tire pressure MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE 2012 4.G User Guide

3-110 Features and controls
3Indicator and warning light package
N00519800810
1- ASC OFF indicator → P.3-87
2- ASC indicator → P.3-87
3- Anti-lock braking system warning light
→ P. 3 - 8 2
4- Cruise control indicator → P.3-90
5- Door-ajar warning light → P. 3 - 1 1 4
6- Turn signal indicators/Hazard warning lights → P. 3 - 1 1 1
7- Charging system warning light → P. 3 - 1 1 3
8- Brake warning light → P.3-111
9- Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) warning light
→ P.2-44
10- Tire pressure monitoring system warning light → P.3-97
11- Oil pressure warning light → P. 3 - 1 1 3
12- Low-fuel warning light → P.3-10813- Driver’s seat belt reminder/warning light
→ P.2-18
14- Selector lever position indicator (if so equipped)
→ P.3-73
15- High beam indicator → P. 3 - 1 1 1
16- Engine malfunction indicator (“SERVICE ENGINE SOON”
or “Check engine light”) → P. 3 - 1 1 2
17- Immobilizer indicator → P. 3 - 3
18- Front fog light indicator (if so equipped) → P. 3 - 1 1 1
BK0132701US.book 110 ページ ２０１０年１２月６日　月曜日　午後２時３分

4-2 Driving safety
4Fuel economy
N00628800107
Fuel economy is dependent on many factors. Your personal
driving habits can have a significant effect on your fuel use.
Several recommendations for achieving the greatest fuel econ-
omy are listed below.

Whenever accelerating from a stop, always accelerate
slowly and smoothly.

When parked for even a short period, do not idle the
engine. Shut it off.

Plan your trips to avoid unnecessary stops.

Keep your tires inflated to the recommended pressures.

For freeway driving, maintain a speed of approximately
50 mph (80 km/h) when traffic, roadway and weather con-
ditions safely permit.

Keep your air filter clean and your vehicle lubricated
according to the recommendations in this manual.

Always keep your vehicle well maintained. A poorly
maintained engine wastes fuel and costs money.

Do not overload your vehicle.
Driving, alcohol and drugs
N00628900010
Drunk driving is one of the most frequent causes of accidents.
Your driving ability can be seriously impaired even with blood
alcohol levels far below the legal minimum. If you have been
drinking, don’t drive. Ride with a designated non-drinking
driver, call a cab or a friend, or use public transportation.
Drinking coffee or taking a cold shower will not make you
sober.
Similarly, prescription and nonprescription drugs affect your
alertness, perception and reaction time. Consult with your doc-
tor or pharmacist before driving while under the influence of
any of these medications.
WA R N I N G
!
NEVER DRINK AND DRIVE.
Your perceptions are less accurate, your reflexes are
slower and your judgment is impaired.
BK0132701US.book 2 ページ ２０１０年１２月６日　月曜日　午後２時３分

4-4 Driving safety
4
DefrostersCheck these by selecting the defroster mode, and set the blower
switch on high. You should be able to feel the air blowing
against the windshield.
(Refer to “Defrosting or defogging the windshield and door
windows” on page 5-12, 5-20.)TiresCheck all the tires for heavy tread wear or uneven wear pat-
terns. Look for stones, nails, glass, or other objects stuck in the
tread. Look for any tread cuts or sidewall cracks. Check the
wheel nuts for tightness, and the tires (including spare tire) for
proper pressures. Replace your tires before they are heavily
worn out.
As your vehicle is equipped with a tire pressure monitoring
system, there is a risk of damage to the tire inflation pressure
sensors when the tire is replaced on the rim. Tire replacement
should, therefore, be performed only by an authorized
Mitsubishi Motors dealer.LightsHave someone watch while you turn all the exterior lights on
and off. Also check the turn signal indicators and high-beam
indicators on the instrument panel. Fluid leaksCheck the ground under the vehicle after parking overnight, for
fuel, water, oil, or other leaks. Make sure all the fluid levels are
correct. Also, if you can smell fuel, you need to find out why
immediately and have it fixed.
Safe driving techniques
N00629200078
Even this vehicle’s safety equipment, and your safest driving,
cannot guarantee that you can avoid an accident or injury.
However, if you give extra attention to the following areas, you
can better protect yourself and your passengers:

Drive defensively. Be aware of traffic, road and weather
conditions. Leave plenty of stopping distance between
your vehicle and the vehicle ahead.

