Suzuki XL7 (2007 year). Instruction — part 13

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SERVICE AND APPEARANCE CARE

Tires

ters and numbers used to define a

particular tire’s width, height, aspect

Your new vehicle comes with high-quality

WARNING

ratio, construction type, and service

tires made by a leading tire manufacturer.

(Continued)

description. See the “Tire Size” illus-

If you ever have questions about your tire

• Worn, old tires can cause acci-

tration later in this section for more

warranty and where to obtain service, see

dents. If your tread is badly worn,

detail.

your Suzuki Warranty booklet for details.

or if your tires have been damaged,

B. TPC Spec (Tire Performance Criteria

For additional information refer to the tire

replace them.

Specification):

manufacturer’s booklet included with your

Refer to “Inflation - Tire Pressure” in

Original equipment tires designed to

vehicle.

this section for inflation pressure

SUZUKI’s specific tire performance

adjustment for high speed driving.

criteria have a TPC specification code

WARNING

molded onto the sidewall. SUZUKI’s

•

Poorly maintained and improperly

TPC specifications meet or exceed all

Tire Sidewall Labeling

used tires are dangerous.

federal safety guidelines.

Useful information about a tire is molded

•

Overloading your tires can cause

C. DOT (Department of Transportation):

into its sidewall. The examples below show

overheating as a result of too much

The Department of Transportation

a typical passenger vehicle tire and a com-

friction. You could have an air-out

(DOT) code indicates that the tire is in

pact spare tire sidewall.

and a serious accident. Refer to

compliance with the U.S. Department

“Loading Your Vehicle” in “Your

of Transportation Motor Vehicle

Passenger (P-Metric) Tire Example

Driving, the Road, and Your Vehi-

Safety Standards.

cle” in the “Driving Your Vehicle”

D. Tire Identification Number (TIN):

section.

The letters and numbers following

•

Underinflated tires pose the same

DOT (Department of Transportation)

danger as overloaded tires. The

code is the Tire Identification Number

resulting accident could cause

(TIN). The TIN shows the manufac-

serious injury. Check all tires fre-

turer and plant code, tire size, and

quently to maintain the recom-

date the tire was manufactured. The

mended pressure. Tire pressure

TIN is molded onto both sides of the

should be checked when your tires

tire, although only one side may have

are cold.

the date of manufacture.

•

Overinflated tires are more likely to

E. Tire Ply Material:

be cut, punctured, or broken by a

The type of cord and number of plies

sudden impact - such as when you

in the sidewall and under the tread.

hit a pothole. Keep tires at the rec-

1376078

F. Uniform Tire Quality Grading

ommended pressure.

A. Tire Size:

(UTQG):

(Continued)

The tire size is a combination of let-

Tire manufacturers are required to

5-26

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SERVICE AND APPEARANCE CARE

grade tires based on three perfor-

Spare Tire” and “If a Tire Goes Flat”

SUZUKI’s specific tire performance

mance factors: treadwear, traction,

in this section.

criteria have a TPC specification code

and temperature resistance. For more

B. Tire Ply Material:

molded onto the sidewall. SUZUKI’s

information refer to

“Uniform Tire

The type of cord and number of plies

TPC specifications meet or exceed all

Quality Grading” in this section.

in the sidewall and under the tread.

federal safety guidelines.

G. Maximum Cold Inflation Load Limit:

C. Tire Identification Number (TIN):

Maximum load that can be carried

The letters and numbers following the

Tire Size

and the maximum pressure needed to

DOT (Department of Transportation)

The following illustration shows an exam-

support that load.

code is the Tire Identification Number

ple of a typical passenger vehicle tire size.

(TIN). The TIN shows the manufac-

Compact Spare Tire Example

turer and plant code, tire size, and

date the tire was manufactured. The

TIN is molded onto both sides of the

tire, although only one side may have

the date of manufacture.

D. Maximum Cold Inflation Load Limit:

Maximum load that can be carried

and the maximum pressure needed to

support that load.

E. Tire Inflation:

The temporary use tire or compact

spare tire should be inflated to 60 psi

(420 kPa). For more information on

tire pressure and inflation refer to

1376101

“Inflation - Tire Pressure” in this sec-

1376093

A. Passenger (P-Metric) Tire:

tion.

