spare tire CHEVROLET KODIAK 2009 Owners Manual

Inflation - Tire Pressure
Tires need the correct amount of air pressure to operate
effectively. The Certification or Tire Information label
shows the correct inflation pressures for your tires
when they are cold. Cold means your vehicle has been
sitting for at least three hours or driven no more than
1 mile (1.6 km).
Notice:Do not let anyone tell you that
under-inflation or over-inflation is all right. It is
not. If your tires do not have enough air
(under-inflation), you can get the following:
•Too much flexing
•Too much heat
•Tire overloading
•Premature or irregular wear
•Poor handling
•Reduced fuel economy
If your tires have too much air (over-inflation),
you can get the following:
•Unusual wear
•Poor handling
•Rough ride
•Needless damage from road hazards
When to Check
Check your tires once a month or more.
Also, check the tire pressure of the spare tire if your
vehicle has one.
How to Check
Use a good quality pocket-type gage to check tire
pressure. You cannot tell if your vehicle’s tires are
properly inflated simply by looking at them. Radial
tires may look properly inflated even when they are
underinflated. Check the tire’s inflation pressure when
the tires are cold. Cold means your vehicle has been
sitting for at least three hours or driven no more than
1 mile (1.6 km).
Remove the valve cap from the tire valve stem. Press
the tire gage firmly onto the valve to get a pressure
measurement. If the cold tire inflation pressure matches
the recommended pressure on the Certification or Tire
Information label, no further adjustment is necessary.
If the inflation pressure is low, add air until you reach the
recommended amount. If you overfill the tire, release air
by pushing on the metal stem in the center of the tire
valve. Re-check the tire pressure with the tire gage.
Be sure to put the valve caps back on the valve stems.
They help prevent leaks by keeping out dirt and moisture.
5-77

Wheel Loading
Wheels are stamped with a maximum load and cold
inflation rating. Be sure you do not exceed these limits.
Dual Tire Operation
When the vehicle is new, check the wheel nut tightness
on all wheels with a torque wrench after your first
100 miles (160 km) and then 1,000 miles (1 600 km) after
that. Whenever a wheel, wheel bolt or wheel nut is
removed or serviced, repeat the 100 miles (160 km), and
then 1,000 mile (1 600 km) wheel nut tightness check.
SeeTightening the Wheel Nuts on page 5-80for wheel
nut tightening information and proper torque values.
{CAUTION:
If you operate your vehicle with a tire that is badly
underinflated, the tire can overheat. An overheated
tire can lose air suddenly or catch fire. You or
others could be injured. Be sure all tires (including
the spare, if any) are properly inflated.
SeeTires on page 5-76andInflation - Tire Pressure on
page 5-77for more information on proper tire inflation.
When It Is Time for New Tires
Various factors, such as maintenance, temperatures,
driving speeds, vehicle loading, and road conditions,
influence when you need new tires.
Replace your tires when the tread depth is down to
1/8 of an inch (3.2 mm) for the front tires, or 1/16 of an
inch (1.6 mm) for a rear tire. Also, you need a new
tire if:
•You can see cord or fabric showing through the
tire’s rubber.
•The tread or sidewall is cracked, cut, or snagged
deep enough to show cord or fabric.
•The tire has a bump, bulge, or split.
•The tire has a puncture, cut, or other damage that
cannot be repaired well because of the size or
location of the damage.
The rubber in tires degrades over time, even if they are
not being used. This is also true for the spare tire, if your
vehicle has one. Multiple conditions affect how fast this
aging takes place, including temperatures, loading
conditions, and inflation pressure maintenance. With
proper care and maintenance tires will typically wear out
before they degrade due to age. If you are unsure about
the need to replace your tires as they get older, consult
the tire manufacturer for more information.
5-78