Before changing lanes, check your mirrors and use your
turn signal light.

While driving, watch the behavior of other drivers, bicy-
clists, and pedestrians.

Always obey applicable laws and regulations. Be a polite
and alert driver. Always leave room for unexpected
events, such as sudden braking.

If you plan to drive in another country, obey their vehicle
registration laws and make sure you will be able to get the
right fuel.
BK0132701US.book 4 ページ ２０１０年１２月６日　月曜日　午後２時３分

Driving safety
4-9
4
This placard shows the maximum number of occupants permit-
ted to ride in your vehicle as well as “the combined weight of
occupants and cargo” (C), which is called the vehicle capacity
weight. This placard also tells you the size and recommended
inflation pressure for the original equipment tires on your vehi-
cle. For more information, refer to “Tires” on page 7-20.Ty p e A
Ty p e B
BK0132701US.book 9 ページ ２０１０年１２月６日　月曜日　午後２時３分

For emergencies
6-11
6
Spare tire information
N00849600285
Compact spare tireThe compact spare tire is designed to save space in the cargo
area (trunk). Its lighter weight makes it easier to use if a flat tire
occurs.
WA R N I N G
!
Tires, including spare tire, degrade over time with
age even when they are not being used.
It is recommended that tires over 6 years generally
be replaced even if damage is not obvious.
CAUTION
!
While the compact spare tire is stowed, the inflation
pressure should be checked at least once a month to
assure that it remains at the recommended inflation
pressure. See the tire and loading information plac-
ard attached to the driver’s door sill.
Refer to “Tire and loading information placard” on
page 9-4.
Driving with an improperly inflated tire can cause
an accident. If you have no choice but to drive with
an under-inflated tire, keep your speed down and
avoid sudden steering or braking, if possible. Inflate
the tire to the correct pressure as soon as possible.
Refer to “Tire inflation pressures” on page 7-23.
The compact spare tire should only be used tempo-
rarily. When the compact spare tire is used, the tire
pressure monitoring system will not work properly.
See an authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealer as soon
as possible to replace or repair the original tire.
If your vehicle has aluminum type wheels, you can
use the same wheel nuts on the compact spare tire
wheel.
Do not go over 50 mph (80 km/h) when driving with
the compact spare tire.
Avoid fast starting and braking when driving with
the compact spare tire.
Do not drive through automatic car washes and over
obstacles that could possibly damage the underside
of your vehicle. Because the compact spare tire is
smaller than the original tire, there is less clearance
between the ground and your vehicle.
BK0132701US.book 11 ページ ２０１０年１２月６日　月曜日　午後２時３分

For emergencies
6-19
6
11. Check the tire inflation pressure. The recommended tire
pressure for your vehicle is listed on the tire and loading
information placard attached to the driver’s door sill as
shown in the illustration.
Refer to “Tire inflation pressures” on page 7-23.
To store the flat tire or spare tire, jack, bar and
wheel nut wrench
N00850000087
Reverse the removing procedure when storing the flat tire or
spare tire, jack, bar and wheel nut wrench.
Refer to “To remove the spare tire” on page 6-12 and “Tools
and jack” on page 6-8.
A- All vehicles
B- Vehicles sold in Canada
CAUTION
!
While the compact spare tire is stowed, the inflation
pressure should be checked at least once a month to
assure that it remains at the recommended inflation
pressure. See the tire and loading information plac-
ard attached to the driver’s door sill.
Refer to “Tire and loading information placard” on
page 9-4.