The United States version of a metric

A. Temporary Use Only:

F. Tire Size:

tire sizing system. The letter P as the

The compact spare tire or temporary

A combination of letters and numbers

first character in the tire size means a

use tire has a tread life of approxi-

define a tire’s width, height, aspect

passenger vehicle tire engineered to

mately

3000 miles

(5000 km) and

ratio, construction type, and service

standards set by the U.S. Tire and

should not be driven at speeds over

description. The letter T as the first

Rim Association.

65 mph (105 km/h). The compact

character in the tire size means the

B. Tire Width:

spare tire is for emergency use when

tire is for temporary use only.

The three-digit number indicates the

a regular road tire has lost air and

G. TPC Spec (Tire Performance Criteria

tire section width in millimeters from

gone flat. If your vehicle has a com-

Specification):

sidewall to sidewall.

pact spare tire, refer to

“Compact

Original equipment tires designed to

5-27

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SERVICE AND APPEARANCE CARE

Vehicle Maximum Load on the Tire:

cle” in “Your Driving, the Road, and Your

Load on an individual tire due to curb

CAUTION

Vehicle” in the “Driving Your Vehicle” sec-

weight, accessory weight, occupant

tion. How you load your vehicle affects

Do not let anyone tell you that under-

weight, and cargo weight.

vehicle handling and ride comfort. Never

inflation or over-inflation is all right. It

load your vehicle with more weight than it

Vehicle Placard:

is not. If your tires do not have

was designed to carry.

A label permanently attached to a vehicle

enough air (under-inflation), you can

showing the vehicle’s capacity weight and

get the following:

When to Check

the original equipment tire size and recom-

• Too much flexing

Check your tires once a month or more. Do

mended inflation pressure. Refer to “Tire

• Too much heat

not forget to check the compact spare tire,

and Loading Information Label” under

• Tire overloading

it should be at 60 psi (420 kPa). For addi-

“Loading Your Vehicle” in “Your Driving,

• Premature or irregular wear

tional information regarding the compact

the Road, and Your Vehicle” in the “Driving

• Poor handling

spare tire, refer to “Compact Spare Tire” in

Your Vehicle” section.

• Reduced fuel economy

this section.

If your tires have too much air (over-

Inflation - Tire Pressure

inflation), you can get the following:

How to Check

Tires need the correct amount of air pres-

• Unusual wear

Use a good quality pocket-type gage to

sure to operate effectively.

• Poor handling

check tire pressure. You cannot tell if your

• Rough ride

tires are properly inflated simply by looking

• Needless damage from road haz-

at them. Radial tires may look properly

ards

inflated even when they are under-inflated.

Check the tire’s inflation pressure when

A Tire and Loading Information label is

the tires are cold. Cold means your vehicle

attached to the vehicle’s center pillar (B-

has been sitting for at least three hours or

pillar). This label shows your vehicle’s orig-

driven no more than 1 mile (1.6 km).

inal equipment tires and the correct infla-

tion pressures for your tires when they are

Remove the valve cap from the tire valve

cold. The recommended cold tire inflation

stem. Press the tire gage firmly onto the

pressure, shown on the label, is the mini-

valve to get a pressure measurement. If

mum amount of air pressure needed to

the cold tire inflation pressure matches the

support your vehicle’s maximum load car-

recommended pressure on the Tire and

rying capacity.

Loading Information label, no further

adjustment is necessary. If the inflation

For additional information regarding how

pressure is low, add air until you reach the

much weight your vehicle can carry, and

recommended amount.

an example of the Tire and Loading Infor-

mation label, refer to “Loading Your Vehi-

5-30

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SERVICE AND APPEARANCE CARE

If you overfill the tire, release air by push-

ing on the metal stem in the center of the

WARNING

WARNING

tire valve. Re-check the tire pressure with

Each tire, including the spare (if pro-

(Continued)

the tire gage.

vided), should be checked monthly

Please note that the TPMS is not a

Be sure to put the valve caps back on the

when cold and inflated to the inflation

substitute for proper tire mainte-

valve stems. They help prevent leaks by

pressure recommended by the vehi-

nance, and it is the driver’s responsi-

keeping out dirt and moisture.

cle manufacturer on the vehicle plac-

bility

to maintain correct tire

ard or tire inflation pressure label. (If

pressure, even if under-inflation has

Tire Pressure Monitor System

your vehicle has tires of a different

not reached the level to trigger illumi-

Your vehicle has a Tire Pressure Monitor

size than the size indicated on the

nation of the TPMS low tire pressure

System (TPMS). This system uses radio

vehicle placard or tire inflation pres-

telltale.

