ess and hold the ENGINE START/STOP button for
two seconds, or
•

Firml
y press the ENGINE START/STOP button two
times.
The steering wheel will not lock. The power mode changes to ACCESSORY, unless
the shift lever is in Park, in which case the power mode changes to VEHICLE OFF.
Because turning off the engine also disables the power assist the engine provides to
the steering and braking systems, it will require significantly more physical effort
and time to steer and slow the vehicle. Downshift gears and use both feet on the
brake pedal, if necessary, to slow the vehicle and stop immediately in a safe place.
Do not press the button while driving unless it is absolutely necessary for the
engine to be switched off.
Emergency Towing
Call a professional towing service if you need to tow your vehicle.
All models
Flat bed equipment: The operator loads your vehicle on the back of a truck. This is
the best way to transport your vehicle.
2WD models
Wheel lift equipment: The tow truck uses two pivoting arms that go under the front
tires and lift them off the ground. The rear tires remain on the ground. This is an
acceptable way to tow your vehicle.
NOTICE
Trying to lift or tow your vehicle by the bumpers will cause serious damage. The
bumpers are not designed to support the vehicle’s weight.
Improper towing such as towing behind a motorhome or other motor vehicle can
damage the transmission.
NOTICE
Overheating
Signs your engine is overheating: •
The
temperature gauge needle is at the H mark
•

The engine suddenl
y loses power
•

Steam
or spray comes out from under the hood
•

The message
Engine Temperature Too Hot appears on the display.
1.

Immediatel
y park the vehicle in a safe place. Turn
off all accessories and turn on the hazard warning
lights.
2.

If no steam
or spray is present: Keep the
engine running and open the hood (see page
118).
If steam or spray is present: Turn off the engine
and wait until it subsides. Then, open the hood
(see page 118).
3.

Check that the
cooling fan is operating and stop the engine once the
temperature gauge needle goes down. If the cooling fan is not operating,
immediately stop the engine.

4.


Once
the engine has cooled down, inspect the coolant level and check the
cooling system components for leaks. If the coolant level in the reserve tank
is low, add coolant until it reaches the MAX mark. If there is no coolant in the
reserve tank, make sure the radiator is cool, then cover the radiator cap with a
heavy cloth and open the cap. If necessary, add coolant up to the base of the
filler neck, and put the cap back on.
Once the engine has cooled sufficiently, restart it and check the temperature
gauge. If the temperature needle has gone down, resume driving. If it has not gone
down, contact a dealer for repairs.
Reserve tank MAX
MIN
Steam and spray from an overheated engine can seriously scald you.
Do not open the hood if steam is coming out.
WARNING
Removing the radiator cap while the engine is hot can cause the coolant to
spray out, seriously scalding you.
Always let the engine and radiator cool down before removing the radiator
cap.
WARNING
Continuing to drive with the temperature gauge needle at the H mark may
damage the engine.
NOTICE

104 || 105
HANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
HANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) — Required Federal
Explanation
Each tire, including the spare (if provided), should be checked monthly
when cold and inflated to the inflation pressure recommended by the
vehicle manufacturer on the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure
label.
(If your vehicle has tires of a different size than the size indicated on the
vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label, you should determine the
proper tire inflation pressure for those tires.)
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been equipped
with a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) that
illuminates a low tire pressure telltale when one or more of
your tires is significantly under-inflated.
Accordingly, when the low tire pressure telltale illuminates, you should
stop and check your tires as soon as possible, and inflate them to the
proper pressure.
Driving on a significantly under-inflated tire causes the tire to overheat
and can lead to tire failure. Under-inflation also reduces fuel efficiency
and tire tread life, and may affect the vehicle’s handling and stopping
ability.
Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire
maintenance, and it is the driver’s responsibility to maintain correct
tire pressure, even if under-inflation has not reached the level to trigger
illumination of the TPMS low tire pressure telltale.
Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS malfunction indicator
to indicate when the system is not operating properly. The TPMS
malfunction indicator is combined with the low tire pressure telltale.
When the system detects a malfunction, the telltale will flash for
approximately one minute and then remain continuously illuminated.
This sequence will continue upon subsequent vehicle start-ups as long as
the malfunction exists.
When the malfunction indicator is illuminated, the system may not be
able to detect or signal low tire pressure as intended.
TPMS malfunctions may occur for a variety of reasons, including the
installation of replacement or alternate tires or wheels on the vehicle
that prevent the TPMS from functioning properly.
Always check the TPMS malfunction telltale after replacing one or
more tires or wheels on your vehicle to ensure that the replacement
or alternate tires and wheels allow the TPMS to continue to function
properly.Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
Monitors the tire pressure while you are driving.
If your vehicle’s tire pressure becomes significantly low, the low tire pressure
indicator appears with a message in the multi-information display.
Roll the right selector
wheel to the tire
pressure monitor to
see which tire(s) have
low pressure.
Tire Fill Assist
Your vehicle gives you visual and audible alerts to help you adjust the tire
pressure to its appropriate level. For your reference, the proper tire pressure
levels are located on a label on the driver’s doorjamb.
1.