Driving with an improperly inflated tire can cause
an accident. If you have no choice but to drive with
an under-inflated tire, keep your speed down and
avoid sudden steering or braking, if possible. Inflate
the tire to the correct pressure as soon as possible.
Refer to “Tire inflation pressures” on page 7-23.
The compact spare tire should only be used tempo-
rarily. When the compact spare tire is used, the tire
pressure monitoring system will not work properly.
See an authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealer as soon
as possible to replace or repair the original tire.
After changing the tire and driving the vehicle about
620 miles (1,000 km), retighten the wheel nuts to
make sure that they have not come loose.
If the steering wheel vibrates when driving after
changing the tire, have the tire checked for balance
at your nearest authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealer
or a repair facility of your choice.
Do not mix one type of tire with another or use a dif-
ferent size from the one listed. This would cause
early wear and poor handling.
CAUTION
!
BK0132701US.book 19 ページ ２０１０年１２月６日　月曜日　午後２時３分

7-20 Vehicle care and maintenance
7Tires
N00939200478
It is important to familiarize yourself with the following terms:

Cold tire pressure:
• The measured pressure after the vehicle has been parked
for at least three hours,
or
• The measured pressure when the vehicle is driven less
than 1 mile (1.6 km) after having been parked for three
hours.

Maximum inflation pressure: the maximum permissible
cold tire inflation pressure for this tire.

Recommended inflation pressure: the inflation pressure
for optimum tire performance.
Intended outboard sidewall:
• The sidewall that contains a whitewall, bears white let-
tering or bears manufacturer, brand, and/or model name
molding that is higher or deeper than the same molding
on the other sidewall of the tire,
or
• The outward facing sidewall of an asymmetrical tire that
has a particular side that must always face outward
when mounted on a vehicle.

Passenger car tire: a tire intended for use on passenger
cars, multipurpose passenger vehicles, and trucks, that
have a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 10,000
pounds or less.

Light truck (LT) tire: a tire designated by its manufacturer
as primarily intended for use on lightweight trucks or mul-
tipurpose passenger vehicles.

Tread: portion of a tire that comes into contact with the
road.

Tread rib: a tread section running circumferentially
around a tire.

Tread separation: pulling away of the tread from the tire
carcass.

Carcass: the tire structure, except tread and sidewall rub-
ber which, when inflated, bears the load.

Sidewall: portion of a tire between the tread and bead.

Section width: the linear distance between the exteriors of
the sidewalls of an inflated tire, excluding elevations due
to labeling, decoration, or protective bands.

Bead: the part of the tire that is made of steel wires,
wrapped or reinforced by ply cords and that is shaped to
fit the rim.

Ply: a layer of rubber-coated parallel cords.
WA R N I N G
!
Driving with tires that are worn, damaged or
improperly inflated is dangerous.
These type tire conditions will adversely affect vehi-
cle performance.
These type tire conditions can also cause a tread sep-
aration or blowout which may result in an accident
causing serious injury or death.
Tires, including spare tire, degrade over time with
age even when they are not being used. It is recom-
mended that tires over 6 years generally be replaced
even if damage is not obvious.
BK0132701US.book 20 ページ ２０１０年１２月６日　月曜日　午後２時３分

Vehicle care and maintenance
7-21
7

Cord: the strands forming the plies in the tire.

Rim: a metal support for a tire or a tire and tube assembly
upon which the tire beads are seated.

Rim diameter: nominal diameter of the bead seat.

Groove: the space between two adjacent tread ribs.Tire Markings
Size Designation
EXAMPLE:P215/65R15

NOTE

European/Japanese metric tire sizing is based on
European/Japanese design standards. Tires designed
to these standards have the tire size molded into the
sidewall beginning with the section width. The letter
“P” is absent from this tire size designation. Exam-
ple: 215/65R15 96H.

LT (Light Truck) -metric tire sizing is based on
U.S.A. design standards. The size designation for
LT-metric tires is the same as for P-metric tires
except for the letters “LT” that are molded into the
sidewall preceding the size designation. Example:
LT235/85R16.