and sensor technology to check tire pres-

sure label, you should determine the

sure levels. TPMS sensors are mounted

proper tire inflation pressure for

Your vehicle has also been equipped with

onto each tire and wheel assembly, except

those tires.)

a TPMS malfunction indicator to indicate

for the spare tire. The TPMS sensors mon-

As an added safety feature, your

when the system is not operating properly.

itor the air pressure in your vehicle's tires

vehicle has been equipped with a tire

The TPMS malfunction indicator is com-

and transmit tire pressure readings to a

pressure monitoring system (TPMS)

bined with the low tire pressure telltale.

receiver located in the vehicle.

that illuminates a low tire pressure

When the system detects a malfunction,

telltale when one or more of your

the telltale will flash for approximately one

Low Tire Pressure Warning Light

tires is significantly under-inflated.

minute and then remain continuously illu-

Accordingly, when the low tire pres-

minated. This sequence will continue upon

sure telltale illuminates, you should

subsequent vehicle start-ups as long as

stop and check your tires as soon as

the malfunction exists.

possible, and inflate them to the

When the malfunction indicator is illumi-

proper pressure. Driving on a signifi-

nated, the system may not be able to

cantly under-inflated tire causes the

detect or signal low tire pressure as

tire to overheat and can lead to tire

1198521

intended. TPMS malfunctions may occur

failure. Under-inflation also reduces

for a variety of reasons, including the

fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and

installation of replacement or alternate

may affect the vehicle’s handling and

tires or wheels on the vehicle that prevent

stopping ability.

the TPMS from functioning properly.

(Continued)

Always check the TPMS malfunction tell-

tale after replacing one or more tires or

wheels on your vehicle to ensure that the

replacement or alternate tires and wheels

5-31

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SERVICE AND APPEARANCE CARE

allow the TPMS to continue to function

the Road, and Your Vehicle” in the “Driving

more of the TPMS sensors or rotate the

properly.

Your Vehicle” section, for an example of

vehicle’s tires, the identification codes will

the Tire and Loading Information Label

need to be matched to the new tire/wheel

When a low tire pressure condition is

and its location on your vehicle. Also refer

position. The sensors are matched, to the

detected, the TPMS will illuminate the low

to “Inflation - Tire Pressure” in this section.

tire/wheel positions, in the following order:

tire pressure warning symbol on the instru-

driver side front tire, passenger side front

ment panel cluster, and at the same time a

Your vehicle’s TPMS system can warn you

tire, passenger side rear tire, and driver

message to check the pressure in a spe-

about a low tire pressure condition but it

side rear tire using a TPMS diagnostic tool.

cific tire will appear on the Driver Informa-

does not replace normal tire maintenance.

See your SUZUKI dealer for service.

tion Center

(DIC) display. The low tire

Refer to “Tire Inspection and Rotation” and

pressure warning symbol on the instru-

“Tires” in this section.

The TPMS sensors may also be matched

ment panel cluster and the check tire pres-

to each tire/wheel position by increasing or

sure message will appear at each ignition

CAUTION

decreasing the tire’s air pressure. When

cycle until the tires are inflated to the cor-

increasing the tire’s pressure, do not

Do not use a tire sealant if your vehi-

rect inflation pressure. Using the DIC, tire

exceed the maximum inflation pressure

cle has Tire Pressure Monitors. The

pressure levels can be viewed by the

indicated on the tire’s sidewall.

liquid sealant can damage the tire

driver. For additional information and

pressure monitor sensors.

You will have two minutes to match each

details about the DIC operation and dis-

tire and wheel position. If it takes longer

plays refer to

“DIC Operation and Dis-

The TPMS will not function properly if one

than two minutes to match any tire and

plays” and “DIC Warnings and Messages”

or more of the TPMS sensors are missing

wheel position, the matching process

in “Driver Information Center (DIC)” in the

or inoperable. If the system detects a miss-

stops and you will need to start over.