Stop y
our vehicle with the tire that needs to be filled nearest to a tire air fill
hose. Shift into Park (P). Turn off the vehicle.
2.

R
estart the vehicle. The assist system is activated for 5 minutes.
3.

A
ttach the air hose to the valve stem, and begin to fill the tire.
While inflating: The system beeps and the hazard lights flash once every 5
seconds as tire pressure changes while below the correct pressure.
When the correct pressure is reached: The system beeps and the hazard lights
flash continuously for 5 seconds. Stop filling the tire.
If you overinflate: The system beeps and the hazard lights flash twice every 3
seconds.
Driving on an extremely underinflated tire can cause it to overheat. An
overheated tire can fail. Always inflate your tires to the specified pressure.
NOTICE

106 || 107
HANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
HANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
Handling a Flat Tire
If a tire goes flat while driving, grasp the steering wheel firmly and brake gradually
to reduce speed. Stop in a safe place. After repairing or changing the flat as
appropriate, go to a dealer as soon as possible to have the damaged tire repaired or
replaced.
Tire Repair Kit*
If a tire has a small puncture, you can use the tire repair kit to temporarily repair it.
The puncture must be smaller than 3/16-inch (4 mm) and not in the tire sidewall.
Go to a dealer to have the full-size tire permanently repaired or replaced.
Before Repairing the Tire
1.
P
ark the vehicle on firm, level, and non-slippery
surface.
2.

Mak
e sure the vehicle is in Park (P), and apply
the parking brake.
3.

Turn on the
hazard warning lights, and turn the
vehicle off.
Getting Ready to Repair the Tire
1.
Open the trunk.
Pull up the strap on the trunk
floor lid, and open the lid.

If equipped, turn the knob on the tool case lid
counterclockwise, and remove the cover.
2.

R
emove the kit.
3.

Place
the kit face up on flat ground near the
punctured tire and away from traffic. Do not
place the kit on its side.
4.

F
ollow the instructions in the kit to repair the
tire.
Using the Compact Spare Tire*
Before Changing the Tire
1.
P
ark the vehicle on a firm, level, and non-slippery surface.
2.

Put
the vehicle in Park (P), and apply the parking brake.
3.

Turn on the
hazard warning lights and turn the vehicle off.
Getting Ready to Change the Tire1.
Open the trunk.
Open the trunk floor lid.
2.

T
ake the tool case out of the trunk. Take the
jack and wheel nut wrench out of the tool
case.
3.

Unscr
ew the wing bolt and remove the spacer
cone. Then, remove the spare tire.
4.

Place
the compact spare tire (wheel side up)
under the vehicle body, near the tire that
needs to be replaced.
5.

Loosen each
wheel nut about one turn using
the wheel nut wrench.
*if equipped
Tool case
Spare tire
*if equipped
Do not use a puncture-repairing agent other than the one provided in the kit
that came with your vehicle. If a different agent is used, you may permanently
damage the tire pressure sensor.
NOTICE
Trunk floor lid strap
Cover Knob

108 || 109
HANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
HANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
Replacing the Flat Tire
1.
R
emove the wheel nuts and flat tire.
2.

