tires SUBARU FORESTER 2006 Owner's Guide

Maintenance and service
11 - 3 3
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Tire wear varies from wheel to wheel. To
maximize the life of each tire and ensure
that the tires wear uniformly, it is best to
rotate the tires every 7,500 miles (12,500
km). Rotating the tires involves switching
the front and rear tires on the right-hand
side of the vehicle and similarly switching
the front and rear tires on the left-hand
side of the vehicle. (Each tire must be kept
on its original side of the vehicle.)
Replace any damaged or unevenly worn
tire at the time of rotation. After tire rota-
tion, adjust the tire pressures and make
sure the wheel nuts are correctly tight-
ened.
After driving approximately 600 miles
(1,000 km), check the wheel nuts again
and retighten any nut that has become
loose.„Tire replacementThe wheels and tires are important and in-
tegral parts of your vehicle’s design; they
cannot be changed arbitrarily. The tires fit-
ted as standard equipment are optimally
matched to the characteristics of the vehi-
cle and were selected to give the best pos-
sible combination of running performance,
ride comfort, and service life. It is essential
for every tire to have a size and construc-
tion matching those shown on the tire placard and to have a speed symbol and
load index matching those shown on the
tire placard.
Using tires of a non-specified size detracts
from controllability, ride comfort, braking
performance, speedometer accuracy and
odometer accuracy. It also creates incor-
rect body-to-tire clearances and inappro-
priately changes the vehicle’s ground
clearance.
All four tires must be the same in terms of
manufacturer, brand (tread pattern), con-
struction, and size. You are advised to re-
place the tires with new ones that are
identical to those fitted as standard equip-
ment.
For safe vehicle operation, SUBARU rec-
ommends replacing all four tires at the
same time.
„
Wheel replacementWhen replacing wheels due, for example,
to damage, make sure the replacement
wheels match the specifications of the
wheels that are fitted as standard equip-
ment. Replacement wheels are available
from SUBARU dealers.yAll four tires must be the same in
terms of manufacturer, brand
(tread pattern), construction, de-
gree of wear, speed symbol, load
index and size. Mixing tires of dif-
ferent types, sizes or degrees of
wear can result in damage to vehi-
cle’s power train. Use of different
types or sizes of tires can also
dangerously reduce controllabili-
ty and braking performance and
can lead to an accident.yUse only radial tires. Do not use
radial tires together with belted
bias tires and/or bias-ply tires. Do-
ing so can dangerously reduce
controllability, resulting in an ac-
cident.
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11 - 3 4
Maintenance and service
Aluminum wheels (if equipped)Aluminum wheels can be scratched and
damaged easily. Handle them carefully to
maintain their appearance, performance,
and safety.
yWhen any of the wheels is removed and
replaced for tire rotation or to change a
flat, always check the tightness of the
wheel nuts after driving approximately 600
miles (1,000 km). If any nut is loose, tight-
en it to the specified torque.
y Never apply oil to the threaded parts,
wheel nuts, or tapered surface of the
wheel.
y Never let the wheel rub against sharp
protrusions or curbs.
y Be sure to fit tire chains on uniformly
and completely around the tire, otherwise
the chains may scratch the wheel.
y When wheel nuts, balance weights, or
the center cap is replaced, be sure to re-
place them with genuine SUBARU parts
designed for aluminum wheels.
Windshield washer fluidIf you spray washer fluid on the windshield
but the supply of washer fluid appears to
diminish, check the level of washer fluid in
the tank.
Use only those wheels that are
specified for your vehicle. Wheels
not meeting specifications could in-
terfere with brake caliper operation
and may cause the tires to rub
against the wheel well housing dur-
ing turns. The resulting loss of vehi-
cle control could lead to an acci-
dent.
Never use engine coolant as washer
fluid because it could cause paint
damage.