Temporary spare tires are high pressure compact
spares designed for temporary emergency use only.
Tires designed to this standard have the letter “T”
molded into the sidewall preceding the size designa-
tion. Example: T145/80D18 103M.
PPassenger car tire size based on U.S.A. design
standards
215 Section width in millimeters (MM.)
65Aspect ratio in percent (%)
Ratio of section height to section width of tire.
RConstruction code
• “R” means radial construction.
• “D” means diagonal or bias construction.
15 Rim diameter in inches (in)
BK0132701US.book 21 ページ ２０１０年１２月６日　月曜日　午後２時３分

7-22 Vehicle care and maintenance
7
Service Description
EXAMPLE: 95H

Maximum Load
Maximum load indicates the maximum load this tire is
designed to carry.Maximum Pressure
Maximum Pressure indicates the maximum permissible
cold tire inflation pressure for this tire.
Tire Identification Number (TIN)
The TIN may be found on both sides of the tire but the
date code and optional code may only be on one side.
Look for the TIN on the outboard side of tires as mounted
on the vehicle. If the TIN is not found on the outboard
side then you will find it on the inboard side of the tire.
EXAMPLE: DOT MA L9 ABCD 1504

95Load index
A numerical code associated with the maxi-
mum load a tire can carry.
HSpeed symbol
A symbol indicating the range of speeds at
which a tire can carry a load corresponding to
its load index under certain operating condi-
tions.
The maximum speed corresponding to the
speed symbol should only be achieved under
specified operating conditions. (i.e. tire pres-
sure, vehicle loading, road conditions and
posted speed limits)
WA R N I N G
!

Overloading of your tire is dangerous. Over-
loading can cause tire failure, affect vehicle
handling, and increase your stopping distance.
Use tires of the recommended load capacity for
your vehicle. Never overload them.
DOTDepartment of Transportation
This symbol certifies that the tire is in compli-
ance with the U.S. Department of Transporta-
tion tire safety standards, and is approved for
highway use.
MACode representing the tire manufacturing
location. (2 digits)
L9
ABCDCode representing the tire size. (2 digits)
Code used by tire manufacturer. (1 to 4 digits)
15Number representing the week in which the
tire was manufactured. (2 digits)
04Number representing the year in which the
tire was manufactured. (2 digits)
BK0132701US.book 22 ページ ２０１０年１２月６日　月曜日　午後２時３分

Vehicle care and maintenance
7-23
7
Treadwear, Traction and Temperature GradesTreadwear
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 perfor-
mance 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.
Traction
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA, A, B and
C. Those grades represent the tire’s ability to stop on wet pave-
ment as measured under controlled conditions on specified
government test surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire
marked C may have poor traction performance.
Temperature
The temperature grades are A (the highest), B and C, represent-
ing 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 tempera-
ture can cause the material of the tire to degenerate and reduce
tire life, and excessive temperature can lead to sudden tire fail-
ure. The grade C corresponds to a level of performance which
all passenger car tires must meet under the Federal Motor Vehi-
cle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A represent higher
levels of performance on the laboratory test wheel than the
minimum required by law.
Tire inflation pressures
N00939300831
Proper tire inflation pressure is essential for the safe and satis-
factory operation of your vehicle. The wrong tire pressure will
cause problems in three major areas:

Safety
Too little pressure increases flexing in the tire and can
cause tire failure. Too much pressure can cause a tire to
lose its ability to cushion shock. Objects on the road and
potholes could then cause tire damage that may result in
tire failure.

Economy
The wrong tire pressure can cause uneven wear patterns in
the tire tread. These abnormal wear patterns will reduce
the tread life, and the tire will have to be replaced sooner.
Too little pressure also makes it harder for the tire to roll,
and this uses up more fuel.

Ride comfort and vehicle stability
The superior riding experience built into your vehicle
partly depends on the correct tire pressure. Too much
pressure gives an uncomfortable and jarring ride. Too lit-
tle pressure feels as if your vehicle is slow to respond.
Unequal tire pressures can make steering your vehicle
uneven and unpredictable.
The correct tire pressure for your vehicle is listed on the plac-
ard attached to the driver’s door sill.
(Refer to “Tire and loading information placard” on page 9-4.)
BK0132701US.book 23 ページ ２０１０年１２月６日　月曜日　午後２時３分