Tire Inflation Description
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Tire Inflation Description
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This vehicle has been engineered to operate up to the stated load capacity with wheel and tire assemblies of the type, size, construction, and configuration as originally installed. Maintenance of the tire inflation pressures is critical to the continued satisfactory performance, handling, and operating economy of the vehicle. Operation with incorrectly or improperly inflated tires can adversely affect vehicle performance and may contribute to the following:
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Vehicle handling concerns
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Inspect the tire pressures when the vehicle has not been driven for at least 3 hours or not more than 1.6 km (1 mi) and when the tires are cool to the touch.
Tire inflation pressures should be inspected monthly and before an extended trip and adjusted to meet the specifications listed for the particular vehicle. Replace any missing or damaged tire valve stem extensions and/or caps to prevent the intrusion of water and contaminates.
One pound per square inch (psi) equals 6.9 kilopascals (kPa). The following table illustrates the conversion of kilopascals to pounds per square inch:
Inflation Pressure Conversion (Kilopascals to PSI)
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kPa
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psi
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kPa
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psi
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140
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20
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215
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31
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145
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21
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220
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32
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155
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22
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230
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33
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160
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23
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235
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34
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165
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24
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240
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35
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170
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25
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250
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36
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180
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26
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275
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40
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185
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27
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310
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45
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190
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28
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345
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50
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200
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29
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380
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55
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205
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30
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415
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60
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Conversion: 6.9 kPa = 1 psi
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For the correct inflation pressures refer to the vehicle tire placard.
Tires inflated to a higher than recommended pressure can contribute to the following conditions:
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Rapid tread wear at the center of the tire
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Tires inflated to a lower than recommended pressure can contribute to the following conditions:
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Rapid and/or uneven wear on the outer edges of the tread
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Tire rim bruises and tire rim rupture
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Sluggish vehicle handling
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Higher fuel consumption
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Unequal pressure on the same axle can cause the following conditions:
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Imprecise vehicle handling
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