300523
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12
Specifications
Specifications ..................................................... 12-2
Dimensions ............................................................. 12-2
Engine ...................................................................... 12-3
Electrical system .................................................... 12-3
Capacities ................................................................ 12-4
Tires ......................................................................... 12-5
Wheel alignment ..................................................... 12-5
Fuses and circuits .............................................. 12-6
Fuse panel located behind the instrument panel ...................................................................... 12-6
Fuse panel located in the engine compartment .. 12-7
Bulb chart ............................................................ 12-9
Vehicle identification ......................................... 12-10
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Specifications
12-5
„Tires
„ Wheel alignmentTire size
P215/60R16 94H
P215/55R17 93H
Wheel size
16 × 6
1/2 JJ
17 × 7 JJ
Pressure
Front
Light load
29 psi (200 kPa, 2.0 kgf/cm
2)
32 psi (220 kPa, 2.2 kgf/cm
2)
Full load
29 psi (200 kPa, 2.0 kgf/cm
2)
32 psi (220 kPa, 2.2 kgf/cm
2)
Rear
Light load
28 psi (190 kPa, 1.9 kgf/cm
2)
30 psi (210 kPa, 2.1 kgf/cm
2)
Full load
36 psi (250 kPa, 2.5 kgf/cm
2)
32 psi (220 kPa, 2.2 kgf/cm
2)
Trailer towing
41 psi (280 kPa, 2.8 kgf/cm
2)
36 psi (250 kPa, 2.5 kgf/cm
2)
Temporary spare tire
Size
T135/80D16
T135/90D16
Pressure
60 psi (420 kPa, 4.2 kgf/cm
2)
Item
2.5-liter non-turbo models
2.5-liter turbo models
Drive system
AWD
Toe
Front
0 ± 0.12 in (0 ± 3 mm)
Rear
0.079 ± 0.12 in (2 ± 3 mm)
Camber
Front
–0°25’ ± 45’
Rear
–0 °50’ ± 45’
–0 °55’ ± 45’
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13
Consumer information and Reporting safety defects
Tire information .................................................. 13-2
Tire labeling ............................................................. 13-2
Recommended tire inflation pressure .................. 13-5
Glossary of tire terminology .................................. 13-6
Tire care – maintenance and safety practices ..... 13-7
Vehicle load limit – how to determine ................... 13-8
Determining compatibility of tire and vehicle load capacities ...................................................... 13-10
Adverse safety consequences of overloading
on handling and stopping and on tires .............. 13-11
Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit ........... 13-11
Uniform tire quality grading standards ............ 13-12
Treadwear ................................................................ 13-12
Traction AA, A, B, C ................................................ 13-12
Temperature A, B, C ............................................... 13-12
Reporting safety defects (USA) ......................... 13-13
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Consumer information and Reporting safety defects
13-3
– CONTINUED –
which specifies the maximum load a
tire can carry at the speed indicated
by its speed symbol, at maximum in-
flation pressure.
For example, “94” means 1,477 lbs
(670 kg).(7) Speed Rating: An alphabetical
system describing a tire’s capability to
travel at established and predeter-
mined speeds.
For example, “H” means 130 mph
(210 km/h)
T
Tire Identification Number (TIN)
Tire Identification Number (TIN) is
marked on the intended outboard
sidewall. The TIN is composed of four
groups. Here is a brief review of the
TIN with a breakdown of its individual
elements. (1) Manufacturer’s Identification
Mark
(2) Tire Size
(3) Tire Type Code
(4) Date of Manufacture
The first two figures identify the week,
starting with “01” to represent the first
full week of the calendar year; the
second two figures represent the
year. For example, 0101 means the
1st week of 2001.
T
Other markings
The following makings are also
placed on the sidewall.
V
Maximum permissible inflation
pressure
The maximum cold inflation pressure
to which this tire may be inflated. For
example, “300 kpa (44 PSI) MAX.
PRESS”
V
Maximum load rating
The load rating at the maximum per-
missible weight load for this tire. For
example, “MAX. LOAD 670 kg (1477
LBS) @ 300 kpa (44 PSI) MAX.
PRESS.”