“Instrument Panel” section.

ing or inoperable sensor, an error mes-

The TPMS matching process is outlined

The low tire pressure warning light may

sage SERVICE TIRE MONITOR SYSTEM

below:

come on in cool weather when the vehicle

will be shown on the DIC display. If you

is first started, and then turn off as you

have replaced a tire/wheel assembly with-

1) Set the parking brake.

start to drive. This may be an early indica-

out transferring the TPMS sensors, the

2) Turn the ignition switch to RUN with the

tor that the air pressure in the tire(s) are

error message will be displayed. Once you

engine off.

getting low and need to be inflated to the

re-install the TPMS sensors, the error

3) Using the DIC, press the vehicle infor-

proper pressure.

message should go off. See your SUZUKI

mation button until the TIRE LOCA-

dealer for service if all TPMS sensors are

TIONS PRESS TO LEARN message

A Tire and Loading Information Label,

installed and the error message comes on

displays.

attached to your vehicle, shows the size of

and stays on.

4) Press the set/reset button to allow the

your vehicle’s original equipment tires and

system to learn the tire positions. The

the correct inflation pressure for your vehi-

TPMS Sensor Matching Process

horn will sound twice to indicate the

cle's tires when they are cold. Refer to

Each TPMS sensor has a unique identifi-

receiver is ready, and the TIRE

“Loading Your Vehicle” in “Your Driving,

cation code. Any time you replace one or

LEARNING ACTIVE message displays.

5-32

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SERVICE AND APPEARANCE CARE

The TPMS system is ready for the sen-

ation is subject to the following two

The purpose of regular rotation is to

sor matching process to begin.

conditions:

achieve more uniform wear for all tires on

5)

Start with the driver side front tire.

the vehicle. The first rotation is the most

1) This device may not cause harmful

6)

Remove the valve cap from the tire’s

important. Refer to

“Scheduled Mainte-

interference.

valve stem. Activate the TPMS sensor

nance” in “Maintenance Schedule” in the

2) This device must accept any interfer-

by increasing or decreasing the tire’s

“Maintenance Schedule” section for sched-

ence received, including interference

air pressure for five seconds, or until a

uled rotation intervals.

that may cause undesired operation.

horn chirp sounds. The horn chirp,

which may take up to 30 seconds to

The Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS)

sound, confirms that the sensor identifi-

operates on a radio frequency and com-

cation code has been matched to the

plies with RSS-210 of Industry and Sci-

tire/wheel position. To decrease the

ence Canada. Operation is subject to the

tire’s air-pressure use the pointed end

following two conditions:

of the valve cap, a pencil-style air pres-

1) This device may not cause interfer-

sure gage, or a key.

ence.

7)

Proceed to the passenger side front

2) This device must accept any interfer-

tire, and repeat the procedure in Step 6.

ence received, including interference

8)

Proceed to the passenger side rear tire,

that may cause undesired operation of

and repeat the procedure in Step 6.

the device.

9)

Proceed to the driver side rear tire, and

repeat the procedure in Step 6.

Changes or modifications to this system by

10)After hearing the confirming horn chirp

other than an authorized service facility

811106

for the driver side rear tire, the tire

could void authorization to use this equip-

When rotating your tires, always use the

learning process ends. Turn the ignition

ment.

correct rotation pattern shown here.

switch to LOCK.

11)Set all four tires to the recommended

Do not include the compact spare tire in

Tire Inspection and Rotation

air pressure level as indicated on the

Tires should be rotated every 5000 to 8000

your tire rotation.

tire and loading information label.

miles (8000 to 13000 km).

After the tires have been rotated, adjust

12)Put the valve caps back on the valve

Any time you notice unusual wear, rotate

the front and rear inflation pressures as

stems.

your tires as soon as possible and check

shown on the Tire and Loading Information

wheel alignment. Also check for damaged

label. Refer to “Inflation -Tire Pressure” in

Federal Communications Commission

tires or wheels. Refer to “When It Is Time

this section and “Loading Your Vehicle” in

(FCC) and Industry and Science Canada

for New Tires” and “Wheel Replacement”

“Your Driving, the Road, and Your Vehicle”

The Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS)

in this section for more information.

in the “Driving Your Vehicle” section.

operates on a radio frequency and com-

plies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Oper-

5-33

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SERVICE AND APPEARANCE CARE

Reset the Tire Pressure Monitor System.

When It Is Time for New Tires

because of the size or location of the

Refer to “TPMS Sensor Matching Process”

damage.

under “Tire Pressure Monitor System” in

this section.

