KIA Sportage 2005 User Manual

Page 327

Maintenance

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TIRES AND WHEELS

Tires care

For proper maintenance, safety, and
maximum fuel economy, you must
always maintain recommended tire
inflation pressures and stay within
the load limits and weight distribution
recommended for your vehicle.

Inflation pressures

All tire pressures (including the
spare) should be checked every day
when the tires are cold. “Cold Tires”
means the vehicle has not been driv-
en for at least three hours or driven
less than 1.6 km (one mile).
Recommended pressures must be
maintained for the best ride, top vehi-
cle handling, and minimum tire wear.

All specifications (sizes and pres-
sures) can be found on a label
attached to the front driver’s door sill.

1KMN5045

WARNING

Severe underinflation (70 kPa
(10 psi) or more) can lead to
severe heat build-up, especially
on hot days and when driving at
high speed. This can potentially
cause tread separation and
other tire irregularities to
appear that can result in the
loss of vehicle control leading
to severe injury or death.

WARNING

• Underinflation results in

excessive wear, poor han-
dling, reduced fuel economy,
and the possibility of
blowouts from overheated
tires. Also, low tire pressure
can cause poor sealing of the
tire bead. If the tire pressure is
excessively low, wheel defor-
mation and/or tire separation
is possible. So, keep your tire
pressures at the proper levels.
If a tire frequently needs refill-
ing, have it checked by an
Authorized Kia Dealer.

• Overinflation produces a

harsh ride, handling prob-
lems, excessive wear at the
center of the tire tread, and a
greater possibility of damage
from road hazards.

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