tire size Acura TSX 2014 Owner's Manual

206
uu When Driving u Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA® ), aka Electronic Stability Control (ESC), System

Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA®), aka Electronic
Stability Control (ESC), System
VSA ® helps to stabilize the vehicle during cornering if the vehicle turns more or less
than what was intended. It also assists in maintaining traction on slippery surfaces.
It does so by regulating engine output and selectively applying the brakes.
When VSA® activates, you may notice that the
engine does not respond to the accelerator.
You may also notice some noise from the
hydraulic system. You will also see the
indicator blink.
■VSA ® Operation
1 Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA ®), aka Electronic Stability Control
(ESC), System
The VSA ® may not function properl y if tire type and
size are mixed. Make sure to use the same size and
type of tire, and the air pressures as specified.
When the VSA ® indicator comes on and stays on
while driving, there may be a problem with the
system. While this may not interfere with normal
driving, have your vehi cle checked by a dealer
immediately.
VSA ® cannot enhance stability in all driving situations
and does not control the entire braking system. You
still need to drive and corner at speeds appropriate
for the conditions and always leave a sufficient
margin of safety.
The main function of the VSA ® system is generally
known as Electronic Stab ility Control (ESC). The
system also includes a traction control function.
VSA® System
Indicator
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210
uu When Driving u Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) - Required Federal Explanation

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) -
Required
Federal Explanation
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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
inflat ion pressure for those tires.)
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been equipped
with a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) that
il luminates 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.

214
uu Braking u Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)

Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
Helps prevent the wheels from locking up, an d helps you retain steering control by
pumping the brakes rapidly, much faster than you.
The electronic brake distribution (EBD) system, which is part of the ABS, also
balances the front-to-rear braking distri bution according to vehicle loading.
You should never pump the brake pedal. Let the ABS work for you by always
keeping firm, steady pressure on the brake pe dal. This is sometimes referred to as
“stomp and steer.”
■ABS operation
The brake pedal may pulsate slightly when the ABS is working. Keep holding the
pedal firmly down. On dry pavement, you will need to press on the brake pedal very
hard before the ABS activates. However, you may feel the ABS activate immediately
if you are trying to stop on snow or ice.
When the vehicle speed goes under 6 mph (10 km/h), the ABS stops.
■ABS1 Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
NOTICE
The ABS may not function correctly if you use an
incorrect tire type and size.
When the ABS indicator comes on while driving,
there may be a problem with the system.
While normal braking is not affected, there is a
possibility of the ABS not operating. Have the vehicle
checked by a dealer immediately.
The ABS does not reduce the ti me or distance it takes
to stop the vehicle. It only helps with steering control
during hard braking.
In the following cases, yo ur vehicle may need more
stopping distance than a vehicle without the ABS:
•When driving on rough road surfaces, including
when driving on uneven surf aces, such as gravel or
snow.
•When tire chains are installed.
You may hear a motor sound coming from the
engine compartment while system checks are being
performed immediately after starting the engine or
while driving. This is normal.
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261

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 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 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 tr ead. 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. 266
• 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.
3 WARNING
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 tire inflation and
maintenance.
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262
uu Checking and Maintaining Tires u Tire and Loading Information Label


Tire and Loading Information Label
The label attached to the driver’s doorjamb provides necessary tire and
loading information.
Tire Labeling
The tires that came on your vehicle have a
number of markings. Those you should be
aware of are described below.
Whenever tires are replaced, they should be replaced with tires of the same size.
1 Tire and Loading Information Label
The tire and loading informat ion label attached to the
driver’s doorjamb contains:
aThe number of people your vehicle can carry.
bThe total weight your vehicle can carry. Do not
exceed this weight.
cThe original tire sizes for front, rear and spare.
dThe proper cold tire pressure for front, rear and
spare.
Label Example
Example Tire Size
Tire
Identification
Number (TIN)
Maximum
Tire Load
Maximum
Tire Pressure
Tire Size
■Tire Sizes
1 Tire Sizes
Following is an example of tire size with an
explanation of what each component means.
P225/50 R17 93V
P : Vehicle type (P indi cates passenger vehicle).
225: Tire width in millimeters.
50: Aspect ratio (the tire’s section height as a percentage of its width).
R : Tire construction code (R indicates radial) .
17: Rim diameter in inches.
93: Load index (a numerical code associated with the
maximum load the tire can carry).
V: Speed symbol (an alphab etical code indicating the
maximum speed rating).
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267
uu Checking and Maintaining Tires u Tire and Wheel Replacement