Load indices apply only to the
tire, not to the vehicle. Putting a
load rated tire on any vehicle
does not mean the vehicle can
be loaded up to the tire’s rated
load.
ySpeed ratings apply only to
the tire, not to the vehicle. Put-
ting a speed rated tire on any
vehicle does not mean the ve-
hicle can be operated at the
tire’s rated speed.yThe speed rating is void if the
tires are worn out, damaged,
repaired, retreaded, or other-
wise altered from their original
condition. If tires are repaired,
retreaded, or otherwise al-
tered, they may not be suitable
for original equipment tire de-
signed loads and speeds.
DOT XX XX XXX XXXX
(1) (2) (3)(4)
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13-5
– CONTINUED –
„Recommended tire inflation pressureT
Recommended cold tire inflation pressure
Recommended cold tire inflation pressure for your vehicle’s tires is as follows,Tire size
P215/60R16 94H
P215/55R17 93H
Wheel size
16 × 6
1/2 JJ
17 × 7 JJ
Pressure
Front
Light load
29 psi (200 kPa, 2.0 kgf/cm
2)
32 psi (220 kPa, 2.2 kgf/cm
2)
Full load
29 psi (200 kPa, 2.0 kgf/cm
2)
32 psi (220 kPa, 2.2 kgf/cm
2)
Rear
Light load
28 psi (190 kPa, 1.9 kgf/cm
2)
30 psi (210 kPa, 2.1 kgf/cm
2)
Full load
36 psi (250 kPa, 2.5 kgf/cm
2)
32 psi (220 kPa, 2.2 kgf/cm
2)
Trailer towing
41 psi (280 kPa, 2.8 kgf/cm
2)
36 psi (250 kPa, 2.5 kgf/cm
2)
Temporary spare
tire
Size
T135/80D16
T135/90D16
Pressure
60 psi (420 kPa, 4.2 kgf/cm
2)
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13-6
Consumer information and Reporting safety defects
T
Vehicle placard
The vehicle placard is affixed to the
driver’s side door pillar.
Example: The vehicle placard shows original
tire size, recommended cold tire infla-
tion pressure on each tire at maxi-
mum loaded vehicle weight, seating
capacity and loading information.
T
Adverse safety consequences
of under-inflation
Driving at high speeds with exces-
sively low tire pressures can cause
the tires to flex severely and to rapidly
become hot. A sharp increase in tem-
perature could cause tread separa-
tion, and failure of the tire(s). Possible
resulting loss of vehicle control could
lead to an accident.
T
Measuring and adjusting air
pressure to achieve proper infla-
tion
Check and, if necessary, adjust the
pressure of each tire (including the
spare) at least once a month and be-
fore any long journey. Check the tire
pressures when the tires are cold.
Use a pressure gauge to adjust the
tire pressures to the specific values.
Driving even a short distance warms
up the tires and increases the tire
pressures. Also, the tire pressures are affected by the outside tempera-
ture. It is best to check tire pressure
outdoors before driving the vehicle.
When a tire becomes warm, the air in-
side it expands, causing the tire pres-
sure to increase. Be careful not to
mistakenly release air from a warm
tire to reduce its pressure.
„
Glossary of tire terminologyyCold tire pressure
The pressure in a tire that has been
driven less than 1 mile or has been
standing for three hours or more.yMaximum inflation pressure
The maximum cold inflation pressure
to which a tire may be inflated.yRecommended inflation pres-
sure
The cold inflation pressure recom-
mended by a vehicle manufacturer.yIntended outboard sidewall
1)The sidewall that contains a
whitewall, bears white lettering 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
2)The outward facing sidewall of an
800221D00115
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Consumer information and Reporting safety defects
13-7
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asymmetrical tire that has a particu-
lar side that must always face out-
ward when mounting on a vehicle.yAccessory weight
The combined weight (in excess of
those standard items which may be
replaced) of floor mats, leather seats
and cross bars to the extent that these
items are available as factory-in-
stalled equipment (whether installed
or not). yCurb weight
The weight of a motor vehicle with
standard equipment including the
maximum capacity of fuel, oil, and
coolant and air conditioning.yMaximum loaded vehicle weight
The sum of curb weight, accessory
weight, vehicle capacity weight and
production options weight.yNormal occupant weight
150 lbs (68 kg) times the number of
occupants (3 occupants). yOccupant distribution
Distribution of occupants in a vehicle,
2 in front, 1 in rear seat.yProduction options weight
The combined weight of those in-
stalled regular production options weighing over 5.1 lbs (2.3 kg) in ex-
cess of those standards items which
they replace, not previously consid-
ered in curb weight or accessory
weight.
