tire pressure SUBARU FORESTER 2007 SG / 2.G User Guide

Maintenance and service 11 - 31
– CONTINUED –
park the vehicle. y
If you feel unusual vibration while
driving or find it difficult to steer the ve-
hicle in a straight line, one of the tires
and/or wheels may be damaged. Drive
slowly to the nearest authorized SUBA-
RU dealer and have the vehicle in-
spected. „ Tire pressures and wear
Maintaining the correct tire pressures
helps to maximize the tires’ service lives
and is essential for good running perfor-
mance. Check and, if necessary, adjust
the pressure of each tire (including the
spare) at least once a month (for example,
during a fuel stop) and before any long
journey. Check the tire pressures when the tires
are cold. Use a pressure gauge to adjust
the tire pressures to the values shown on
the tire placard. The tire placard is located
on the door pillar on the driver’s side.
Driving even a short distance warms up
the tires and increases the tire pressures.
Also, the tire pressures are affected by the
outside temperature. It is best to check tire
pressure outdoors before driving the vehi-
cle.
When a tire becomes warm, the air inside
it expands, causing the tire pressure to in-
crease. Be careful not to mistakenly re-
lease air from a warm tire to reduce its
pressure.
NOTE
y The air pressure in a tire increases
by approximately 4.3 psi (30 kPa, 0.3
kgf/cm 2
) when the tire becomes warm.
y The tires are considered cold when
the vehicle has been parked for at least
three hours or has been driven less
than one mile (1.6 km).
Incorrect tire pressures detract from con-
trollability and ride comfort, and they
cause the tires to wear abnormally. y Correct tire pressure (tread worn
evenly)
Roadholding is good, and steering is re-
sponsive. Rolling resistance is low, so fuel
consumption is also lower.
800221
Do not let air out of warm tires to ad-
just pressure. Doing so will result in
low tire pressure.
B00050

11 - 3 2 Maintenance and service
yAbnormally low tire pressure (tread
worn at shoulders)
Rolling resistance is high, so fuel con-
sumption is also higher. y
Abnormally high tire pressure (tread
worn in center)
Ride comfort is poor. Also, the tire magni-
fies the effects of road-surface bumps and
dips, possibly resulting in vehicle damage.
If the tire placard shows tire pressures for
the vehicle when fully loaded and for the
vehicle when towing a trailer, adjust the
tire pressures to the values that match
current loading conditions.
„ Wheel balance
Each wheel was correctly balanced when
your vehicle was new, but the wheels will
become unbalanced as the tires become
worn during use. Wheel imbalance caus-
es the steering wheel to vibrate slightly at
certain vehicle speeds and detracts from
the vehicle’s straight-line stability. It can
also cause steering and suspension sys-
tem problems and abnormal tire wear. If
you suspect that the wheels are not cor-
rectly balanced, have them checked and
adjusted by your SUBARU dealer. Also
have them adjusted after tire repairs and
after tire rotation.
NOTE
Loss of correct wheel alignment* caus-
es the tires to wear on one side and re-
duces the vehicle’s running stability.
B00051B00052
Driving at high speeds with exces-
sively low tire pressures can cause
the tires to deform severely and to
rapidly become hot. A sharp in-
crease in temperature could cause
tread separation, and destruction of
the tires. The resulting loss of vehi-
cle control could lead to an acci-
dent.

11 - 3 4 Maintenance and service
„Tire rotation
Vehicles equipped with unidirectional tires
1) Front
Vehicles equipped with 4 non-unidirec-
tional tires
1) Front 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). Move the tires to the positions shown
in the illustration each time they are rotat-ed.
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 replacement
The 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.
1
B00545
1
B00546
y
All 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.