Buying New Tires

The original equipment tires installed on

Make certain that all wheel nuts are prop-

your vehicle, when it was new, were

erly tightened. Refer to

“Wheel Nut

designed to meet the Tire Performance

Torque” under “Capacities and Specifica-

Criteria Specification (TPC spec) system

tions” in this section.

rating. If you need replacement tires,

Suzuki strongly recommends that you get

WARNING

tires with the same TPC Spec rating. This

Rust or dirt on a wheel, or on the

way, your vehicle will continue to have tires

parts to which it is fastened, can

that are designed to give the same perfor-

make wheel nuts become loose after

mance and vehicle safety, during normal

time. The wheel could come off and

use, as the original tires.

cause an accident. When you change

806296

The exclusive TPC Spec system considers

a wheel, remove any rust or dirt from

One way to tell when it is time for new tires

over a dozen critical specifications that

places where the wheel attaches to

is to check the treadwear indicators, which

impact the overall performance of your

the vehicle. In an emergency, you can

will appear when your tires have only 1/16

vehicle, including brake system perfor-

use a cloth or a paper towel to do

inch (1.6 mm) or less of tread remaining.

mance, ride and handling, traction control,

this; but be sure to use a scraper or

Some commercial truck tires may not have

and tire pressure monitoring performance.

wire brush later, if needed, to get all

treadwear indicators.

The TPC Spec number is molded onto the

the rust or dirt off. Refer to “Chang-

tire’s sidewall by the tire manufacturer. If

ing a Flat Tire” in this section.

You need a new tire if any of the following

the tires have an all-season tread design,

statements are true:

the TPC spec number will be followed by a

• You can see the indicators at three or

MS, for mud and snow. Refer to “Tire Side-

more places around the tire.

wall Labeling” in this section for additional

• You can see cord or fabric showing

information.

through the tire’s rubber.

• The tread or sidewall is cracked, cut or

snagged deep enough to show cord or

fabric.

• The tire has a bump, bulge, or split.

• The tire has a puncture, cut, or other

damage that cannot be repaired well

5-34

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SERVICE AND APPEARANCE CARE

Vehicles that have a tire pressure monitor-

WARNING

ing system may give an inaccurate low-

WARNING

pressure warning if Non-TPC Spec rated

Mixing tires could cause you to lose

If you add different sized wheels,

tires are installed on your vehicle. Non-

control while driving. If you mix tires

your vehicle may not provide an

TPC Spec rated tires may give a low-pres-

of different sizes, brands, or types

acceptable level of performance and

sure warning that is higher or lower than

(radial and bias-belted tires), the

safety if tires not recommended for

the proper warning level you would get

vehicle may not handle properly, and

those wheels are selected. You may

with TPC Spec rated tires. Refer to “Tire

you could have a crash. Using tires

increase the chance that you will

Pressure Monitor System” in this section.

of different sizes, brands, or types

crash and suffer serious injury. Only

may also cause damage to your vehi-

Your vehicle’s original equipment tires are

use Suzuki specific wheel and tire

cle. Be sure to use the correct size,

listed on the Tire and Loading Information

systems developed for your vehicle,

brand, and type of tires on all wheels.

Label. This label is attached to the vehi-

and have them properly installed by a

It is all right to drive with your com-

cle’s center pillar (B-pillar). Refer to “Load-

Suzuki certified technician.

pact spare temporarily, as it was

ing Your Vehicle” in

“Your Driving, the

developed for use on your vehicle.

Road, and Your Vehicle” in the “Driving

Refer to “Buying New Tires” and “Accesso-

Refer to “Compact Spare Tire” in this

Your Vehicle” section, for more information

ries and Modifications” in this section for

section.

about the Tire and Loading Information

additional information.

Label.

Uniform Tire Quality Grading

WARNING

Different Size Tires and Wheels

Quality grades can be found where appli-

If you use bias-ply tires on your vehi-

If you add wheels or tires that are a differ-

cable on the tire sidewall between tread

ent size than your original equipment

cle, the wheel rim flanges could

shoulder and maximum section width. For

develop cracks after many miles of

wheels and tires, this may affect the way

example:

your vehicle performs, including its brak-

driving. A tire and/or wheel could fail

ing, ride and handling characteristics, sta-

Treadwear 200 Traction AA Tempera-

suddenly, causing a crash. Use only

bility

and resistance to rollover.

ture A

radial-ply tires with the wheels on

Additionally, if your vehicle has electronic

The following information relates to the

your vehicle.

systems such as, anti-lock brakes, traction

system developed by the United States

control, and electronic stability control, the

National Highway Traffic Safety Adminis-

If you must replace your vehicle’s tires with

performance of these systems can be

tration

(NHTSA), which grades tires by

those that do not have a TPC Spec num-

affected.