Mount the
compact spare tire. Replace the
wheel nuts, and lightly tighten them.
3.

Lower
the vehicle and remove the jack. Tighten
the wheel nuts in the order indicated in the
image. Go around, tightening the nuts, two to
three times in this order. Do not over tighten the
wheel nuts.
Storing the Flat Tire
1.
R
emove the center cap, and place the flat tire
face down in the spare tire well.
2.

R
emove the spacer cone from the wing bolt, flip
it over, and insert it back on to the bolt. Secure
the flat tire with the wing bolt.
3.

R
eturn the jack and wheel nut wrench to the
tool case. Store the case in the trunk, and close
the trunk.
Loose items can fly around the interior in a crash and can seriously injure the
occupants.
Store the wheel, jack, and tools securely before driving.
WARNING
Wing bolt
Spacer cone
Center cap
Setting Up the Jack
1.
Place
the jack under the jacking point closest to
the tire to be changed.
2.

Turn
the end bracket clockwise (as shown in
the image) until the top of the jack contacts
the jacking point. Make sure that the jacking
point tab is resting in the jack notch. Do not
overextend the jack.
3.

Raise
the vehicle, using the jack handle bar and
the jack handle, until the tire is off the ground.
The following instructions must be followed to use the jack safely:
•

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 fit the jacking point.
•

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.
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.
WARNING
Do not use the jack if it doesn’t work properly. Call your dealer or a professional
towing service.
NOTICE
Jack
handle bar
Wheel nut wrench
as jack handle
Jacking points

124 || 125
MAINTENANCE
MAINTENANCE
Tire and Loading Information Label
The label attached to the driver’s doorjamb provides necessary tire and
loading information.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.
WARNING
Original
tire sizes
Number of
people your
vehicle can
carry Proper cold
tire pressure
Total weight your
vehicle can carry
(do not exceed)
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 certain vehicle systems to
work incorrectly. 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 change or replace a wheel, make sure that the wheel’s specifications match
those of the original wheels. Only use TPMS-specified wheels approved for your
vehicle.
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 the Owner’s Manual.
WARNING
Tire Information
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•
Pr
operly inflated tires provide the best combination of handling, tread life, and
comfort. Refer to the driver’s doorjamb label or the specifications (see page
131) for the specified pressure.
•

Underinflated
tires wear unevenly, adversely affect handling and fuel economy,
and are more likely to fail from overheating.
•

Ov
erinflated tires make your vehicle ride harshly, are more prone to road
hazards, and wear unevenly.
•

Ev
ery day before you drive, look at each of the tires. If one looks lower than the
others, check the pressure with a tire gauge.
•

Measur
e the air pressure when tires are cold. This means the vehicle has been
parked for at least 3 hours, or driven less than 1 mile (1.6 km). If necessary, add
or release air until the specified pressure is reached. If checked when hot, tire
pressure can be as much as 4-6 psi (30-40 kPa, 0.3-0.5 kgf/cm
2) higher than
checked when cold.
•

A

t least once a month or before long trips, use a gauge to measure the pressure
in all tires, including the spare*. Even tires in good condition can lose 1-2 psi
(10-20 kPa, 0.1-0.2 kgf/cm
2) per month.
Inspection Guidelines
Every time you inflate the tires, check for the following:
•

An
y damage to tires, including bumps, bulges, cuts, splits, or cracks in the side
or tread. Remove any foreign objects and inspect for air leaks. Replace tires if
you see fabric or cord.
•

Unev
en or excessive tread wear. Have a dealer check the wheel alignment.
•

Cracks or other damage
around the valve stems.
Wear IndicatorsThe groove where the wear indicator is located is
1/16 inch (1.6 mm) shallower than elsewhere on the
tire. If the tread has worn so low that the indicator
is exposed, replace the tire. Worn out tires have
poor traction on wet roads.
Example of a wear mark
indicator
*if equipped