Specifications 12-5
„Tires
NOTE
For the Canada specification non-turbo models, there is a conventional tire installed under the floor of the cargo area. „Wheel alignment
Tire sizeP215/60R16 94HP215/55R17 93H
Wheel size16 u 6 1
/2 JJ or 16
u 6 1
/2 J17
u 7 JJ
PressureFrontLight load29 psi (200 kPa, 2.0 kgf/cm 2
)32 psi (220 kPa, 2.2 kgf/cm 2
)
Full load29 psi (200 kPa, 2.0 kgf/cm 2
)32 psi (220 kPa, 2.2 kgf/cm 2
)
RearLight load28 psi (190 kPa, 1.9 kgf/cm 2
)30 psi (210 kPa, 2.1 kgf/cm 2
)
Full load36 psi (250 kPa, 2.5 kgf/cm 2
)32 psi (220 kPa, 2.2 kgf/cm 2
)
Trailer towing41 psi (280 kPa, 2.8 kgf/cm 2
)36 psi (250 kPa, 2.5 kgf/cm 2
)
Temporary spare tireSizeT135/80D16
Pressure60 psi (420 kPa, 4.2 kgf/cm 2
)
Item2.5-liter non-turbo models2.5-liter turbo models
Drive systemAWD
ToeFront0 r 0.12 in (0 r 3 mm)
Rear0.079 r 0.12 in (2 r 3 mm)
CamberFront–0 q25’ r 45’
Rear–0 q50’ r 45’–0 q55’ r 45’

12-10 Specifications
Vehicle identification
12
3 4
56
9 8
7
C00112 1) Vehicle identification number
2) Emission control label
3) Vehicle identification number plate
4) Tire inflation pressure plate
5) Certification plate
6) Bar cord label (U.S. only)
7) Model number plate
8) Radio noise label (Canada only)
9) Fuel label

13
Consumer information and Reporting safety defects
Tire information .................................................. 13-2Tire 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

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.
y Speed 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)

Consumer information and Reporting safety defects 13-5
–
CONTINUED –
„ Recommended tire inflation pressure
T Recommended cold tire inflation pressure
Recommended cold tire inflation pressure for your vehicle’s tires is as follows,
Tire sizeP215/60R16 94HP215/55R17 93H
Wheel size16 u 6 1
/2 JJ or 16
u 6 1
/2 J17
u 7 JJ
PressureFrontLight load29 psi (200 kPa, 2.0 kgf/cm 2
)32 psi (220 kPa, 2.2 kgf/cm 2
)
Full load29 psi (200 kPa, 2.0 kgf/cm 2
)32 psi (220 kPa, 2.2 kgf/cm 2
)
RearLight load28 psi (190 kPa, 1.9 kgf/cm 2
)30 psi (210 kPa, 2.1 kgf/cm 2
)
Full load36 psi (250 kPa, 2.5 kgf/cm 2
)32 psi (220 kPa, 2.2 kgf/cm 2
)
Trailer towing41 psi (280 kPa, 2.8 kgf/cm 2
)36 psi (250 kPa, 2.5 kgf/cm 2
)
Temporary spare tireSizeT135/80D16
Pressure60 psi (420 kPa, 4.2 kgf/cm 2
)

13-6 Consumer information and Reporting safety defects
TVehicle 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 terminology
y Cold tire pressure
The pressure in a tire that has been
driven less than 1 mile or has been
standing for three hours or more. y Maximum inflation pressure
The maximum cold inflation pressure
to which a tire may be inflated. y Recommended inflation pres-
sure
The cold inflation pressure recom-
mended by a vehicle manufacturer. y Intended 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
800221
D00115

Consumer information and Reporting safety defects 13-7
– CONTINUED –
asymmetrical tire that has a particu-
lar side that must always face out-
ward when mounting on a vehicle.
y Accessory 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). y Curb weight
The weight of a motor vehicle with
standard equipment including the
maximum capacity of fuel, oil, and
coolant and air conditioning. y Maximum loaded vehicle weight
The sum of curb weight, accessory
weight, vehicle capacity weight and
production options weight. y Normal occupant weight
150 lbs (68 kg) times the number of
occupants (3 occupants). y Occupant distribution
Distribution of occupants in a vehicle,
2 in front, 1 in rear seat. y Production 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.
y Vehicle capacity weight
The total weight of cargo, luggage
and occupants that can be added to
the vehicle. y Vehicle 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. y Vehicle 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 practices
y Check 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.
y 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 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.