treadwear, traction, and temperature per-

ber, make sure they are the same size,

formance. This applies only to vehicles

load range, speed rating, and construction

sold in the United States. The grades are

type (radial and bias-belted tires) as your

molded on the sidewalls of most passen-

vehicle’s original tires.

ger car tires. The Uniform Tire Quality

Grading (UTQG) system does not apply to

5-35

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SERVICE AND APPEARANCE CARE

deep tread, winter-type snow tires, space-

saver, or temporary use spare tires, tires

WARNING

WARNING

with nominal rim diameters of 10 to 12

The traction grade assigned to this

The temperature grade for this tire is

inches (25 to 30 cm), or, to some limited-

tire is based on straight-ahead brak-

established for a tire that is properly

production tires.

ing traction tests, and does not

inflated and not overloaded. Exces-

While the tires available may vary with

include acceleration, cornering,

sive speed, underinflation, or exces-

respect to these grades, they must also

hydroplaning, or peak traction char-

sive loading, either separately or in

conform to federal safety requirements.

acteristics.

combination, can cause heat buildup

and possible tire failure.

Treadwear

Temperature - A, B, C

The treadwear grade is a comparative rat-

The temperature grades are A (the high-

Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance

ing based on the wear rate of the tire when

est), B, and C, representing the tire’s resis-

The tires and wheels on your vehicle were

tested under controlled conditions on a

tance to the generation of heat and its

aligned and balanced carefully at the fac-

specified government test course. For

ability to dissipate heat when tested under

tory to give you the longest tire life and

example, a tire graded 150 would wear

controlled conditions on a specified indoor

best overall performance. Adjustments to

one and a half (1.5) times as well on the

laboratory test wheel. Sustained high tem-

wheel alignment and tire balancing will not

government course as a tire graded 100.

perature can cause the material of the tire

be necessary on a regular basis. However,

The relative performance of tires depends

to degenerate and reduce tire life, and

if you notice unusual tire wear or your vehi-

upon the actual conditions of their use,

excessive temperature can lead to sudden

cle pulling to one side or the other, the

however, and may depart significantly from

tire failure. The grade C corresponds to a

alignment may need to be checked. If you

the norm due to variations in driving habits,

level of performance which all passenger

notice your vehicle vibrating when driving

service practices, and differences in road

car tires must meet under the Federal

on a smooth road, your tires and wheels

characteristics and climate.

Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109.

may need to be rebalanced. See your

Grades B and A represent higher levels of

dealer for proper diagnosis.

Traction - AA, A, B, C

performance on the laboratory test wheel

The traction grades, from highest to low-

than the minimum required by law.

est, are AA, A, B, and C. Those grades

represent the tire’s ability to stop on wet

pavement as measured under controlled

conditions on specified government test

surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire

marked C may have poor traction perfor-

mance.

5-36

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SERVICE AND APPEARANCE CARE

Wheel Replacement

Tire Chains

Replace any wheel that is bent, cracked,

CAUTION

or badly rusted or corroded. If wheel nuts

WARNING

The wrong wheel can also cause

keep coming loose, the wheel, wheel bolts,

problems with bearing life, brake

Do not use tire chains. There is not

and wheel nuts should be replaced. If the

cooling, speedometer or odometer

enough clearance. Tire chains used

wheel leaks air, replace it (except some

calibration, headlamp aim, bumper

on a vehicle without the proper

aluminum wheels, which can sometimes

height, vehicle ground clearance, and

amount of clearance can cause dam-

be repaired). See your dealer if any of

tire or tire chain clearance to the

age to the brakes, suspension or

these conditions exist.

body and chassis.

other vehicle parts. The area dam-

Your dealer will know the kind of wheel you

aged by the tire chains could cause

need.

Refer to “Changing a Flat Tire” in this sec-

you to lose control of your vehicle

tion for more information.

and you or others may be injured in a

Each new wheel should have the same

crash.

load-carrying capacity, diameter, width,

Used Replacement Wheels

Use another type of traction device

offset, and be mounted the same way as

only if its manufacturer recommends

the one it replaces.

WARNING

it for use on your vehicle and tire size

If you need to replace any of your wheels,

combination and road conditions.