Tire and Wheel Replacement
Replace your tires with radials of the sa me 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 and Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA ®)
system 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.
Make sure that the wheel’s specificati ons match those of the original wheels.
If you replace a wheel, only use TPMS spec ified wheels approved for your vehicle.1Tire and Wheel Replacement
3 WARNING
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.
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269
uu Checking and Maintaining Tires u Winter 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 wh en 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 touch the brake lines or suspension.
• Drive slowly.
Cable-type: SCC Radial Chain SC1034
Cable-type: SCC Radial Chain SC1038
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.
3 WARNING
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.
4-cylinder models
6-cylinder models
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281Continued


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, and non-slippery surface and apply the
parking brake.
2. Move the shift lever in
(P
.
2. Move the shift lever in
(R
.
3. Set the parking brake.
4. Turn on the hazard warning lights an d turn the ignition switch to LOCK
(0 .
1
Changing 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 will
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.
Automatic transmission models
Manual transmission models
All models
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uu If a Tire Goes Flat u Changing a Flat Tire
286



1. Remove the center cap and place the flat
tire face down in the spare tire well.
2.Remove the spacer cone from the wing
bolt, flip it over, and insert it back on the
bolt. Secure the flat tire with the wing bolt.
3. Securely put the jack and wheel nut wrench
back in the tool case. Store the case in
the trunk.
If you replace a flat tire with the spare tire, the low tire pressure/TPMS indicator
comes on while you are driving. After driving for a few miles (kilometers), the
indicator will start blinking for a short time and then stay on. CHECK TPMS
SYSTEM appears on the multi-information display, but this is normal.
If you replace the tire with a specified regular tire, the warning message on
the multi-information display and the TPMS indicator will go off after a few
miles (kilometers).
■Storing the Flat Tire1Storing the Flat Tire
3 WARNING
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.
Spacer
Cone
Wing
Bolt
For
compact
spare tire For

full-size
tire
■TPMS and the Spare Tire1 TPMS and the Spare Tire
The system cannot monitor th e pressure of the spare
tire. Manually check the spare tire pressure to be sure
that it is correct.
Use TPMS specific wheels. Each is equipped with a
tire pressure sensor mounted inside the tire behind
the valve stem.
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297
uu Indicator, Comin g On/Blinking u If the Low Tire Pressure/TPMS Indicator Comes On or Blinks


If the Low Tire Pressure/TPMS Indicator
Comes On or Blinks
■Reasons for the indicator to come on or blink
A tire pressure is significantly low. If there is a problem with the TPMS or
the compact spare tire is installed, the indicator blinks for about one
minute, and then stays on.
■What to do when th e indicator comes on
Stop your vehicle in a safe place. Ch eck the tire pressure and adjust the
pressure to the specified level. The spec ified tire pressure is on a label on
the driver side doorjamb.
■What to do when the indicator blinks
Have the tire inspected by a dealer as soon as possible. If the compact
spare tire causes the indica tor to blink, change the tire to a full-size tire.
The indicator goes off after driving for a few miles (kilometers).
1 If the Low Tire Pressure/TPMS Indicator Comes On or Blinks
NOTICE
Driving on an extremely unde rinflated tire can cause
it to overheat. An overheated tire can fail. Always
inflate your tires to the prescribed level.
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