126 || 127
MAINTENANCE
MAINTENANCE
Tire Labeling
The tires that came on your vehicle have a number of markings. Those you
should be aware of are described below.
Tire Identification Number (TIN)
The tire identification number (TIN)
is a group of numbers and letters that
look like the example below. TIN is
located on the sidewall of the tire.
Glossary of Tire Terminology
Cold Tire Pressure – The tire air pressure when the vehicle has been
parked for at least three hours or driven less than 1 mile (1.6 km).
Load Rating – The maximum load that a tire is rated to carry for a given
inflation pressure.
Maximum Inflation Pressure – The maximum tire air pressure that the
tire can hold.
Maximum Load Rating – The load rating for a tire at the maximum
permissible inflation pressure for that tire.
Recommended Inflation Pressure – The cold tire inflation pressure
recommended by the manufacturer.
Treadwear Indicators (TWI) – The projections within the principal
grooves designed to give a visual indication of the degrees of wear of the
tread.
Tire size Tire
Identication
Number (TIN)
Maximum
tire load
Maximum
tire pressure
Tire size
DOT B97R FW6X 2209
DOT: This indicates that the tire meets all
requirements of the U.S. Department of
Transportation.
B97R: Manufacturer’s identication mark.
FW6X: Tire type code.
22 09: Date of manufacture.
Year
Week
Here is an example of what each
marking means:
P215/70R16 100S
•

P: tir
e type (passenger vehicle)
•

215:
tire width in millimeters
•

7
0: aspect ratio (tire section height as
a percentage of its width)
•

R:
tire construction code (radial)
•

16: rim
diameter in inches
•

100: load index (code indicating
maximum load

tire can carry)
•

S: speed symbol (code indicating
maximum speed rating)
Tire Service Life
The life of your tires is dependent on many factors, including driving habits, road
conditions, vehicle loading, inflation pressure, maintenance history, speed, and
environmental conditions (even when the tires are not in use).
In addition to regular inspections and inflation pressure maintenance, it is
recommended that you have annual inspections performed once the tires reach
five years old. All tires, including the spare*, should be removed from service after
10 years from the date of manufacture, regardless of their condition or state of
wear.
Winter Tires
If driving on snowy or frozen roads, mount all season tires marked “M+S”, snow
tires, or tire chains; reduce speed; and maintain sufficient distance between
vehicles when driving. For winter tires, select the size and load ranges that are the
same as the original tires, and mount them to all four wheels.
Tire Chains
Install tire chains on the front tires only. Because your vehicle has limited tire
clearance, we strongly recommend using the following chains:
Cable type: QCC Premium Cobra 1042P with tensioner.
Mount chains as tightly as you can, and make sure that they do not touch the
brake lines or suspension.
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 instructions in this guide regarding the selection and use of tire
chains.
WARNING
Traction devices that are the 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.
NOTICE
*if equipped

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Temperature
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 heat when
tested 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 temperature grade for this tire is established for a tire that
is properly inflated and not overloaded. Excessive speed, underinflation, or
excessive loading, either separately or in combination, can cause heat buildup
and possible tire failure.DOT Tire Quality Grading
The tires on your vehicle meet all U.S. Federal Safety Requirements. All tires are
also graded for treadwear, traction, and temperature performance according to
Department of Transportation (DOT) standards. The following explains these
gradings.
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Quality grades can be found where applicable on the tire sidewall between tread
shoulder and maximum section width.
For example:
Treadwear 200
Traction AA
Temperature A
All passenger car tires must conform to Federal Safety Requirements in addition
to these grades.
Treadwear The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the wear rate of the tire
when tested under controlled conditions on a specified government test course.
For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one and one-half (1 1/2) times as
well on the government course as a tire graded 100. The relative performance of
tires depends upon the actual conditions of their use, however, and may depart
significantly from the norm due to variations in driving habits, service practices,
and differences in road characteristics and climate.
TractionThe 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 asphalt and concrete. A tire
marked C may have poor traction performance.
WARNING: The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on straight-ahead
braking traction tests, and does not include acceleration, cornering, hydroplaning,
or peak traction characteristics.