Putting a used wheel on your vehicle

wheel bolts or wheel nuts, replace them

Follow that manufacturer’s instruc-

is dangerous. You cannot know how

only with new original equipment parts.

tions. To help avoid damage to your

it has been used or how far it has

This way, you will be sure to have the right

vehicle, drive slowly, readjust or

been driven. It could fail suddenly

wheel, wheel bolts, and wheel nuts for

remove the device if it is contacting

and cause a crash. If you have to

your vehicle.

your vehicle, and do not spin your

replace a wheel, use a new original

vehicle’s wheels. If you do find trac-

equipment wheel.

WARNING

tion devices that will fit, install them

on the front tires.

Using the wrong replacement wheels,

wheel bolts, or wheel nuts on your

If a Tire Goes Flat

vehicle can be dangerous. It could

It is unusual for a tire to blowout while you

affect the braking and handling of

are driving, especially if you maintain your

your vehicle, make your tires lose air

vehicle’s tires properly. If air goes out of a

and make you lose control. You

tire, it is much more likely to leak out

could have a collision in which you

slowly. But if you should ever have a blow-

or others could be injured. Always

out, here are a few tips about what to

use the correct wheel, wheel bolts,

expect and what to do:

and wheel nuts for replacement.

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SERVICE AND APPEARANCE CARE

If a front tire fails, the flat tire will create a

Changing a Flat Tire

drag that pulls the vehicle toward that side.

If a tire goes flat, avoid further tire and

Take your foot off the accelerator pedal

wheel damage by driving slowly to a level

and grip the steering wheel firmly. Steer to

place. Turn on your vehicle’s hazard warn-

maintain lane position, and then gently

ing flashers. Refer to

“Hazard Warning

brake to a stop well out of the traffic lane.

Flashers” in “Instrument Panel Overview”

in the “Instrument Panel” section for more

A rear blowout, particularly on a curve,

information.

acts much like a skid and may require the

same correction you would use in a skid. In

WARNING

any rear blowout remove your foot from

the accelerator pedal. Get the vehicle

Changing a tire can be dangerous.

under control by steering the way you want

The vehicle can slip off the jack and

the vehicle to go. It may be very bumpy

roll over or fall on you or other peo-

and noisy, but you can still steer. Gently

ple. You and they could be badly

809231

brake to a stop, well off the road if possi-

injured or even killed. Find a level

ble.

place to change your tire. To help

The following information will tell you next

how to use the jack and change a tire.

prevent the vehicle from moving:

WARNING

1) Set the parking brake firmly.

Removing the Spare Tire and Tools

2) Put the shift lever in PARK (P).

Lifting a vehicle and getting under it

To access the tools, do the following:

3) Turn off the engine and do not

to do maintenance or repairs is dan-

restart while the vehicle is raised.

1) Locate the jack and wheel wrench,

gerous without the appropriate safety

4) Do not allow passengers to

which are located on the passenger’s

equipment and training. The jack pro-

remain in the vehicle.

side of the rear cargo area, behind an

vided with your vehicle is designed

To be even more certain the vehicle

access door. Pull out the access door

only for changing a flat tire. If it is

will not move, you should put blocks

to reach them.

used for anything else, you or others

at the front and rear of the tire far-

could be badly injured or killed if the

thest away from the one being

vehicle slips off the jack. Use the jack

changed. That would be the tire, on

provided with your vehicle only for

the other side, at the opposite end of

changing a flat tire.

the vehicle.

If a tire goes flat, the next part shows how

When your vehicle has a flat tire, use the

to use the jacking equipment to change a

following example as a guide to assist you

flat tire safely.

in the placement of wheel blocks.

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SERVICE AND APPEARANCE CARE

1) Open the liftgate. Refer to “Liftgate” in

“Doors and Locks” in the “Features and

Controls” section for more information.

1399885

1306942

2) Remove the wing-bolt on the jack and

4) Tilt the retainer at the end of the cable

then remove it.

when the tire has been completely low-

1751347

3) Remove the hook and loop fastener

ered, and pull it through the wheel

straps holding the bag containing the

2)

Place the wheel wrench (A) onto the

opening.

wheel wrench. Remove the wheel

hoist drive nut (B).

5) Pull the tire out from under the vehicle.

wrench from the bag.

3)

Turn the wheel wrench counterclock-

wise to lower the spare tire. Keep turn-

CAUTION

The following instructions explain how to

ing the wheel wrench until the spare tire

If you drive away before the spare tire

remove the underbody-mounted spare

can be pulled out from under the vehi-

or secondary latch system cable has

underneath your vehicle.

cle. If the spare tire does not lower to

been reinstalled, you could damage

the ground, the secondary latch is

your vehicle. Always reinstall this

CAUTION

engaged causing the tire not to lower.

cable before driving your vehicle.