yVehicle capacity weight
The total weight of cargo, luggage
and occupants that can be added to
the vehicle. yVehicle maximum load on a tire
Load on an individual tire that is deter-
mined by distributing to each axle its
share of the maximum loaded vehicle
weight and dividing by two.yVehicle normal load on a tire
Load on an individual tire that is deter-
mined by distributing to each axle its
share of the curb weight, accessory
weight, and normal occupant weight
and dividing by two.„ Tire care – maintenance and
safety practicesyCheck on a daily basis that the tires
are free from serious damage, nails,
and stones. At the same time, check
the tires for abnormal wear.y Inspect the tire tread regularly and
replace the tires before their tread wear indicators become visible. When
a tire’s tread wear indicator becomes
visible, the tire is worn beyond the ac-
ceptable limit and must be replaced
immediately. With a tire in this condi-
tion, driving at even low speeds in wet
weather can cause the vehicle to hy-
droplane. Possible resulting loss of
vehicle control can lead to an acci-
dent.
yTo maximize the life of each tire and
ensure that the tires wear uniformly, it
is best to rotate the tires every 7,500
miles (12,500 km). Rotating the tires
involves switching the front and rear
tires on the right-hand side of the ve-
hicle and similarly switching the front
and rear tires on the left-hand side of
the vehicle. (Each tire must be kept on
its original side of the vehicle.) Re-
place any damaged or unevenly worn
tire at the time of rotation. After tire ro-
tation, adjust the tire pressures and
make sure the wheel nuts are correct-
ly tightened. A tightening torque spec-
ification and a tightening sequence
specification for the wheel nuts can be
found “Flat tires” in Chapter 9.
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13-10
Consumer information and Reporting safety defects
3. The result of step 2 shows that a
further 162 lbs (73 kg) of cargo can be
carried.
Example 2B
For example, if a person weighing 143
lbs (65 kg) and a child weighing 40 lbs
(18 kg) now enter the same vehicle
(bringing the number of occupants to
three), and a child restraint system
weighing 11 lbs (5 kg) is installed inthe vehicle for the child to use, the cal-
culations are as follows:
1. Calculate the total weight.
2. Calculate the available load capac-
ity.
3. The total weight now exceeds the
capacity weight by 32 lbs (15 kg), so
the cargo weight must be reduced by
32 lbs (15 kg) or more.
„
Determining compatibility of
tire and vehicle load capaci-
tiesThe sum of four tires’ maximum load
ratings must exceed the maximum
loaded vehicle weight (“GVWR”). In
addition, sum of the maximum load
ratings of two front tires and of two
rear tires must exceed each axle’s
maximum loaded capacity (“GAWR”).
Original equipment tires are designed
to fulfill those conditions.
The maximum loaded vehicle weight
is referred to Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating (GVWR). And each axle’s
maximum loaded capacity is referred
to Gross Axle Weight Rating
(GAWR). The GVWR and each axle’s
GAWR are shown on the vehicle cer-
tification label affixed to the driver’s
door.
The GVWR and front and rear
GAWRs are determined by not only
the maximum load rating of tires but
also loaded capacities of the vehicle’s
D00109
Total weight
= 165 lbs (75 kg) + 143 lbs (65 kg)
+ 40 lbs (18 kg)
+ 11 lbs (5 kg) + 375 lbs (170 kg)
+ 22 lbs (10 kg) + 176 lbs (80 kg)
= 932 lbs (423 kg) (Occupant)
(Cargo)
(Trailer hitch)
(Child restraint)
(Tongue load)
(Occupant)
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