Refer to “Secondary Latch System” in

If you remove or restow a tire from/to

this section for more information.

the storage position under the vehi-

6) Put the spare tire near the flat tire.

cle while it is supported by a jack,

you could damage the tire and/or

your vehicle. Always remove or

restow a tire when the vehicle is on

the ground.

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SERVICE AND APPEARANCE CARE

Removing the Flat Tire and Installing

the Spare Tire

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1587905

4)

Find the arrow on the plastic lower body

With the jack head positioned correctly

809981

panel. Position the jack head under the

on the metal jacking flange, it should

1) Use the wheel wrench to loosen all the

metal jacking flange and not the plastic

look like this from underneath.

wheel nuts. Do not remove them yet.

lower body panel.

2) Attach the wheel wrench to the jack bolt

head and rotate the wheel wrench

clockwise. That will raise the lift head a

little.

3) Place the jack near the flat tire.

CAUTION

Make sure that the jack lift head is in

the correct position or you may dam-

age your vehicle. The repairs would

not be covered by your warranty.

1587906

Do not lift the vehicle using the plastic

lower body panel.

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SERVICE AND APPEARANCE CARE

5) Put the compact spare tire near the flat

tire.

WARNING

Getting under a vehicle when it is

jacked up is dangerous. If the vehicle

slips off the jack you could be badly

injured or killed. Never get under a

vehicle when it is supported only by

a jack.

WARNING

Raising your vehicle with the jack

988777

806071

improperly positioned can damage

6)

Raise the vehicle by turning the jack

7) Remove all of the wheel nuts.

the vehicle and even make the vehi-

handle clockwise. Raise the vehicle far

8) Remove the flat tire.

cle fall. To help avoid personal injury

enough off the ground so there is

and vehicle damage, be sure to fit the

enough room for the road tire to clear

WARNING

jack lift head into the proper location

the ground.

before raising the vehicle.

Rust or dirt on the wheel, or on the

parts to which it is fastened, can

make the wheel nuts become loose

WARNING

after time. The wheel could come off

Lifting a vehicle and getting under it

and cause an accident. When you

to do maintenance or repairs is dan-

change a wheel, remove any rust or

gerous without the appropriate safety

dirt from the places where the wheel

equipment and training. The jack pro-

attaches to the vehicle. In an emer-

vided with your vehicle is designed

gency, you can use a cloth or a paper

only for changing a flat tire. If it is

towel to do this; but be sure to use a

used for anything else, you or others

scraper or wire brush later, if needed,

could be badly injured or killed if the

to get all the rust or dirt off.

vehicle slips off the jack. Use the jack

provided with your vehicle only for

changing a flat tire.

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SERVICE AND APPEARANCE CARE

CAUTION

Improperly tightened wheel nuts can

lead to brake pulsation and rotor

damage. To avoid expensive brake

repairs, evenly tighten the wheel nuts

in the proper sequence and to the

proper torque specification. Refer to

“Capacities and Specifications” in

this section for the wheel nut torque

specification.

811105

1152288

9) Remove any rust or dirt from the wheel

12)Lower the vehicle by turning the jack

bolts, mounting surfaces, and spare

handle counterclockwise.

wheel.

10)Place the compact spare tire on the

WARNING

wheel-mounting surface.

Incorrect wheel nuts or improperly

tightened wheel nuts can cause the

WARNING

wheel to come loose and even come

Never use oil or grease on studs or

off. This could lead to an accident. Be

nuts. If you do, the nuts might come

sure to use the correct wheel nuts. If

loose. Your wheel could fall off, caus-

you have to replace them, be sure to

ing a serious accident.

get new SUZUKI original equipment

808642

wheel nuts. Stop somewhere as soon

13)Tighten the wheel nuts firmly in a criss-

11)Reinstall the wheel nuts. Tighten each

as you can and have the nuts tight-

cross sequence, as shown.

nut by hand until the wheel is held

ened with a torque wrench to the

14)Lower the jack all the way and remove

against the hub.

proper torque specification. Refer to

the jack from under the vehicle.

“Capacities and Specifications” in

15)Tighten the wheel nuts firmly with the

this section for wheel nut torque

wheel wrench.

specification.

5-42